Tim was back in the saddle preaching all three services for the first time in almost a month… and felt every minute of it. Exhaustion set in, but Chat came through with some practical tips to help keep the energy up from first service to last. Turns out preaching stamina might be a spiritual gift, but it also helps to pace yourself.

Andrew officially wrapped up a 32-week journey through the Gospel of John, and surprisingly, people were sad to see it end. Which raises the question, are shorter 3–6 week sermon series starting to lose their place? Or is there still something powerful about staying in a book long enough for it to really shape people?

Andrew has dropped some weight, Tim is in great shape, and we both have received some… let’s call them “interesting” comments while preaching. It leads to a bigger question, would anyone say these things to a female communicator? And whether we like it or not, do people take preachers more seriously when they look healthy?

It’s one of those episodes that starts with sermon fatigue and ends with some surprisingly honest reflections on perception, presence, and the strange things people feel comfortable saying to their pastor.

Check out Chat's suggestion for Tim's routine to keep his energy up on Sundays...

SATURDAY: Set the stage

Afternoon (cut the chaos early)

Wrap sermon edits by mid-afternoon if possible

Stop “tinkering mode” and shift into ownership mode

Light movement helps, nothing intense. Walk, stretch, loosen up

Dinner (fuel for tomorrow, not just tonight)

Lean protein + carbs + some salt

Example: chicken, rice, potatoes, veggies

Hydrate well. Add electrolytes

Avoid heavy, greasy meals that mess with sleep

Evening (protect your mind)

Read through your sermon out loud once

Visualize transitions between services

Then shut it down

No late-night scrolling. No last-minute rewrites.

Sleep (non-negotiable)

Target 7 to 8 hours

Cool, dark room

If you wake up wired thinking about the sermon, write it down and go back to sleep

⸻

SUNDAY MORNING: Prime the engine

Wake up (90–120 minutes before first service)

Hydrate immediately

Light movement: stretch, walk, wake your body up

Quick prayer: not long, just centered and focused

Pre-service fuel (45–60 minutes before)

Keep it simple and consistent:

Banana or oatmeal

Protein shake or eggs

Coffee, but not a massive dose

Add electrolytes

You want steady energy, not a spike and crash

⸻

BEFORE SERVICE 1: Lock in

Review your opening and key transitions

Don’t over-rehearse the whole sermon

Stay calm, not hyped

A few slow breaths right before you walk up

⸻

BETWEEN SERVICES: This is where you win or lose the day

Most guys burn out here.

Immediately after Service 1 (first 10–15 minutes)

Greet people, but don’t linger too long

Delegate conversations if needed

Protect your energy

Then reset (10 minutes minimum)

Find a quiet space:

Sit down

Slow breathing: in for 4, out for 6

Let your nervous system come down

You are not “on” right now

Refuel (before Service 2)

Fast carbs + a little protein:

Banana + protein shake

Rice cakes + peanut butter

Water + electrolytes

Small caffeine bump, not a full reload

⸻

BEFORE SERVICE 2: Re-engage

Review your opener again

Mentally treat it like a brand new crowd

Don’t carry over mistakes or moments from Service 1

⸻

BETWEEN SERVICES AGAIN: Stay disciplined

This is where fatigue really hits.

Repeat the same pattern:

Short relational window

Intentional reset

Quick fuel

Small caffeine if needed

Do not:

Stand and talk the whole time

Skip food

Try to “push through” fatigue

⸻

SERVICE 3: Finish strong

By now, your edge comes from:

Routine

Energy conservation

Mental discipline

Focus on:

Clarity over intensity

Connection over performance

Trusting the preparation

⸻

AFTER SUNDAY: Recovery matters too

Eat a real meal within an hour

Hydrate

Light movement later in the day helps

Don’t jump straight into heavy decision-making