What does it mean to pastor with presence in a world that prioritizes efficiency, technology, and disconnection?

In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with Ryan & Danny Quanstrom, digging into the theological convictions that shape their ministries.

From embodying the gospel in a rural town to creating third spaces for belonging, this episode explores how place matters in pastoring—and why the church must resist the forces that isolate and fragment communities.

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Pastoring is about embodied presence in a particular place, among particular people. In a world designed to make us bypass relationships, the church is called to build spaces where people linger, belong, and transform.

What’s it like growing up in a pastor’s home—and then becoming a pastor yourself?

In this special family edition of The Pastor’s Table, Rev. Tara Beth Leach takes the lead, sitting down with Ryan & Danny Quanstrom, both senior pastors in Michigan and the sons of co-host Dr. Mark Quanstrom.

This conversation explores how faith is formed in the home, the unexpected twists in their calls to ministry, and what shaped their theological vision for pastoring today. It’s an inside look at the joys, struggles, and surprises of answering the call—especially when you grew up in the church.

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Ministry isn’t always a straight path, and pastors don’t all come from the same mold—even in the same family. Whether you grew up in the church or came to ministry later in life, God’s call often weaves through unexpected places.

📖 Next Week:

What theological convictions shape Ryan & Danny’s pastoral leadership today? Join us for Part 2, where we dig into the theological frameworks that guide their ministry.

What makes a church healthy—not just successful? 

In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with Randy Frazee, exploring how culture—not just strategy—determines a church’s future.

Randy shares how his leadership philosophy has shifted over the years—from top-down leadership models to team-based collaboration, from focusing on numbers to prioritizing engagement. His wisdom is a must-hear for pastors wrestling with staff culture, leadership expectations, and burnout.

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💡 Takeaway:

Pastors don’t have to be everything to everyone. True leadership comes from embracing your strengths, surrounding yourself with the right people, and fostering a culture where others thrive.

What does it take to leave well as a pastor?

In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Randy Frazee, Pastor Emeritus of Westside Family Church, to talk about his intentional journey of succession, the emotional weight of stepping away, and what it means to let go with grace.

With over 36 years in ministry, Randy reflects on the wisdom, courage, and planning that made his transition smooth—and why every pastor should be thinking about succession, legacy, and identity beyond the pulpit.

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Pastors, you are free to leave. Whether it’s five years or fifty years into ministry, succession done well is an act of faithfulness, not failure. Randy’s story challenges us to think about the long game of pastoral leadership—one that prioritizes healthy transitions, church culture, and a legacy that outlasts us.

📖 Next Week:

How does a pastor shape culture—on staff, in leadership, and throughout the church? Join us as we dive into this topic with Randy in Part 2!

What happens when the sacramental, the charismatic, and the evangelical converge? 

In this episode, Tara and Mark continue their conversation with Derek Vreeland, diving into how these seemingly distinct streams of faith are coming together in a new movement of worship and discipleship.

Derek shares why weekly communion, historic prayers, and Spirit-led worship are forming his church in deep and lasting ways. Plus, they explore how the sacraments can tether us to faith in seasons of doubt, and why pastors need to embrace both mystery and tradition in leading their people.

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Derek reminds us that faith is communal, not just personal. Whether through communion, liturgy, or intercessory prayer, the body of Christ carries us in seasons of doubt and darkness—so we don’t have to walk alone.

📖 Next Week:

How do pastors lead when they are the ones going through the dark night of the soul? We’ll explore that and more in our next episode.

What if following Jesus meant rethinking everything you were taught—without ever walking away? 

In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Derek Vreeland, discipleship pastor at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Derek shares his journey from a Southern Baptist upbringing to the charismatic movement and, eventually, a sacramental, ecumenical faith—all while remaining deeply rooted in the Church.

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Not every faith journey requires tearing everything down. Derek’s story reminds us that spiritual growth can be a slow, steady process of transformation, where God leads us deeper into trust, mystery, and love for the Church.

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How do pastors lead through the dark night of the soul—for themselves and their congregations? Join us next week as we dive into this question with Derek.

What if success in ministry isn’t about speed, numbers, or strategy—but about trusting God’s timing? 

In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with pastor and church planter Laura Tarro, exploring how patience, trust, and a few unconventional worship spaces (yes, a donut shop and a brewery) have shaped her ministry.

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Laura’s story reminds us that faithfulness matters more than metrics. When we surrender our expectations and trust in God’s provision, we find freedom from the pressure to perform and space to let the Spirit lead.

What does it look like to follow God’s call when the journey feels unclear or even obstructed? 

In this compelling episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom welcome church planter, pastor, and theologian Laura Tarro to share her inspiring story of waiting, persistence, and faithfulness. 

Laura opens up about her unconventional call to ministry, the barriers she faced, and how God led her to steward her gifts for the church.

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Laura’s story reminds us that God’s timing is often slower than ours, but His faithfulness is steadfast. Even when the road to ministry seems blocked, God prepares the way for those He calls.

📖 Next Week:

Join us for Part 2 as Laura dives deeper into her journey, sharing the theological convictions that have shaped her ministry and how they continue to guide her today.

How does God redeem a church's past while preparing it for a flourishing future? 

In the final part of this compelling conversation, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Pastor Greg Wenhold to discuss the unique dynamics of pastoral succession, the power of trust in leadership, and the ongoing work of transformation at Good Shepherd Church.

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This episode is a testament to God’s ability to work through unconventional paths, weaving redemption into every stage of ministry. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, supporting a leader, or transitioning out, trust that God’s plans are always for the good of His church.

📖 Additional Reflection:

How can your leadership amplify the mission of others and build trust in your community? Share your thoughts with us!

The journey of ministry often includes twists, turns, and unexpected moments of grace. 

In this second part of their conversation with Pastor Greg Wenhold, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom explore the challenges and growth that come with navigating transitions, including stepping away from—and returning to—a beloved church community.

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Greg’s story serves as a reminder that God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect. Trusting His timing, staying humble, and keeping Christ as the center of ministry allow us to navigate even the hardest transitions with grace and hope.