After 40 years in full-time ministry, what keeps someone from becoming bitter, burned out, or cynical? In this final episode of Season 2, Tim Stevens and Holly Tate dive deep into guarding your heart in ministry and maintaining faith for the long haul. Most ministry leaders either give up, burn out, or become resentful within their first decade of service. So how do you make it 40 years while still loving Jesus, loving people, and staying passionate about the mission? 

Tim shares hard-won wisdom from four decades of church leadership, including his time at Granger Community Church, Vanderbloemen Search Group, and Willow Creek Community Church. In this honest conversation, they explore the hidden dangers that erode a leader's heart over time - from the insidious nature of comparison at pastors' conferences to the personal pain of watching staff members leave. They tackle the unhealthy codependency many leaders develop with their churches, the controlling posture that damages teams, and why your identity must be separate from your ministry role. 

But this isn't just about what can go wrong - Tim provides actionable strategies for staying healthy in ministry for the long haul. Learn how to structure your days, weeks, months, and years for sustainable ministry; why taking a nap might be the most spiritual thing you do today; and how to maintain an open-handed, kingdom-minded approach when people inevitably leave your team. Whether you're a lead pastor, worship leader, student pastor, executive pastor, or anywhere on the church staff, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you finish well. Success in the long game isn't about being paid full-time in ministry for 40 years - it's about keeping your faith intact and your heart soft toward God and people, no matter where your career takes you.

🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED:
- Warning signs of ministry burnout (bitterness, cynicism, being guarded)
- The danger of comparison in church leadership
- Why people leave churches - and how to handle it with grace
- Separating your identity from your ministry role
- Practical rhythms for rest: daily, weekly, monthly, and annual strategies
- What "success" in the long game really means

"Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap. Rest isn't weakness. You are not the savior. He already came."

This episode is perfect for church leaders, pastors, ministry staff, and anyone serving in vocational ministry who wants to stay healthy for the long haul.

#MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #PastorBurnout #ChurchStaff #LeadershipPodcast #FaithAndWork

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