Life After Ministry

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, Matt Davis interviews J. Ricardo Smith at the Classic City Conference in Athens, Georgia. They discuss the purpose and origins of the conference, the state of the black church post-COVID, the challenges of identity and transition in ministry, finding hope and help in difficult seasons, planning for the future of the conference, and the importance of mental health in ministry. J. Ricardo Smith shares his insights and experiences, emphasizing the need for community and support in pastoral leadership. Takeaways The Classic City Conference was created to provide resources and solutions for small to mid-sized church pastors. The COVID-19 pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on the black church, highlighting the need for shared leadership and addressing issues of identity and worth. Pastors need to recognize their value and worth outside of their role as a senior pastor and be open to transitions and new seasons in ministry. Finding hope and help in difficult seasons of ministry requires community, support, and access to resources like counseling and therapy. The Classic City Conference aims to offer ongoing support and resources beyond the annual event, helping pastors navigate the challenges of ministry. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Classic City Conference 04:04 - The State of the Black Church 08:23 - Identity and Transition in Ministry 10:12 - Finding Hope and Help in Ministry 12:02 - Planning for the Future of the Conference 14:19 - The Importance of Mental Health in Ministry 17:07 - Connecting with J. Ricardo Smith and Classic City Conference

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 Kyle and Maria Isabelli share their experience of being fired from their church ministry and the emotional impact it had on them. They discuss the process of being let go, the loss they felt, and the journey of healing and finding purpose again. Kyle wrote a book titled 'Refined by the Fired' to help others who have gone through similar experiences. They emphasize the importance of clear expectations and communication in ministry and the need for empathy and shepherding in leadership roles. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to ministry and continue to serve in their new roles. Takeaways Being fired from a church ministry can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience, resulting in a sense of loss and grief. Clear expectations and communication are crucial in ministry to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Going through the process of being fired can lead to personal growth, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the needs of staff and ministry workers. Finding purpose and healing after being fired requires reflection, processing pain, and relying on God's guidance and direction. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:00 - Transition into Ministry 03:44 - The Call to Ministry 05:40 - Transition Out of Ministry 07:49 - The Process of Being Let Go 09:49 - Emotional Impact and Loss 12:09 - Reflecting on the Experience 14:53 - Writing the Book 25:29 - Continuing in Ministry 30:13 - Book Release and Conclusion

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 As we wrap up an incredible first season of the "Life After Ministry" podcast, join us, Matt and Marilee Davis, in reflecting on the profound insights and heartwarming stories we've encountered. This journey hasn't just been about sharing stories - it's been a path of personal growth and unexpected joy for us too. Here are some pivotal takeaways that have resonated not just with our listeners, but deeply within our own lives: Embracing the Darkness in Transitions: One of the most powerful themes this season has been about leaning into the challenging emotions that accompany pastoral transitions. It's in acknowledging and embracing this darkness that many find transformation and growth. The Wilderness Season: We've talked about this being a necessary phase. It's in these moments of seeming solitude that reliance on God becomes paramount and where profound spiritual growth occurs. Surrender and Trust: The act of letting go and trusting in God's plan, though scary, is a crucial step in navigating these transitions. Paying it Forward: Our guests have shared how their experiences have equipped them to serve others in their new ministries, turning their challenges into opportunities for giving back. Breaking Isolation: Through sharing their stories, our guests have brought light to the often-isolated path that many pastors walk during transitions, offering hope and a sense of community. Endurance and Support: The journey through pastoral transition is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring endurance, patience, and a strong support system. Church's Role in Transition: We looked into the responsibility of churches to provide more than just spiritual guidance during these times but also companionship, direction, and practical help. Honoring Dignity in Transition: Exiting ministry roles can be filled with challenges, but there are compassionate ways to honor people's dignity throughout the process. Gratitude and Encouragement: Lastly, the importance of expressing gratitude and encouragement to pastors and church leaders cannot be overstated. It's crucial in building a supportive and understanding community. We've learned so much and have been deeply moved by the stories of resilience and faith. Thank you for joining us on this path. As we look forward to Season Two, let's continue to support and uplift each other, remembering that every transition can lead to a beautiful new beginning. You can support Pastors in transition by making a donation here.

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 Clayton Stenson shares his journey of transitioning from ministry to a new career and finding hope and purpose in life after ministry. He discusses his background in ministry, the challenges he faced, and the support he received during a difficult time of grief and loss. Clayton also highlights the transferable skills he gained from his ministry experience and how they have helped him succeed in his current role. He encourages others who are going through similar transitions to seek support and embrace new opportunities. Takeaways Transitioning from ministry to a new career can be challenging but also rewarding. Grief and loss can have a significant impact on one's life and ministry. Transferable skills gained from ministry, such as leadership, vision casting, and building systems, can be valuable in other professions. Finding support and community during times of transition is crucial for healing and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:37 Entering Ministry 08:25 Leaving Ministry 12:11 Transitioning to a New Career 18:11 Transferable Skills from Ministry 21:30 Identity and Perspective 23:42 Encouragement and Hope 24:31 Reaching Out for Support 25:23 Conclusion Clayton Stenson is an innovator in the business coaching space. He is a former Pastor who made the shift to the marketplace 8 years ago. An operations expert, Clayton works with faith-driven construction and trades companies with $5-15 million in revenue that have hit a ceiling. He comes alongside the visionary owner and their leadership team to help them make their vision a reality. Often these visionaries are frustrated, tired, and are feeling discouraged that their business may never be able to run without them. They usually have made some progress toward this goal, but they need some help to get over the hump. Clayton helps them either through coaching or through fractional services. Clayton has also developed a powerful program to help visionaries and their second-in-commands find unity and leverage their opposite skill sets to develop the company that they dream of. The two of them have an incredible opportunity to work together, but because they are so different, they can have a hard time getting and staying on the same page. Clayton's Unity Rock Program is proven to get the most out of their Visionary/Second-in-Command relationship. Connect with Clayton at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theunityguide/

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 Tom Dyke shares his journey from ministry to starting his own business. He discusses his background in Manitoba, Canada, and his various roles in ministry, including being a youth pastor and overseeing family ministries. Tom initiated his departure from ministry due to challenges within the church and found a new calling in marketing and storytelling. He shares his financial success in his new business and challenges the poverty mindset often associated with pastors. Tom emphasizes the importance of family and creating lasting memories, and how his relationship with money has evolved. He also discusses how his pastoral skills continue to impact his interactions in the business world. Takeaways There is life after ministry, and it can be fulfilling and successful. Transitioning from ministry to a new career or business requires adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills. Having a healthy relationship with money is important, and pastors should not feel guilty about financial success. Identifying and pursuing one's true calling and purpose can provide a sense of fulfillment and guide career decisions. Pastoral skills, such as building relationships and listening, can be valuable in various professional settings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:11 Living in Manitoba, Canada 02:11 Roles in Ministry 04:33 Last Day in Ministry 08:47 Transition to Business 12:30 Financial Perspective and Relationship with Money 16:09 Calling and Purpose 20:01 Life After Ministry and Creating Memories 22:32 Incorporating Pastoral Skills in Business 27:01 Conclusion: Life After Ministry is Good Thom Van Dycke fractional Chief Growth Officer for solopreneurs. After 19 years as a pastor, he launched his business at the height of the pandemic in 2020 and grew it to six figures in the first year. He believes that to truly engage with our ideal audience we need to leverage the power of storytelling. Thom is married to Tara and they have 7 children. They are both advocates for foster and adoption and have welcomed 30 foster children into their home since 2011. Connect with Thom at: www.thomvandycke.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thom-van-dycke/ StoryBrand: https://marketingmadesimple.com/ThomVanDycke

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, Pastor Dan Broyles discusses the challenges pastors face when seeking counseling and the importance of grieving their own losses. He also highlights the need for pastors to connect with others outside their church community and provides hope for those in times of transition. Our guest, Dan Broyles, wears two significant hats – that of a Care Pastor and a licensed Christian therapist. Known for his profound ability to offer solace, Dan is the go-to person for pastors across the region seeking guidance and support. In this episode, we dive into a less-discussed aspect of pastoral life: the accumulation of losses that ministry leaders endure. From the emotional weight of their congregants' struggles to their own personal challenges, pastors carry a heavy load. Dan emphasizes the crucial yet often neglected practice of grieving one's own losses. He explains the importance of acknowledging and processing these experiences, not just for the health of the pastor but for the well-being of their ministry. Dan's insights shed light on why self-care isn't just advisable for pastors – it's essential. He discusses why counseling isn’t just for their congregation but is a vital resource for pastors themselves. With his unique perspective as both a pastor and a therapist, Dan offers invaluable advice on navigating the emotional toll of ministry while maintaining personal and spiritual health. To learn more about Dan Broyles' work and access resources for pastoral care, visit SagaCenter.org and Valencia Hills Community Church located about an hour north of downtown Los Angeles. Takeaways: Pastors often struggle to seek counseling within their own church community due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Grieving one's own losses is an essential part of the pastoral journey, but many pastors neglect this process. Pastors can find support and understanding by connecting with other pastors who have experienced similar challenges. It is important for pastors to prioritize their own needs and seek connections outside their church community. Chapters 00:00 - Seeking Counseling in the Church 03:07 - The Role of a Pastor and Therapist 05:26 - Experiencing a Transition in Ministry 07:51 - The Difficulty of Grieving in Ministry 10:44 - Pastors Seeking Help from Other Pastors 13:04 - Providing Hope in Times of Transition 15:30 - The Loyalty Issue in Pastoral Transitions 17:25 - The Importance of Connecting Outside the Church 19:18 - Closing Remarks

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

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.

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.

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.