In this episode of the Shalom Project Podcast, Mitch Lavender and Christian Konhauser-Lopez continue their conversation on formation, integrity, and sustainability—especially for those entering ministry or other helping fields for the first time.

After identifying our values in the previous episode, this conversation asks a crucial follow-up question:

How do we actually sustain those values over time?

Together, Mitch and Christian explore how deliberate practices tether us to our values and help us stay grounded, present, and regulated—particularly in environments that place pressure on our identity, performance, and spirituality.

Rather than prescribing rigid formulas, this episode frames practices as anchors—gentle rhythms that stabilize our nervous systems, deepen our self-awareness, and create space for God to meet us where we are.

In this episode, we explore:

What we mean when we say grounded and present in body, mind, and spirit

Why helping fields (especially ministry) can quietly erode our sense of self

Briefly how unexamined trauma responses can shape our leadership and relationships (more to come later)

Briefly Why Mitch prefers the word practice.

Briefly the role of embodiment, play, and enjoyment in spiritual formation

How internal chaos makes it difficult to live out our values consistently

Practices discussed include:

Physical activity & movement as regulation and play

Reading as humility, curiosity, and worldview expansion

Journaling as a non-performative space for integration

Prioritizing Core friendships where performance stops and presence begins

Engaging in tangible reminders that engage the senses and call us back to center

Rule of Life as rhythms that support long-term fruitfulness

This episode also reflects gently but honestly on the unique dangers of ministry—when worship becomes a job and how we can risk forgetting our own need for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At its heart, this conversation is an invitation:

to slow down, to listen to your body, to honor your limits, and to cultivate practices that help you become the kind of person who is aligned with their own values—not just someone who does meaningful work.

💬 Join the conversation:

We’d love to hear from you. What practices help you stay grounded and aligned with your values? You’re invited to share in the comments on Substack—or message us privately if that feels safer for you.

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Message Mitchell Lavender

Resources Mentioned:

The Artist’s Way

Crafting a Rule of Life

Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

Habits of the Household

Common Rule

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Music By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay

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