Ministry can be both deeply rewarding and painfully exhausting.

In this conversation, Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom open up about what keeps them in pastoral ministry after decades of challenges, transitions, and spiritual fatigue. From the support of their spouses to the importance of theological education, they reflect honestly on what sustains them when things get hard.

Learn more about The DMin in Pastoral Theology & Practice at Northern Seminary: https://www.seminary.edu/programs/doctor-of-ministry-in-pastoral-theology-practice/

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Why presence (not performance) is key to longevity in ministry
• How spouses and friendships help pastors endure storms
• The spiritual and vocational value of ongoing theological education
• An exciting announcement about the launch of a new Doctor of Ministry program

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:30 – Catching up and Mark’s decision to stay another 4 years

03:00 – Tara Beth shares about a recent painful leadership season

07:00 – The role of their spouses in surviving ministry

10:00 – Why community and presence matter more than performance

13:00 – Reflections from a missionary couple on staying faithful

16:00 – Theological convictions that ground pastoral work

18:00 – How ongoing learning has sustained Mark’s ministry

25:00 – Why churches should support their pastors’ education

27:00 – Tara Beth announces her return to school

28:00 – Introducing the new DMin in Theology & Practice of Pastoral Ministry

32:00 – How to apply and what’s coming next