Margie Bryce Coaching

Find out how to navigate the complexities of ministry while staying true to your calling with insights from Beth Caulfield, author of "People Throw Rocks at Things that Shine." In this episode, we unpack the inevitable messiness and unexpected hardships that come with following one's spiritual path. Beth provides wisdom on how to remain steadfast, emphasizing that God uses every experience, even the tough ones, to fulfill His greater plan. Drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul, we discuss the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God and keeping our eyes on Jesus to stay resilient and fruitful in ministry.

Discover practical tools and heartfelt advice on balancing self-care with spiritual duties. Reflecting on moments of divine encouragement, we highlight the significance of finding personal spiritual disciplines, fostering supportive spiritual communities, and integrating self-care practices to avoid burnout. We also embrace the reality of our "crabby" moments, providing strategies to manage them effectively and sustain a healthy spiritual life. Tune in for an episode brimming with encouragement, practical tips, and spiritual nourishment aimed at helping you thrive in your ministry journey.

Margie: 0:01

Hey there, Margie Bryce here bringing you the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I don't think you're going to be too surprised to know that it's too easy today to become the Crabby Pastor. Our time together will give you food for thought to help you be the ministry leader fully surrendered to God's purposes and living into whatever it takes to get you there and keep you there. So we're talking about sustainability in ministry. I read a book recently by Beth Caulfield and it's called People Throw Rocks at Things that Shine, which the title alone grabbed me. And as I was reading through the book, one thing in particular, the big picture thing that really touched me was what happens when our call gets a little messy. Happens when our call gets a little messy.

Margie: 1:08

I don't know if any of you have had the opportunity to have your call get messy. I know of a couple who had this gorgeous trajectory totally upward and I'm sure the angels are singing in the background of their call. That's not my experience. I don't think that's the experience of many, many pastors. So this podcast I am going to interview Beth Caulfield. This podcast is dedicated to all y'all out there that whose calls just have been a little messy. Things that you can lean into, lean on, do and all of that so that you don't become, you know, the crabby pastor. So, beth, you are going to kind of start us off. I think with some of your this is like a three-point sermon, almost, isn't it? But I'll let you talk some about our call and who we are as we follow Jesus.

Beth: 2:11

Well, thank you, Margie, and the first thing I want to say is I really appreciate you having me on and giving me the opportunity to talk about this very subject, because it's my hope that, as part of my ministry including with the book is to help people recognize that, yeah, it's just like everything that Jesus said it would be. It's not going to be easy, but if we keep our eyes on him and not on the waves and all that he has taught us in relationship with him, then we can get through it, and I love that you're doing this kind of podcast, because it is clearly about helping us who are in the thick of it Remember that Jesus is teaching us what to do. So you know. You referenced the title of my book, which just is exactly what you're talking about, with the fact that when we are out in ministry, we should not be surprised when the rocks come, and sometimes the rocks come from places that we expect, and sometimes it's usually the ones that hit the hardest are the ones we don't expect, and it all can be a faith building experience if we remember that we knew th

Kathy was my spiritual director for about eight years. This means she endured A LOT because she dealt with ME. 

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Margie: 0:01

Hey there, Margie Bryce here bringing you the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I don't think you're going to be too surprised to know that it's too easy today to become the Crabby Pastor. Our time together will give you food for thought to help you be the ministry leader, fully surrendered to God's purposes and living into whatever it takes to get you there and keep you there. So we're talking about sustainability in ministry In this episode of the Krabby Pastor podcast. I am going to take a moment of personal privilege to pay tribute to Kathy Rakowski. She was a spiritual director that I had for about eight years and I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to her as I recently learned that she passed away, and I want to say some things about spiritual directors and the kind of gift that she was to me, and I have not found anyone like her as of yet, so that makes her even more special.Margie: 1:20

I got a spiritual director because I kept having these classes that talked about the pastor as a person and you needed to have others walk with you and journey with you. For some, that means an accountability group, for some that means a coach, and I had a coach. I was at the time, leading a merger of four and a half churches. But Kathy came alongside me even earlier than that. I was working through my doctoral degree and that's when I had another class that said you better get other people around you. And I had tried before and it really bombed out and I griped at God about that. That's maybe why I call myself a little crabby at times. I was crabby to God about this. That here you go, here's my assignment. I'm attempting to fulfill this assignment and I can't seem to find others who would sit with me, walk with me. So I decided I would look into a retreat and I found this retreat center that a friend had recommended to me and I saw a link on there for spiritual directors and I thought, well, I will give this a go, I will see what happens here.Margie: 2:35

In my opinion, I really did need a reality check from a spiritual perspective, someone else's point of view. You know I don't trust myself totally all the time. To be honest with myself, all the time I think I'm pretty brutal to myself really and can be a little uncompassionate. That's true, that's true. But I was really hoping to find someone who would be honest with me. I really needed that, and so she was that for me.Margie: 3:09

We met monthly for like eight years eight years, you know, when I first got connected to Jesuit House where I sought after the spiritual director, I had to interview like three and so I interviewed Kathy first and she was this fun and bubbly neither of which, I would necessarily say, are my top two qualities here but she was fun and bubbly and she was a charismatic Catholic and I have Catholic roots, catholic and I have Catholic roots, I have friends with charismatic expressions and I just like the Holy Spirit part of that. And so I went ahead and interviewed to other people anyway, even though I kind of knew, you know, as Kathy would say, you know when you need to know. So I'm taking this time to just reflect on the gift that someone else can be in your life. I can go on and on about how you ought not to do this alone, and that's true. That's true. We need to recognize and fully embrace th

Do you ever feel like the pressure of ministry is weighing you down? This episode is your lifeline! Join me, Margie Bryce, for a soul-refreshing conversation on self-care for ministry leaders. I'm bringing you a wealth of wisdom on building resilience through hobbies, recreational activities, and focusing on single tasks that give your brain a much-needed rest from the pressures of ministry. We'll also talk about the invaluable support of a coach or spiritual director and I'll be sharing a list of suggestions on how to rally that support from your congregations.

EditSignacross five dimensions of wellness, we'll redefine what success in ministry looks like - and it's not just about numbers and money. Above all, I'll drop a reminder we all need to hear from time to time: our main job is to pass the baton along to the next generation of followers of Jesus. Get ready to soak in an episode filled with insights and encouragement tailored for those who've answered the call to ministry.

For more information on the transformative Ministerial Coaching Initiative, generously supported by the Lilly Foundation and facilitated through Point Loma Nazarene's Center for Pastoral Leadership, CLICK HERE. 

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Margie: 0:01

Hey there, Margie Bryce here bringing you the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I don't think you're going to be too surprised to know that it's too easy today to become the Crabby Pastor. Our time together will give you food for thought to help you be the ministry leader, fully surrendered to God's purposes and living into whatever it takes to get you there and keep you there. So we're talking about sustainability in ministry. Hey there, before we get started on today's episode, I want to give you this opportunity. Today's episode, I want to give you this opportunity to enhance your self-care. Part of self-care is having another individual come alongside you, whether you're looking at a coach, a spiritual director or whatever means you have, so that you're not walking this journey alone, alone, that you have another person walking with you, and that is the ministerial coaching initiative. I've been a part of that now for this past y

Send us a Text Message.

Are you determined to steer clear of becoming the 'Crabby Pastor,' exhausted and irritable? If so, this episode (which is Part 1 of a two-part series) will help guide you to sustain yourself in the demanding world of ministry. 

We start with a look at 50 Ways to Support Your Pastor Across Five Dimensions of Well-Being: social, physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual—that will fortify your pastoral journey. This is a document available HERE which was produced by Wespath, an agency concerned with pastoral well-being associated with the United Methodist Church. 

As our conversation unfolds, we put a spotlight on the vital art of setting boundaries. Explore the significance of rest, rejuvenation, and self-renewal in your pastoral care routine. Discover the secrets of planning vacations effectively while ensuring seamless pastoral care coverage in your absence. Uncover the emotional fortitude needed in ministry, and harness valuable resources like coaches, counselors, and spiritual guides.

In conclusion, we emphasize the invaluable concept of renewal leaves. Tune in now to master the art of balancing pastoral responsibilities with self-care, ensuring you never succumb to becoming the 'Crabby Pastor.' Your rejuvenated ministry journey begins here.

For more information on the transformative Ministerial Coaching Initiative, generously supported by the Lilly Foundation and facilitated through Point Loma Nazarene's Center for Pastoral Leadership, CLICK HERE. 

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Have you ever found yourself so immersed in the demands of ministry leadership that your own spirit starts to fray at the edges? 

Join us as we explore the fullness of life beyond the pulpit – from cultivating friendships outside the congregation to embracing passions that rejuvenate the soul. We'll tackle the high-stakes stresses of pastoral duties and discuss how to strike that essential balance, setting the stage for a ministry that's not only vibrant but sustainable in the long run.

Whether you're a seasoned minister or just beginning to feel the weight of your calling, there's a message here for you. We're peeling back the layers on pastoral self-care and uncovering how taking a step back can propel you forward, ensuring that your ministry is a reflection of a well-tended heart and spirit.

Join us for an episode that promises to fortify your ministry and, perhaps, help you steer clear of becoming a Crabby Pastor.

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Margie: 0:01

Hey there, Margie Bryce here bringing you the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I don't think you're going to be too surprised to know that it's too easy today to become the Crabby Pastor. Our time together will give you food for thought to help you be the ministry leader, fully surrendered to God's purposes and living into whatever it takes to get you there and keep you there. So we're talking about sustainability in ministry. So how do the pieces of your life fit together? Do they fit together well and things are humming along just fine, or are there some pieces that are tight or absent or just not fitting the bill?Margie: 0:54

This is your invitation to join me in my glass workshop for a video series, where I am going to do a stained glass project while I talk to you about sustainability and building sustainability into your heart and into your life. So I am going to be doing my art, which is a form of self-care, and I'm going to invite you into that space with me and I'm going to chat. I'm going to chat about self-care and I'm going to show you how I create, and there's a nifty, nifty analogy. Stained glass seems to be a very good metaphor for what

While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? 

Rev. Tanner Griffin courageously shares his battles with burnout and the personal and professional toll it took on his life. Reverend Griffin provides an unfiltered look at the inefficacies within church organizational health and the immense pressures that pushed him to step away from full-time ministry, despite his best efforts at time management and boundary-setting.Throughout our conversation, we underscore the critical importance of self-care and Sabbath-keeping in ministry. Despite cultural pressures and busy schedules, the biblical mandate for rest remains essential. Rev. Griffin's insights, along with our discussion on organizational dysfunction and the pressures of being a "fixer," provide a comprehensive examination of the complexities pastors face and the journey toward rediscovering a true sense of purpose and calling. Tune in for an episode that promises to offer valuable lessons in recognizing burnout and prioritizing spiritual rejuvenation.

While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? 

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Margie: 0:01

While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? 

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Margie: 0:01

Hey there, Margie Bryce here bringing you the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I don't think you're going to be too surprised to know that it's too easy today to become the Crabby Pastor. Our time together will give you food for thought to help you be the ministry leader fully surrendered to God's purposes and living into whatever it takes to get you there and keep you there. So we're talking about sustainability in ministry. I'm always really grateful when ministry colleagues are willing to share when things don't go well, and I'm very, very grateful to this pastor that's about to share his back from burnout kind of story and while his situation was extreme and there was a period of months where there was an extreme amount of loss and challenge going on in his life, I want to say to you that you don't have to have that level of items and situations occurring in your life to have burnout happen.Margie: 1:19

And sometimes as ministry leaders we isolate, we don't get the help we need.Margie: 1:27

We are concerned about where we can be open, honest and vulnerable and we aren't sure where th

While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? 

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Margie: 0:01

Hey there, Margie Bryce here bringing you the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I don't think you're going to be too surprised to know that it's too easy today to become the Crabby Pastor. Our time together will give you food for thought to help you be the ministry leader fully surrendered to God's purposes and living into whatever it takes to get you there and keep you there. So we're talking about sustainability in ministry. We are here today with Reverend Tony Miltenberger and I am going to let Tony tell us exactly what he's up to these days. He is not in a pastoral capacity, yet very active in ministry. So tell us, tony, about what it is you're up to.Tony : 0:58

Well, thank you so much for having me on the show today. It's a real treat to be here. I'll tell you that I was in a local church for just over 10 years and now I work for a 501c3 nonprofit called Spirit and Truth, where we walk alongside and equip the local church in areas of disciple-making, evangelism and leaning into the power of the Holy Spirit. So I get to travel all over the country and talk to church leaders and pastors about disciple-making. I also get to create content for d

I'm exploring the essence of what it means to be 'called' in this Transitional era for the Church. God is calling us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly into 'new things' which means emergence of ministries that are both within and outside the conventional framework. I share my insights into how these shifts demand a renewed focus on holistic self-care and call for a missional approach to ministry, tapping into the unique gifts of congregations to serve communities earnestly and effectively.

Support the Show.

This is a GUILT-FREE zone! So here's your friendly nudge about self-care and its importance for the sake of your family, friends, and those you serve in ministry.

🦀 🦀 🦀

Find regular support on my Facebook group by clicking HERE.

Margie: 0:01

Hey there, it's Margie Bryce, your host of the Crabby Pastor podcast, where we talk about all things sustainability, whether it's sustainability in ministry, in your personal life and we acknowledge that the church is in a transitional time, so we hit topics there too that are going to stretch your mind and the way you lead, especially how you lead yourself, so that you don't become the crabby pastor. Hey there, podcast friends, it's Margie Bryce, host of the Crabby Pastor podcast, and I have an announcement to make, two things actually. The first is that I am going to be taking my own advice and I will be doing some sabbatical time in June and July of this year, but I'm not going to leave you with nothing. I am going to serve up to you my collection of Back From Burnout stories from ministry leaders who are telling the truth about their trek back from burnout. It's always something that we can learn from listening to other people's situations and stories and maybe prevent our own burnout episodes from even happening by doing the self-care that we need to do. So I will serve those up to you, but I will be back revived and ready to serve Margie Bryce here, and I wanted to bring up the topic today to you about calling.

Margie: 1:59

What is your calling? You know we say this as ministry leaders. I being called to leadership within the institutional church and if you will just bear with me on the title institutional church I'm thinking more of the formal church structure, talking about an individual congregation, or you're talking about something more formal and larger, like a denominational structure. So I want to bet about calling with you today, and some of what's been on my heart has more to do with some foundational