Episode 36 - Raw Lessons the Road to London Taught Me (Part 1) - The Power of Presence

In this deeply personal episode, Jon shares raw reflections from a 4,000-mile journey between Arizona and London, Ontario—unpacking the emotional, relational, and spiritual lessons that surfaced along the way. 

Through tense moments in the car, painful goodbyes, feelings of spiritual dryness, and the unexpected beauty of others stepping up—Jon invites us into the sacred mess of real life. This is a story about control, surrender, and discovering grace in the most unexpected places. You’ll hear how God used a quiet room, a broken goodbye, a daughter’s gratitude, and a young man’s need for a father to remind Jon of the power of presence—even when God feels far away.

If you've ever felt spiritually dry, emotionally spent, or unsure where God is in the middle of your giving... this episode is for you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

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Episode 35 - My Testimony - A Pastor in Recovery

In this deeply personal episode, Pastor Jon Hammond shares his unfiltered testimony of pain, addiction, redemption, and healing. 

From childhood trauma to ministry burnout, from isolation to Celebrate Recovery, Jon takes you through the real journey of a pastor in recovery who is learning to walk in freedom—one step at a time.

If you’re a leader who struggles in silence, this episode is for you. You are not alone, and there is hope. 📖 Luke 8:39 – “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

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🎙 Episode 34 – Hebrews 3:13 | Don’t Miss the Dandelions

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." – Hebrews 3:13

In this episode, I share a story that changed me—a poem from a girl in college. She described a well-dressed man walking through a beautiful field. He saw the wildflowers, the color, the splendor—but then, for some reason, he stopped… and pulled up a dandelion. She wrote, “I am that dandelion. Why did you even notice me?”

That moment pierced my heart, because that’s how God sees us—the broken, the overlooked, the ones others pass by. He stops. He reaches. He lifts us up.

But here’s the truth: when sin’s deceitfulness hardens our hearts, we stop seeing dandelions. We stop reaching for the hurting. That’s the enemy’s weapon—distraction, isolation, numbness. But Hebrews 3:13 is God’s counterattack. Daily encouragement softens the heart and sharpens our vision. It keeps us grounded, connected, and open to those divine interruptions.

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As pastors, we often feel torn between the calling to lead like Jesus and the crushing weight of our own imperfection.

In this honest and grace-filled episode, Jon explores the many leadership styles found in the world today—authoritarian, populist, perfectionist, servant, visionary—and draws powerful comparisons to the perfectly balanced leadership of Christ. But more than a leadership study, this episode dives deep into the reality that many pastors in recovery face: we fall short. We hide. We cope. We perform instead of healing. And yet, Jesus still calls us—not to perfection, but to follow Him in humility and authenticity.

If you’ve ever felt like a failure for not being “more like Jesus,” this episode is for you. Let’s talk about real recovery, real leadership, and the beautiful truth that your scars don’t disqualify you—they equip you to lead with grace.

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Episode 32 - When Church Planting Breaks You - Through Failure and Recovery

Church planting can be one of the hardest journeys a pastor takes—and if you’re in recovery, it can reveal deep struggles you didn’t even know were there. 

In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, I share my personal experience of planting two churches that didn’t survive. The pain of failure, the wounds of rejection, and the struggle of feeling like I had nothing left to give—these are the raw realities many pastors face but rarely talk about.

But here’s what I’ve learned: God isn’t done with you when you fail. If church planting broke you, if ministry crushed your spirit, if you’re wrestling with your identity and recovery, this episode is for you.

Join me as I unpack seven hard-earned lessons that connect church planting and recovery, from letting go of ego and building a healthy team, to prioritizing family, breaking through denominational barriers, and learning to serve without seeking recognition.

If you’ve felt the sting of burnout, disappointment, or failure in ministry, you are not alone. Let’s talk about healing, humility, and finding purpose in brokenness.

🎙 Listen now and let’s start the conversation.

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🎙 New Episode: When the Nest Empties & Ministry Ends – Navigating Transition Without Losing Yourself

What happens when the title of “Pastor” fades away?
When your kids grow up and leave home?
When the structure that held your life together suddenly disappears?

For many pastors and leaders, this transition can be unexpectedly difficult—leading to identity struggles, loneliness, and even relapse triggers in recovery.

 💬 In this episode, we tackle:
✅ The Identity Shift – Who am I without ministry or parenting as my core role?
✅ The Empty Nest – The emotional impact of kids moving out and how it affects us.
✅ Recovery in Transition – Why these moments can be a danger zone for old habits.
✅ Finding Purpose Again – How to step into a new season with hope and direction.

🚨 If you’re struggling with this transition, you are not alone. Your calling hasn’t retired—just your job title. God still has more for you in this next chapter.

📢 Join the conversation at: 👉 www.pastorsinrecovery.com
🎧 Listen now on Spreaker, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms!
🔗 Share this episode with a pastor or friend who needs to hear it!

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Episode 30 - Hurting to Healing - Janines story from Pastor's Wife to Midwife

In this powerful episode of Pastors in Recovery, I sit down with someone who has walked beside me through every season of life—my wife, Janine. From the early days of ministry, feeling the pressure to conform as a pastor’s wife, to navigating deep personal loss, to ultimately discovering her true calling as a midwife, Janine’s story is one of faith, resilience, and transformation.

She opens up about:

✅ The struggles of being a young pastor’s wife and the weight of expectations
✅ Walking through the heartbreaking loss of our son Joey and a miscarriage
✅ Her own recovery journey and finding healing in the midst of brokenness
✅ Discovering that her true calling was to serve women as a midwife
✅ What’s next for her and the wisdom she shares with women every dayIf you’ve ever felt the pressure to live up to expectations, walked through grief, or struggled to find your purpose—this episode is for you.

🚨 Join the Community! 🚨

We’ve launched a brand-new Pastors in Recovery Forum at pastorsinrecovery.com—a safe place for pastors and ministry leaders to connect, share, and find encouragement. If you feel you can support the expenses to run this podcast and forum, consider joining the supporters club for just $2 per month.

God isn’t done with your story yet! 🎙️✨

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In this powerful episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond sits down with Pastor Brian, a church planter from Arizona.

Join us as we dive into his incredible journey of calling, struggle, and faithfulness.Pastor Brian shares how he went from a college student wrestling with God’s call to a church planter leading a congregation that grew from 10 to 500 in just a few years. But his journey wasn’t easy—he opens up about the personal battles, recovery from deep struggles, and the physical challenges that shaped his faith.

Through it all, his obedience to Christ became the foundation for incredible growth.If you’re a pastor, church leader, or anyone navigating faith through hardship, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real talk about trusting God when the road gets tough.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired!

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Welcome to Pastors in Recovery, the podcast dedicated to encouraging and equipping pastors and leaders to thrive in ministry without burnout.

In this episode, we explore how investing in others leads to growth and recovery. Too often, leaders try to do it all themselves, but when we release ministry into the hands of others, we multiply instead of burn out. Featuring insights from Rick Warren, Tommy Barnett, and biblical leadership principles, this episode will challenge you to let go, raise up leaders, and build a stronger church.Join us for an inspiring conversation that will help you recognize the miracle in the house—the people God has already sent into your church to lead!🔗 Connect with Us:

• Email: [email protected]
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"You are not alone. God is with you. It’s okay to ask for help."

In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, host Jon Hammond sits down with Dustin, a Mental Health Ambassador in Celebrate Recovery, to discuss faith, mental health, and the stigma surrounding mental health struggles in the church.

Dustin shares his personal journey of living with bipolar disorder, navigating medication adjustments, and experiencing the highs and lows of mental health cycles. He opens up about his breaking point, his road to recovery, and how Celebrate Recovery became a place of healing for him and his family.

They also discuss:
🔹 Why mental health is not a lack of faith, but part of God’s design
🔹 The cycle of spiritual and mental health struggles that many face
🔹 How pastors often suffer in silence, feeling the pressure to appear strong
🔹 The importance of safe spaces in churches for mental health conversations
🔹 How CR’s mental health open share groups are breaking the stigma
🔹 The power of hope and why it’s okay to ask for helpThis episode is for anyone feeling isolated in their mental health journey, especially pastors and ministry leaders who believe they must carry their burdens alone.

There is hope. There is healing. And you are not alone.🙏

If this episode speaks to you, please share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

Email: [email protected]
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery

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