Gary sits down with longtime friend Mike Arnold (Executive Pastor, Discovery Christian Church, Pittsburgh) to talk about what still gives him life after 30 years, 6 churches, 3 states. From campus-ministry days in Akron to young-adult ministry in Las Vegas and two decades around Pittsburgh, Mike unpacks how pastors can lead themselves well, carry people’s burdens without losing their identity, and leave churches without hurting the Bride.
Along the way: Whiteheart memories, Browns vs. Steelers banter, club-volleyball dad life, and the poem that shaped Mike’s posture—Sam Shoemaker’s “I Stand by the Door.”

Why listen: honest, practical wisdom on longevity, mentorship, self-leadership, and staying tender to the Spirit when ministry stings.

Highlights

• What still gives life: seeing one more person meet Jesus and churches grow more outward-focused.

• Identity check: “Few things can mess with your identity more than being a pastor”—how Mike keeps his self rooted in Christ, not in a role.

• Transitions hurt: why leaving always stings, and how to exit without “trashing the Bride.”

• Mentors & friends: the gift of a Kevin Delaney-type friend across decades; monthly pastor lunches that carry you through hard seasons.

• Lead yourself first: Mike’s simple dashboard (spiritual, physical, growth, family) and the red-yellow-green honesty that keeps him healthy.

• The door posture: living “at the door” with one hand reaching outward (Sam Shoemaker’s poem).

Memorable lines

• “That moment someone meets Jesus? It never gets old.”

• “If you believe people’s flattery, you’re in trouble. Please the Lord, then go home and be Mike.”

  Mentioned

  • Sam Shoemaker, “I Stand by the Door.”

  • Browns/Steelers rivalry (sanctification through suffering 😂).

  • Whiteheart flashbacks (“Bye Bye Babylon!”).

  Episode flow (rough)

  • Origins & friendship (Akron → Vegas → Pittsburgh)

  • What’s life-giving now

  • Friendships, mentors, and carrying others’ burdens

  • Transitions & leaving well

  • Identity in Christ vs. pastor role

  • Self-leadership: the dashboard habits

  Call to action

  • If this encouraged you, share it with a pastor who needs permission to pace themselves.

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