Life After Ministry

Apr 23 2024

Life After Ministry Podcast artwork

Many of us have experienced the sting of losing a job. But there’s something uniquely challenging about leaving a position in full-time vocational ministry. Whether you’re stepping down from a church or leaving a kingdom nonprofit, it’s not as simple as just changing jobs. Suddenly, everything changes. You’re left navigating not just a career transition, but also a profound shift in identity, community, and daily routines. It feels like stepping into an unknown, filled with questions like, ”What’s next? How do I redefine myself outside the ministry? How do I maintain my faith amidst this transition?” We’ve been there, navigating the complex journey from vocational ministry to a new chapter in our lives. We’ll explore stories of transformation, hear from those who’ve walked this path before, and provide practical strategies to turn your transition into a season of growth. Remember, every ending is a new beginning.

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I'm Not Dying In The Pulpit (featuring Dr. Toney Parks)

Apr 23 2024 49 mins

Summary In this conversation, Pastor Toney Parks shares his journey from an unlikely candidate to becoming a pastor and his experiences growing up in Birmingham. He discusses the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of community in the black church. Pastor Parks reflects on his 32 years of pastoring a church and the decision to retire. He emphasizes the need for p

Trusting The Good Shepherd (featuring Jon Morrison)

Apr 20 2024 39 mins

Summary Jon Morrison shares his journey from vocational ministry to entrepreneurship. He discusses his call to ministry, the catalyst that brought him out of ministry, and the challenges he faced during the scrambling season. Jon emphasizes the transferable skills that pastors possess and how they can be applied in the marketplace. He shares his own experiences in entrepreneurship

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

Mar 27 2024 34 mins

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 Wilderness Paradox (featuring Ian & Sharalee Smith)

Mar 20 2024 43 mins

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 the

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

Mar 12 2024 45 mins

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

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

Mar 10 2024 33 mins

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 familie

Choosing Discomfort (featuring Dane Sanders)

Mar 10 2024 71 mins

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 gr

Ministry In The Military (featuring Chaplain Jordan Huggins)

Feb 21 2024 18 mins

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

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

Feb 13 2024 33 mins

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 c

The Wounded Pastor (featuring Dr. Matthew Tanner)

Feb 06 2024 33 mins

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 the