Life After Ministry

Can Pastors Be Entrepreneurs? (featuring Jon 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 
 
In this conversation, Jon Sanders shares his journey from being a pastor to transitioning into a new season of ministry. He discusses the calling that led him into ministry and the challenges he faced along the way. Jon also explores the concept of bi-vocational ministry and the role of entrepreneurs in the church. He encourages pastors to embrace their unique gifts and explore new opportunities outside of traditional ministry. The conversation highlights the importance of finding a new path and offers guidance on how to navigate the transition process.
 
Takeaways
Embrace your unique calling and gifts in ministry.
Consider the possibilities of bivocational ministry.
Explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the marketplace.
Find a new path that aligns with your passions and skills.
Chapters
 
00:00 Introduction and Calling into Ministry
03:00 Transitioning Out of Ministry
10:12 The Role of Entrepreneurs in Ministry
17:10 Bivocational Ministry and Ministry After Ministry
23:12 Finding a New Path and Onboarding Process
29:41 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Validating Ideas

Don’t Burn Out, Burn Bright (featuring Jonathan Malm)

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 
 
In this episode of the Life After Ministry podcast, we tackle a critical issue that often serves as a catalyst for pastoral transitions: burnout. While our mission at Pastoral Transitions is to support ministry leaders in their journey out of ministry, we're equally passionate about preventing burnout to keep our church leaders healthy, strong, and vibrant.
Joining us is Jonathan Malm, co-author of "Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright," a book offering practical wisdom on avoiding the pitfalls that lead many in ministry to prematurely press the eject button. Jonathan's insights are not just theories - they are lifelines drawn from his experience and deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by those in ministry.
Burnout is more than just a buzzword - it's a reality that can deeply impact one’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Jonathan's approach to tackling this issue is both proactive and empowering. His book has strategies and principles that can transform the way pastors approach their calling, ensuring they can serve with longevity and joy.
Discover more about Jonathan and his impactful work at Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright. His insights extend beyond the pages of his book, as he continues to inspire and educate through his engaging Instagram account. Follow him at @jonathanmalm for a regular dose of humor, encouragement, and practical advice.
This episode is an essential listen for anyone in ministry seeking to navigate the demanding landscape of pastoral work without losing their spark. Let's dive into how we can keep our ministry leaders burning bright, not burning out.

Facing And Forgiving Those Who Hurt You (featuring Ryan and Lindsay Gentles)

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 
 
In "Facing And Forgiving Those Who Hurt You," the ninth episode of the Life After Ministry podcast, we’re invited into the world of Ryan and Lindsay Gentles. It's a tale of closing a decade-long chapter in ministry, of navigating farewells that feel more like eulogies than celebrations, and the struggle to exit gracefully without the dramatics of a "Jerry Maguire" moment.
What unfolds when silence is imposed, and the grief of leaving is a burden carried alone? How does a family find its way through the maze of loss, especially when young children are part of the equation, grappling with the concept of joblessness and churchlessness?
This episode touches the raw nerves of bitterness and isolation, but also of healing and forgiveness. It's about the courage to face those who've hurt you, the unexpected release found in forgiveness, and the profound wisdom earned through life's toughest battles.
And amidst the turbulence, we hear of Ryan's creative spirit, giving birth to his book published this year, "Did Jesus Wear Undies?" — answering questions his young children would ask and throwing a theological life raft to parents drowning in the curiosity of kids trying to figure it all out. 
Join us for an episode filled with raw emotion, hard-won wisdom, and the kind of deep, soulful wrestle that reshapes lives. We love Ryan and Lindsay Gentles and think you will too!
Find Ryan at ryangentles.com and Lindsay at True North. Buy the book, "Did Jesus Wear Undies?" here.

When Elders Initiate Transition (featuring Gary Weaber)

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 
 
In Episode 8, we sit down with Gary Weaber, who poured his heart into pastoral ministry for over three and a half decades. Imagine, after 36 dedicated years, facing a conversation with your elders about stepping down from your teaching role.
Most pastors dread this talk, fearing miscommunication, hurt, and the potential fallout that could affect the congregation.
Yet, Gary's story shines a different light.
Instead of walking away with wounds, he left that meeting feeling uplifted, rating the experience an impressive 11 out of 10.
So, what was their secret?
Gary shares the foundation of trust, open communication, and mutual respect they had nurtured over the years. It's a testament to what's possible when leaders prioritize relationships and unity.
Now, as he embraces a new chapter with Stand Stone Ministry, Gary's journey offers invaluable insights for church elders and pastors approaching similar crossroads. Dive in and discover the keys to navigating these pivotal transitions with grace, understanding, and a shared vision.

The Difference Between Hurt & Injury (featuring Shane McDonald)

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 
 
Just mentioning "church hurt" will hit home for many of you. It’s baffling. The very place we'd expect to find solace and healing often turns out to be a source of deep wounds. If this resonates with you, you're not alone, and this episode is a must-listen.
Our guest, Shane McDonald, a licensed mental health counselor and former pastor, knows all too well what it's like to transition from serving in a ministry to a therapeutic setting. When he shared that a staggering 90% of his clients are dealing with some form of "church hurt," it was a wake-up call we couldn't ignore.
But here's where Shane left us hanging on every word: He draws a fine line between "hurt" and "injury," and that got us seriously pondering. It's not just about acknowledging the pain, it's about understanding its depth and impact on our spiritual and emotional health.
So, whether you've personally felt the sting of "church hurt" or you know someone who has, tune in to this intimate and insightful episode. Shane McDonald doesn't just expose the problem; he offers the kind of wisdom that can spark healing.
To learn more about the work and continued life after ministry of Shane McDonald, click here.

Transition Can Be ’Brutiful’ (featuring Justin and Amanda McNeil)

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 
 
We sat down with Justin and Amanda McNeil at the American Association of Christian Counselors conference, and their story is nothing short of compelling.
What sets their story apart is its testament to the notion that transitions out of vocational ministry don't have to be filled with negativity or go horribly wrong. In fact, their journey illustrates that even the most complex shifts can be navigated with grace, hope, and what they call "brutiful" resilience.
Justin and Amanda take us on a ride from their earliest days meeting in kids' church to their committed years serving as pastors, and onto a new, unexpected chapter as therapists. This episode peels back the layers on what it means to transition well, offering both the challenges and rewards that come with embracing change. You'll hear not just about the difficulties, but also the beautiful moments of discovery, transformation, and renewed purpose that can exist in life after ministry.
Don't miss this episode if you're interested in understanding how transitions can be thoughtfully navigated, how a new calling can emerge from the old, and how the spirit of service can flourish outside traditional church settings. Justin and Amanda's compelling story serves as a beacon of light, demonstrating that there is not only life after ministry but also meaningful work that continues to fulfill a divine purpose.
To learn more about the work and continued life after ministry of Justin and Amanda McNeil, click here.

Pain Is A Teacher (featuring Gary & Lisa Black)

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 
 
In Episode 5, "Pain Is A Teacher," we sit down with the inspiring couple, Gary & Lisa Black, to discuss the transformative power of enduring life's toughest transitions.
From losing a spouse and a child to navigating numerous shifts in ministry, Gary and Lisa have amassed a wealth of wisdom that they generously share in this episode.
Their story is a testament to the resilience of faith and the lessons that can only be learned through pain.
Get your pen and paper ready—you won't want to miss the invaluable insights from this power couple.
Learn more about Gary & Lisa at garyandlisablack.com and mandate456.org.
You can also purchase a signed copy of Lisa’s book: All The Sacred Things here.

The Holy Mess Of Pastoral Transitions (featuring Josh Harris)

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 
 
Episode 4 of the Life After Ministry Podcast is a replay of a conversation Matt Davis had on Josh Harris's podcast, "Clear and Loud."
Entitled "The Holy Mess of Pastoral Transitions," this episode dives deep into the complexities that come with leaving a role in ministry.
With over two decades of experience as a Teaching and Executive Pastor, Matt shares the hard lessons learned during his own exit from pastoral service.
The episode answers crucial questions like:
Why are pastoral transitions uniquely painful?
How does a shift in roles impact one's family?
And why do so many pastors feel the need to leave their church community altogether?
Through this talk, we hope that you find healing, whatever or wherever you journey finds you today.