Life After Ministry

The Next Season WITH God (featuring Curt Swindoll)


Listen Later

Is there really a difference between ministry and the marketplace? Or have we created a divide that Scripture never intended?

In this episode, Curt Swindoll shares insights from 40 years of leadership across nonprofit, church, and for-profit environments. 

Having transitioned multiple times - sometimes with a plan, sometimes without - Curt challenges the assumption that ministry is something we leave behind. 

Instead, he invites leaders to rethink their posture toward God, especially during seasons of uncertainty.

For leaders navigating burnout, succession, or vocational transition, this conversation reframes the journey. 

The issue is not whether you are in ministry or business. The deeper issue is whether you are living for God or with Him. 

And that distinction changes everything.

Key Takeaways
  • There is no sacred-secular divide. God is as present in the marketplace as in the church.
  • Burnout often reveals a “for God” posture that has replaced a “with God” relationship.
  • Transitions are rarely clean; God’s presence is not dependent on clarity.
  • Work is one of the primary places of spiritual formation.
  • Discernment is not about finding one perfect path but learning to journey wisely with God.
  • Succession is less about ending ministry and more about shifting where and how ministry happens.
  • Peace and freedom are often the deeper invitation beneath vocational change.
  • Chapter Markers

    00:00 – Is There Really Life After Ministry?

    02:30 – Sacred vs. Secular: A False Divide
    07:00 – Transitioning Without a Plan
    10:00 – Life With God vs. Life For God
    15:00 – Burnout and Identity in Ministry
    21:00 – The Role of Spiritual Formation and Marriage
    24:00 – Moving Between Ministry and Marketplace
    29:00 – God at the Door in Seasons of Anxiety
    33:00 – Lessons from a Lifetime of Ministry Transitions
    43:00 – Succession, Discernment, and “Never Say Never”
    50:00 – Practical Resources and Final Encouragement

    If this conversation stirred something in you - whether you're navigating a leadership transition, discerning succession, or simply longing to experience more of a life with God - there are a few trusted next steps. 

    For confidential support and guidance through ministry transitions, visit https://ministrytransitions.com

    To explore spiritual formation resources and connect with trained spiritual directors, go to https://graftedlife.org

    And if you're leading an organization and want clarity, traction, and a healthier operating rhythm, learn more about EOS at https://www.eosworldwide.com or connect directly with Curt at https://www.eosworldwide.com/curt-swindoll. Wherever you are in your journey, you don’t have to walk it alone.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Life After MinistryBy Matt & Marilee Davis

    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    16 ratings


    More shows like Life After Ministry

    View all
    Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast by Life.Church

    Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

    10,788 Listeners

    The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast by Art of Leadership Network

    The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast

    2,287 Listeners

    BibleProject by BibleProject Podcast

    BibleProject

    19,521 Listeners

    Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast by Focus on the Family

    Focus on the Family Marriage Podcast

    1,885 Listeners

    The Daily by The New York Times

    The Daily

    113,121 Listeners

    Up First from NPR by NPR

    Up First from NPR

    56,944 Listeners

    Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Christianity Today

    Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

    916 Listeners