Healthy Rhythms in Ministry | pastor, missionary, burnout, wellness, work-life balance

Are you walking down a path without a clear sense of direction? Are you feeling stuck in ministry? Do you have the feeling that something needs to change, but you're not sure what or how?

A life coach is someone who can help you see things from a new perspective, ask questions to help you get unstuck, and give you accountability in reaching your goals. Our conversation with BJ Williamson helped me understand the difference between a coach and a counselor. 

You deserve support as you lead!

Are little things irritating you more than usual? Perhaps you are experiencing some burnout symptoms. You are walk with so many hurting people, and maybe it would help if you had someone to talk to yourself. 

In this episode we talk with Melissa Wagner, LPCA, about how to know if it's time to get professional support. It may be to process your own story, or it may be to help you carry the stories of others well. Whatever the reason, you are worthy of care and support. 

Do you feel disconnected from God? Does it seem hard to hear His voice lately? Is there shame and guilt that piles on because a pastor or missionary shouldn't have spiritual struggles?

Kelli Sorg is a pastor, writer, wife, mother, grandmother, and a spiritual director. She helps people create space in their lives to hear from God. In this episode we answer some of the questions you might have about Spiritual Direction: Who should see a spiritual director? Why would I reach out to a spiritual director? What does a spiritual direction session look like? 

Ever sense that a season of ministry is ending and wonder if it's possible to leave in a healthy, honoring way? Have you wrestled with theological and practical ministry differences with a fellow staff member? Maybe you have felt it's time to leave, but you are worried about how will you care for your family and where will you live.

This episode we were joined by Josh's brother, Dave Hallahan. Dave has been a youth pastor, associate pastor, an amazon driver, back to youth pastor, and also a counseling intern. This episode is honest and helpful, especially if you are wondering if your time in your current ministry assignment is coming to a close. 

Feeling exhausted and spread too thin? Wish there were more hours in your day? Ever dream about escaping to a deserted island where no one needs you? 

We've been there! In this episode, Josh and Kelly share some helpful tips on how to embrace your limitations, and find a bit more work-life balance. 

Ever wish you could share honestly with someone about how you're really doing? Does leadership feel lonely? You want to invest in healthy relationships but maybe you don't know where to start. 

In this episode, Josh and Kelly share practical suggestions on how to build your village. You can't do this alone, and here are a few ways to begin finding people who can walk with you.

Ever think "I have to do everything, because I'm the one getting paid at church"? Or say "yes" to every request because it's for God? Maybe you're feeling tired and your family wishes you were more present at home? If you struggle with people-pleasing or over-functioning, this episode is for you!

Jeremy Andrade is Associate Pastor at First UMC in Collingswood, NJ. In this episode he shares common struggles of people brand new to ministry. He shares three practices that have helped him stay well. And he offers practical guidance on how to say "no" when you are approaching burnout. 

Struggling to find work-life balance in a season of crisis? Is burnout looming just around the corner? Have you or someone you love faced a challenging medical diagnosis? And how do you keep up with ministry while you juggle all of that?

In today's episode we talk with Sarah Thomas Baldwin about her journey with the Lord during her daughter's first few years of life in and out of hospitals and doctors visits. We discuss powerful imagery that can help us extend kindness to ourselves in the midst of stress and crisis.

Have you struggled with interpersonal conflict in ministry? Or had the urge to just walk out the door and quit being a pastor? Maybe you have just resigned from the mission field and have no idea what to do next. 

George Small has faced all of these challenges in his 40+ years of ministry and is more in love with Jesus today than when he was first saved in 1968. You are in for a treat in this episode as George shares his hard-earned ministry insights. We are here to help you stay faithful to your calling over the long haul, and Pastor George Small is a wise guide this week.

**TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a story of a car accident and a child's death**

Life in ministry isn't always easy, and sometimes it is brutal. If you have walked through deep pain, heartbreak or betrayal we want you to know that you are not alone. If you have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event in ministry, there is hope and healing available. 

In this episode, Pastor and former Missionary Scott Rambo shares a tragic story he lived through on the mission field in Uganda. He explores themes of suffering and spiritual warfare, how isolated and alone he felt, and what helped on his healing journey.