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    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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 3 of the Life After Ministry Podcast, we talk to Noe Rivera, a key member of the founding team behind Pastoral Transitions. Growing up as a pastor's kid, Noe intimately understands the emotional toll that ministry transitions can take on families. Titled "Mental Health After Ministry," this episode dives into Noe's missionary years and the shifts that followed, laying the groundwork for his current role as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Noe specializes in aiding individuals exiting vocational ministry, guiding them toward heart clarity and helping them attune to God's voice. Don't miss this episode full of hard-earned wisdom and spiritual insights.

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 2 of the Life After Ministry Podcast, we sit down with Bill Tom, Founder, CEO, and Chief Ministry Officer of Pastoral Transitions. With a rich background in career coaching and executive search, Bill offers priceless advice on vocational discernment for those exiting ministry roles. The episode, aptly titled "How To Figure Out Your Career After Ministry," provides a roadmap for navigating life's next chapter. Bill also reveals the recurring theme he encountered in his office that was the catalyst for creating Pastoral Transitions. Tune in for profound insights that could be your first steps toward a fulfilling second act.

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 the inaugural episode of the Life After Ministry Podcast, hosts Matt and Marilee Davis open up about their own journey post-ministry.  With vulnerability, they discuss the challenges and opportunities they encountered as they transitioned into a new career, community, and even way of life.  The episode digs into the complexities of untangling emotional and spiritual intricacies that come with leaving a ministry role.  Whether you're a pastor contemplating a career change, or a leader helping someone through this significant life transition, this episode offers invaluable insights on navigating the journey with wisdom and grace.  Don't miss this heartfelt and informative debut.

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  Change is inevitable, especially in our careers. For those who have devoted their lives to the profound call of ministry, transitioning away can seem not just like a change of job, but a seismic shift in identity and purpose. But it's essential to remember: transitions in ministry can also be immensely positive and lead to vibrant new beginnings. And while there are undoubted challenges and heartaches, there's also hope, rejuvenation, and tales of transitions that have unfolded beautifully. 'Life After Ministry' dives into this intricate and often overlooked journey. Hosts Matt and Marilee Davis, who've weathered the complexities of this change themselves, open up about their experiences and introduce listeners to others who've walked the same path. Their stories range from those of struggle and rediscovery to those where transitions were embraced with joy and anticipation. And don't worry, this isn’t a space for bitterness or blame. Matt and Marilee firmly believe in the beauty and purpose of the church. While they address the challenges faced by those leaving ministry roles, they do so with an unwavering faith that, in the end, Jesus loves His church, and she will emerge splendid and radiant. If you've ever felt the tremors of significant life change or understand the profound journey of starting anew, 'Life After Ministry' is your companion in understanding, healing, and hope. This isn't just a podcast; it's a heartfelt invitation into a community that knows, understands, and walks with you.