Behind the Seal The High Cost of Ignoring Leader Care
What happens when churches prioritize productivity over people?
Doug Sauder, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, has lived through the fallout of leader neglect—and the transformation that comes when soul care becomes a core value.
In this powerful conversation, Doug shares his journey from a culture of overwork and burnout to one of rest, accountability, and sustainability. He opens up about:
· Surviving the ripple effects of a senior leader’s moral failure
· Resisting the “Messiah complex” of nonstop ministry
· How Calvary Chapel restructured to prioritize Sabbath, family, and health
· Why sabbaticals are a game-changer for leaders—and how his own shaped his identity beyond achievement
· What it takes for boards and staff to cultivate healthy rhythms of work and rest
This is a hopeful, honest episode packed with wisdom for pastors, nonprofit leaders, and boards who want to protect their leaders, steward their people, and create ministries that flourish for the long haul.
About Doug Sauder:
Doug Sauder is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, one of the largest churches in the U.S. He is known for his heart for families, his leadership in crisis, and his commitment to building a culture of health and soul care among leaders. Doug and his wife, Suzanne, have three sons and have served as foster parents to more than 50 children.
Additional Resources:
· Learn more about Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale
· PastorServe – Coaching & Soul Care for Leaders
· The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero