Pastors in Recovery

Episode 56 – Shame - The Weight We Shouldn’t Carry

Shame is one of the heaviest burdens pastors and people in recovery carry. It whispers lies that we are our weakness, our mistakes, or our past. In this episode, Jon shares a very personal story about feeling shame while taking his medication — and how those feelings connect back to childhood wounds and moments of being belittled.

Through Scripture, reflection, and honest testimony, this episode reminds us that shame is not from God. Jesus not only carried our sin to the cross, but also our shame. You are not your weakness, you are not your burnout, and you are not your relapse. You are loved, forgiven, and free in Christ.



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Episode 55 - Feeling Like A Victim (Part 3) - What Safe Leadership Looks Like

In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon continues the trilogy on victimhood, spiritual abuse, and safe leadership.

• Episode 53 explored the victim mentality—feeling like a victim when it’s not really abuse.
• Episode 54 addressed spiritual abuse—what it looks like and how it harms pastors and church members.
• And now, in Episode 55, Jon shares stories and reflections on safe leadership: how to recognize it, how to become it, and how to rebuild trust among God’s people.

Jon recalls the influence of his youth pastor, Bones, who modeled Christlike safety through presence, consistency, and love. He also shares a recent story from leading a family memorial service, where the Holy Spirit reminded him that safe leadership is not about performance but about pointing people to Jesus. Note: This episode was recorded while traveling, so you may hear some natural airport background noise during the recording. Safe leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about being trustworthy, humble, and consistent, just like Jesus. 




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Episode 54 - Feeling Like a victim (Part 2) When you are experiencing Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse is one of the deepest wounds a pastor or church member can carry—because it comes wrapped in the name of God. In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond shares hard truths, survivor stories, statistics, and his own personal experience of being verbally and physically mistreated by a senior pastor. This is not about attacking organizations. Jon makes it clear—he has loved and served alongside many good people in ministries like Teen Challenge and the Assemblies of God. But within even good organizations, abuse can and does happen. And it must be named. With Scripture as our foundation, we’ll look at what spiritual abuse is, why it hurts so deeply, how widespread it really is, and why healing—not revenge—is the pathway forward. For pastors who’ve been hurt, and for leaders who may need to blow the whistle, this is a call to face the truth, seek counseling, connect with recovery ministries, and rediscover the heart of the Good Shepherd who never abuses His sheep.




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Episode 53 – Feeling Like a Victim (Part 1) When It’s Not Abuse

Have you ever felt overlooked, passed over, or rejected — certain you were the right one for the opportunity, but someone else got it? In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond shares four personal stories of moments he felt like a victim… only to realize later that God had a different race marked out for him.

From faking a fall in a junior high cross-country race to being passed over for ministry roles and church jobs, Jon explores what’s really going on inside our hearts when we feel “not chosen.” These moments often trace back to childhood hurts, old rejections, and the insecurities that still whisper to us today. You’ll learn how to recognize the victim mindset, replace it with God’s truth, and run your race — not for the applause of people, but for the glory of God.

Plus, Jon teases next week’s episode, where he’ll tackle the difficult but necessary topic of spiritual abuse — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to begin healing.

Scriptures Referenced: Proverbs 19:3, Ecclesiastes 11:4, Philippians 2:3-4, Psalm 75:6-7, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Luke 16:10, Hebrews 12:1-2



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Episode 52 - The Cycle of Pursuit

I didn’t mean to make a series… but God had other plans. This is part three of an unexpected journey that started on a beach in San Diego and led straight into the heart of striving, identity, and grace. 

In this episode, I open up about a powerful realization I’ve been working through in therapy—the fantasy of the “perfect girl.” From sitcoms like Love, American Style, Happy Days, The Wonder Years, and Family Ties, to my own childhood crushes on Marcia Brady and Mallory Keaton, I share how media shaped my ideas about love, marriage, and myself. We explore how these expectations became a cycle of pursuit:

Chasing the ideal.
Getting let down.
Chasing harder.

Missing what’s right in front of us. With stories, scripture, and three fictional-but-relatable scenarios, this episode invites you to surrender the fantasy and embrace real grace. The kind that doesn’t wait for perfection—just presence. This is Episode 3 in the mini-series:

1. The Cost of the Tower
2. Passion vs Obsession in Ministry
3. The Cycle of Pursuit

Thanks for walking with me through this season of honesty and healing. 🔗 Links

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 🎧 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
• 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
• 🎙️ Spotify: Listen on Spotify
• 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple

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Podcast Music:
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Episode 51 - When Passion Becomes Obsession - Discerning the Fire God Gave Us

In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond shares a deeply personal story about chasing the dream of a finished backyard — and how even good desires can quietly become obsessions. Drawing from his own recovery and pastoral experience, Jon explores the difference between passion and obsession, what happens when our identity gets tied to getting things done, and how God invites us to rest, surrender, and rediscover that our worth isn’t in our work. With Scripture, reflection questions, and a vulnerable moment about health limitations, Jon invites pastors and ministry leaders to pause, breathe, and remember:

🔥 “The job won’t love you back. But God will.”

Whether you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or simply caught up in all the doing… this episode is for you.

🔗 Links
📧 Contact: [email protected]
🎧 Listen on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery

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Podcast Music:
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Episode 50 – The Cost of the Tower: What Would I Trade

In this milestone 50th episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon reflects on a recent trip to San Diego with his daughter — and a surprising inner temptation he faced while standing by the ocean. Using this moment as a launching point, Jon unpacks what it means to count the cost of chasing dreams that may not be part of God’s current calling.

He shares fictional but all-too-real stories of pastors at crossroads, powerful scripture, and a personal framework he calls “You Can’t Have All 10.”

This episode invites listeners to stop chasing towers and start planting roots. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or someone trying to stay faithful to your season — this one will speak to you.

📧 Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
Facebook: facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery

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Podcast Music:
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Episode 49 - The Covering We Never Got—But Still Need

In this powerful and honest episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon explores the deep theme of coverings—what it means to live under the shelter of God when you’ve grown up uncovered.

So many pastors and ministry leaders were never fathered themselves. Some grew up with abusive dads, emotionally absent parents, or no example of love at all. And now, as fathers and shepherds, they’re trying to lead others with wounds they’ve never been taught to heal.

Jon unpacks the biblical meaning of being covered—by the blood of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the father-heart of God—and shares real-life scenarios that show how unhealed wounds can sabotage our parenting, our leadership, and our sense of worth.

This episode includes:

• Biblical truths about spiritual covering
• The emotional cost of growing up without a loving father
• How unaddressed trauma shows up in ministry
• A special original song titled “Father Me Now” that captures the heart of the message

If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it behind the pulpit or falling apart as a dad, this one’s for you. 

📩 Connect or share your story: [email protected]
📺 YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
🌐 Website & Forum: www.pastorsinrecovery.com

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Find the Podcast:
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Podcast Music:
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Episode 48 - When You Feel Rejected - You Only Heal What You Reveal

Feeling rejected by your church, your mission field, or the people you’ve poured your heart into can leave deep wounds. In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon shares stories, scriptures, and practical steps to help pastors and missionaries navigate the pain of rejection and discover hope, identity, and healing in Christ. We’ll explore what Christian therapists say about rejection, what Celebrate Recovery teaches about rejection in the 12 Steps and 8 Principles, and why “you only heal what you reveal.”

If you’re feeling unseen, undervalued, or alone in ministry, this episode is for you. Take it one day at a time. God sees you, loves you, and has not forgotten you.

🔗 Links:

📧 Email: [email protected]
▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
🌐 Website/Forum: www.pastorsinrecovery.com

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🌐Facebook: Facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
📧Email: [email protected]

Find the Podcast:
▶️ Youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
🟢 Spotify and Apple Music (and all major streaming platforms) search for Pastors in Recovery

Podcast Music:
🟢 Spotify and Apple Music (and all major streaming platforms) under Crashing Lyrics
▶️ Youtube.com/@crashinglyrics -> Pastors in Recovery Playlist 

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Episode 47 - Finding Freedom From Porn - Identifying Your Triggers - Those 2 AM Binges and Gods Plan for Victory

Are you a pastor struggling with porn, sexual temptation, 2 AM binges, or dry seasons in your marriage? You are not alone, and you are not disqualified. In this practical, and gospel-centered episode, Jon Hammond from Pastors in Recovery helps you walk toward freedom step by step.

We unpack:
✅ Why sexual temptation feels like your “favorite cake” and why ignoring it isn’t enough.
✅ What the Bible says about sexual sin—and God’s grace.
✅ What to do when you’re triggered in public or online.
✅ Why bouncing your eyes is hard—and what to do if you don’t want to.
✅ When you think another woman would fulfill you more than your wife.
✅ How to handle the shame spiral after 2 AM binges.
✅ How your mind and heart can heal with God’s better feast.

10 Practical Steps Toward Freedom:
1️⃣ Admit it’s a problem. (Psalm 32:3-5)
2️⃣ Believe God can help you change. (Philippians 1:6)
3️⃣ Surrender daily. (Romans 12:1)
4️⃣ Identify your triggers. (1 Peter 5:8)
5️⃣ Tell someone you trust. (James 5:16)
6️⃣ Remove easy access. (Matthew 5:29)
7️⃣ Ask God to renew your mind. (Romans 12:2)
8️⃣ Be honest with those close to you. (Ephesians 4:25)
9️⃣ Check in regularly. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
🔟 Seek God, not just sobriety. (Matthew 5:6)

If you’re tired of falling and ready to take your first—or next—step toward freedom, this episode is for you.

🎹 Includes a musical reflection moment for you to pause and let God speak.

Resources:
👉 Download our free “10 Steps to Freedom” infographic PDF:
www.pastorsinrecovery.com/resources
👉 Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
👉 Join our Facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
👉 Email Jon: [email protected]

🙏 You don’t have to fight this battle alone. Let’s walk toward freedom together.

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📧Email: [email protected]

Find the Podcast:
▶️ Youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery
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Podcast Music:
🟢 Spotify and Apple Music (and all major streaming platforms) under Crashing Lyrics
▶️ Youtube.com/@crashinglyrics -> Pastors in Recovery Playlist 

Also on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn