Life After Ministry

Hope, Healing, and Health After Ministry (featuring Alan Ramsey)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
Alan Ramsey shares his journey of transitioning out of vocational ministry and into a new career. He discusses the challenges and emotions he faced during this transition, as well as the support he received from his church leadership. Alan highlights the transferable skills he gained from ministry and how they apply to his current role as a corporate chaplain. He emphasizes the importance of giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season. Alan also shares his perspective on finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry.
Takeaways
Transitioning out of vocational ministry can be a challenging and emotional process.
Transferable skills gained from ministry can be valuable in a new career.
Giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season is important.
Finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry is possible.
Chapters
01:00 Background and Ministry Experience
04:24 Transitioning Out of Ministry
06:05 Recognizing the End of a Season
08:00 Navigating the Transition
10:51 Leaving Vocational Ministry
14:45 Day Zero and Starting a New Job
19:06 Ministry in a Different Context
23:08 Identity and Titles
25:12 Grieving and Processing the Transition
29:55 Hope, Healing, and Health
31:44 Embracing the Assignment
32:16 Conclusion

The Wilderness Paradox (featuring Ian & Sharalee Smith)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
In this conversation, Ian and Sharalee Smith share their journey of transitioning in and out of ministry and the lessons they have learned along the way. They discuss the decision to have six children and the challenges and blessings of raising a large family. They also talk about living in the wilderness and the importance of trusting God in uncertain times. They share their experiences of stepping out in faith and the invitation to know God on a deeper level. Finally, they discuss their current work with the Hero Collective and the importance of living one day at a time.
Takeaways
Transitioning in and out of ministry can be a challenging and transformative experience.
Trusting God in uncertain times and stepping out in faith can lead to unexpected blessings.
Living in the wilderness can be a time of refinement and growth, where God invites us to know Him on a deeper level.
Finding and embracing our unique identity and purpose is key to living a fulfilling life.
Living one day at a time and trusting God's provision and guidance is essential in navigating an unpredictable future.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Family Background
01:01 - The Decision to Have Six Children
03:07 - Transitioning in and out of Ministry
05:19 - Lessons Learned in Ministry
14:48 - Living in the Wilderness
18:11 - Stepping Out in Faith
21:44 - Experiencing God in the Wilderness
25:50 - Longing for the Comfort of the Past
29:15 - Living with an Unpredictable God
32:56 - Life After Ministry and the Hero Collective
38:39 - Living One Day at a Time
39:26 - Conclusion

Forfeiting Your Soul In Ministry (featuring Shawn & Sonny Hennessy)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
This conversation explores the challenges and struggles faced by pastors and their families in ministry. The guests, Shawn and Sonny Hennessy, share their personal journey of leaving ministry and finding restoration. They discuss the need for emotional growth, the systemic issues within the church, and the importance of creating a culture of vulnerability. They also highlight their work in providing a retreat center for pastors and individuals in need of healing and restoration. The conversation emphasizes the idea that there is life after ministry and that God can use individuals in various ways outside of traditional ministry roles.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:59 - Call into Ministry
05:07 - Struggles and Exit from Ministry
08:03 - Identity Crisis and Challenges
10:58 - The Need for Emotional Growth
11:50 - Issues with Church Leadership
17:18 - The Systemic Problem in Ministry
18:17 - Changes in Ministry Approach
25:17 - The Retreat Center and Restoration
31:30 - Creating a Culture of Vulnerability
36:39 - Finding Purpose Outside of Ministry

Ministry Is Not Defined By Who Signs Your Paycheck (featuring Michael Shafer)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
Dr. Michael Shafer shares his journey of transitioning out of full-time ministry and starting G6 Allies, a ministry that supports pastors and church leaders. He discusses the challenges he faced, including being blindsided by his termination and the impact it had on his family. Despite the difficulties, he found healing and purpose in helping other pastors and their families through G6 Allies. He also shares his experience of starting G6 Church and the importance of building resilient Christian leaders. Overall, his story highlights the resilience and faithfulness of God in the midst of life's challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background03:04 Transitioning out of Full-Time Ministry09:23 Dealing with the Blindsiding and Anger12:14 Starting G6 Allies17:17 G6 Allies: Building Resilient Christian Leaders19:19 Supporting Pastors' Wives22:18 Starting G6 Church25:01 Life After Ministry28:11 Connecting with G6 Allies

Choosing Discomfort (featuring Dane Sanders)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
Dane Sanders shares his journey from vocational ministry to his current work with Men and Women of Discomfort. He discusses the challenges faced in vocational ministry and the need for better transitions and support within the Christian community.
Dane explains the concept of Men and Women of Discomfort, a program that focuses on intentional discomfort to foster personal growth and strength. The goal is to be strong and awake for love's sake. He emphasizes the importance of community in this process and the power of suffering together.
This conversation explores the power of community and authentic confession in the context of discomfort. It highlights the difference between Men and Women of Discomfort and other programs, emphasizing the focus on wholeheartedness rather than perfection.
The conversation delves into the concept of the Valley of Discomfort and the temptation to return to comfort, using the story of the buffalo as a metaphor for running towards the storm. It emphasizes the importance of perspective and purpose in suffering and encourages individuals to choose to embrace discomfort and not waste the season.
The conversation also discusses shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' and relating to discomfort as building a cathedral. Finally, it offers guidance on taking the next step and getting in touch with Men and Women of Discomfort.
Takeaways
Vocational ministry often comes with challenges and transitions that can be difficult to navigate.
The Christian community can struggle with effectively supporting individuals going through these transitions.
Men and Women of Discomfort is a program that focuses on intentional discomfort to foster personal growth and strength.
The goal is to be strong and awake for love's sake, living a life that is fully engaged and aligned with one's values.
Community plays a crucial role in the process of intentional discomfort and personal growth. Community and authentic confession can be a powerful source of support and growth in times of discomfort.
Men and Women of Discomfort focuses on wholeheartedness rather than perfection, setting it apart from other programs.
The Valley of Discomfort can be a challenging place, but it is where growth and transformation happen.
Running towards discomfort, like the buffalo running towards the storm, can lead to finding the 'good stuff' and developing resilience.
Having the right perspective and purpose in suffering can help individuals navigate and make the most of difficult seasons.
Choosing to embrace discomfort and seeing it as an opportunity to grow and become stronger can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' can change one's mindset and attitude towards discomfort.
Relating to discomfort as building a cathedral can help individuals see the value and purpose in their struggles.
Taking the next step and getting in touch with Men and Women of Discomfort can provide guidance and support for those seeking to navigate discomfort.
There is life after ministry and opportunities for ministry in different seasons of life.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
07:20 - Challenges in Vocational Ministry
13:08 - Transitioning and the Christian Community
17:25 - Moving Forward After Ministry
20:33 - Men and Women of Discomfort
26:38 - The Goal: Strong and Awake for Love's Sake
36:42 - The Importance of Community
44:38 - The Power of Community and Authentic Confession
45:31 - The Difference Between Men and Women of Discomfort and Other Programs
48:01 - The Valley of Discomfort and the Temptation to Return to Comfort
50:16 - The Story of the Buffalo and Running Towards the Storm
54:25 - The Importance of Perspective and Purpose in Suffering
57:02 - Choosing to Embrace Discomfort and Not Waste the Season
01:01:33 - Shifting from 'I Have to' to 'I Get to'
01:02:16 - Relating to Discomfort as Building a Cathedral
01:05:04 - Taking the Next Step and Getting in Touch
01:06:12 - Life After Ministry and Ministry After Ministry

Ministry In The Military (featuring Chaplain Jordan Huggins)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
In this episode of the Life After Ministry podcast, titled "Ministry In The Military," we explore a path that many pastors might not have considered: becoming a military chaplain. Our guest, Chaplain Jordan Huggins, shares his firsthand experience serving in both the US Air Force and Space Force. For pastors wrestling with "what's next?" Jordan's journey offers a compelling glimpse into a role where ministry skills are not just useful but vital.
Serving as a military chaplain brings unique challenges but also profound opportunities to support service members and their families through spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Jordan talks about what it takes to step into this role, the kind of impact you can expect to have, and why it's been fulfilling for him.
If you're at a crossroads in your ministry career, curious about military chaplaincy, or simply seeking a new avenue where your pastoral skills can make a difference, this conversation is for you. It's a straightforward look at an option that could be your next calling—a chance to serve those who serve.
Chaplain Jordan Huggins shares his journey from military to ministry and back to the military as a chaplain. He discusses the challenges and rewards of ministering to airmen and guardians, providing counseling and support in various situations. Chaplain Huggins also explains the process of becoming a military chaplain and offers guidance for those interested in pursuing this path. He emphasizes the importance of ministry beyond the walls of the church and the privilege of being with people on their worst days.
Takeaways
Transitioning from military to ministry and back to the military as a chaplain is a unique and fulfilling path.
Chaplains play a crucial role in providing counseling and support to military personnel, addressing their spiritual and emotional needs.
Becoming a military chaplain requires an MDiv degree or a master's degree in theology, religious studies, and endorsement from a denomination or faith group.
The process of joining as a chaplain takes about four to six months and involves a thorough evaluation of qualifications and physical fitness.
Ministry after ministry extends beyond the walls of the church and involves being present with people in their most challenging moments.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:28 - Transition from Military to Ministry
03:11 - Existential Crisis and Return to Faith
04:10 - Ministry Life and Experience
05:27 - Return to Military as a Chaplain
07:18 - Needs of Airmen and Guardians
08:43 - Counseling and Support for Military Personnel
10:04 - Becoming a Military Chaplain
13:10 - Process of Joining as a Chaplain
14:22 - Next Steps for Those Interested
15:17 - Ministry After Ministry
17:10 - Closing Remarks

Essential Conversations For Your Board (featuring Dr. Dee Dee Mayer)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
Dr. Dee Dee Mayer discusses the importance of board governance within the church and the need for training and support for governing boards. She shares her research on the role of elder boards in supporting wellness in pastoral leadership and the challenges they face. Dr. Mayer emphasizes the importance of selecting board members based on spiritual maturity and creating a culture of accountability and healthy conflict resolution. She provides nine essential conversations for governing boards to have, including defining culture, guiding principles for recruitment, and managing difficult leaders. Dr. Mayer highlights the need for proactive leadership to prevent church hurt and create a space for healing.
Takeaways
Board governance is crucial for supporting wellness in pastoral leadership and preventing leadership failure within the church.
Elder boards often lack training and preparation, leading to a disconnect between the board and the pastors they serve.
Selecting board members based on spiritual maturity and wisdom is essential for effective governance.
Creating a culture of accountability, healthy conflict resolution, and proactive leadership is necessary for preventing church hurt and promoting healing.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background01:00 - Heartbreak over Leadership Failure02:23 - The Role of Governing Boards03:17 - Lack of Training for Elder Boards04:35 - The Need for a System06:16 - Selecting Board Members Based on Spiritual Maturity07:11 - Balancing Success and Spiritual Qualifications08:21 - Creating Healthy Ways to Navigate Conflict10:19 - Essential Conversations for Governing Boards13:47 - Structuring Roles and Responsibilities15:16 - Maintaining Healthy Leadership16:44 - Taking Care of Pastors and Their Families17:26 - Creating Systems of Accountability18:16 - Navigating Concerns and Allegations19:06 - Managing Difficult Leaders21:39 - Reactivity vs Proactivity in Elder Boards23:08 - The Responsibility of Holding the Church26:43 - Preventing Church Hurt28:35 - Focusing on the Culture and System

The Wounded Pastor (featuring Dr. Matthew Tanner)

For more information about the work we do at Pastoral Transitions, visit us at https://pastoraltransitions.com/ To book a confidential call with our team, go to: https://pastoraltransitions.com/talk 
 
Summary
It’s the reason we started the Life After Ministry podcast: the distressing experiences of leadership figures within the ministry who've faced the severe blow of unjust terminations or forced resignations. Join us as we explore this crucial topic with Dr. Matthew Tanner, founder of Wounded Leadership, an organization committed to offering restoration and healing for these traumatized leaders.
Starting from his personal experiences, Dr. Tanner equates the transformative journey of these leaders with the smelting process of metal: uncomfortable yet crucial for ultimately achieving fortitude and resilience. Emphasizing the importance of community support during this healing period, he not only confronts the issue of wounded leaders but strategizes preemptive measures to avoid such incidents.
Unveiling a structured four-step healing plan, Dr. Tanner discusses how such challenging experiences can lead to self-growth, reinforcing the necessity for self-care and constructing a stronger, more humble leader. Drawing from biblical instances, he provides comforting assurance that even revered religious figures have undergone similar struggles.
The conversation underlines the role of the church in supporting pastors during their leaving process and subsequently, its responsibility in providing substantial severance and counseling services. Dr. Tanner provides a comprehensive guide to managing forced resignations and unjustified terminations.
Dr. Tanner also introduces his book "The Wounded Pastor," along with details about an upcoming conference designed to aid pastors in dealing with challenging pastoral transitions. This episode is essential for anyone going through hard times within the ministry or facing their exit from it. Healing is on the horizon.
Takeaways
Unjustified terminations of pastors are a significant problem in evangelical denominations, affecting tens of thousands of pastors each year.
Pastors who have been forced out of ministry often face isolation and struggle to find support networks.
Healing from the wounds of termination involves economic, emotional, spiritual, and leadership development processes.
Churches should handle terminations with generosity and care, providing severance, counseling, and assistance in finding the next step.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
01:02 - Personal Experience and Writing the Book
03:14 - Challenges and Questions in Ministry
05:37 - Extent of the Problem
07:05 - Isolation and the Need for Support
08:25 - Diversifying Relationships and Support Systems
09:23 - Balancing Personal and Church Relationships
11:45 - Transitioning from Pastor to Churchgoer
13:48 - Overcoming the Pastoral Mindset
14:46 - The Healing Journey for Wounded Pastors
19:51 - The Process of Termination and Wounding
22:23 - The Importance of Generosity and Care in Termination
26:18 - Promoting Healing through the Book and Conference
30:47 - Collaboration and Support for Wounded Pastors