What happens when the path God calls you to takes unexpected turns?

In this episode, Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom sit down with Pastor Greg Wenhold to explore his unconventional and inspiring pastoral story. From being "gently led" into ministry to navigating unexpected transitions, Greg’s journey is filled with honesty, resilience, and grace.

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Your pastoral journey doesn’t need to fit a template. Greg’s story is a reminder that God works through every twist and turn, equipping us for the work He calls us to do.

How do pastors navigate the complexities of ministry without losing themselves—or their families?

In this heartfelt continuation, Tara Beth and Mark share honest reflections on their daily rhythms, the grace required for pastoral work, and the joy found in staying grounded amidst the demands.

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In the midst of long hours and deep responsibility, the work of pastoring is filled with grace. This episode invites you into the heart of the pastoral vocation, reminding us all of the beauty and challenge of answering God’s call.

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What does a week in the life of a pastor really look like?

In this candid and lighthearted episode, Tara Beth and Mark pull back the curtain on their daily routines, juggling ministry, family, and their own spiritual practices.

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What if embracing our limitations could actually make us better leaders? 

In this heartfelt conversation, Reverend Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Mandy Smith to uncover the transformative power of vulnerability in ministry. Instead of feeling pressured to have every answer or maintain a polished facade, discover how owning our weaknesses allows God’s strength to shine through.

Mandy shares her personal journey—moments of crisis, the temptation of the “perfect leader” lie, and the profound relief in letting go. Together, they explore how gender dynamics influence leadership, the importance of truthful self-reflection, and why authentic shepherding resonates more deeply than scripted competence. 

If you’ve ever felt the weight of needing to appear flawless in pastoral work, this episode offers encouragement to lead boldly from a place of honesty and trust.

Timestamps:

00:46 Continuing the Conversation on Vulnerability

02:37 Mandy’s Crisis and Revelation

04:24 The Lie of the Perfect Leader

07:46 The Role of Gender in Ministry

09:16 The Burden of Leadership

10:46 God’s Strength in Our Weakness

14:12 The Call to Authentic Leadership

28:31 The Journey of Redemption

31:51 Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendations

Often as pastors we feel like we need to project strength and competency in order to minister effectively. That's why we go to conferences and emulate the latest superstars. But we know we can never live up to those images. Deep down, we know our own limitations, our weaknesses, our faults. 

We fear that if people knew who we really are, we'd be disqualified from ministry.Not so. Mandy Smith unpacks the biblical paradox that God's strength is revealed through our human weakness. 

Transparently describing her pastoral journey, Smith shows how vulnerability shapes ministry, through our spiritual practices and relationships, influencing our preaching, teaching and even the nuts and bolts of the daily schedule. Understanding our human constraints makes our ministry more sustainable and guards us against disillusionment and burnout.

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00:36 Celebrating Milestones and Special Guests

01:40 Mandy Smith's Journey to Pastorship

03:44 Challenges and Triumphs in Ministry

21:21 Leading with Vulnerability and Faith

32:24 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Vicki journeyed into full-time ministry later in her life.  

In this episode, Pastor Vicki Kopp discusses her journey into ministry later in life, her challenges following her husband's death from pancreatic cancer, and the unwavering strength provided by her faith and congregation. 

Personal suffering informs and often deepens pastoral care for others.

Timestamp: 

00:47 Vicki's Call to Ministry

01:34 Challenges and Triumphs in Ministry

02:42 Dan's Illness and Community Support

05:40 Life After Dan's Passing

12:17 The Healing Power of Ministry

18:14 Empathy Through Shared Suffering

26:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

Vicki had been called to ministry when she was a teenager.  It wasn’t till years later that she took the role of a vocational minister. 

They explore the dynamics of church leadership, gender challenges, and her personal experiences, including the profound loss of her husband and the ongoing mission to serve her congregation.

Timestamps: 

00:35 Meet Reverend Vicki Kopp

02:36 Vicki's Journey to Ministry

05:43 Challenges and Triumphs in Ministry

09:40 Becoming a Pastor in Cameron, Missouri

12:51 Navigating Pastoral Roles and Responsibilities

18:15 Personal and Professional Struggles

25:41 Conclusion and Reflections

If your church closed its doors would your community notice? 

Join Reverend Tara Beth Leach, Dr. Mark Quanstrom, and guest David Bunce from Bad Ishel, Austria, as they explore the theological and existential challenges of justifying a church's existence in modern society. Dive into deep conversations about community, cultural pressures, and the essence of the church's mission while understanding diverse perspectives from both the U.S. and Austria.

Timestamps

01:25 The Mission and Justification of the Church

02:21 Theological Reflections on Church Identity

03:32 Challenges of Small Church Communities

04:10 The Role of the Church in the Community

07:39 Understanding Church Through the Lens of Dementia

11:05 Practical Church Leadership and Community

12:40 Cultural and Contextual Dynamics in Church Life

19:53 Church Weekend Retreat Insights

22:09 Global Church Challenges and Solutions

28:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell

What does it mean to be faithful to God as a church?

David Bunce shares his experience leading a church community in Bad Ischl, Austria.  

Tara Beth and Mark delve into the unique challenges and experiences of David. Discover the complexities of pastoring in a culturally Catholic and secularizing Europe, and explore the evolving mission of the church in this context. 

Timestamps:

00:34 Meet Pastor David Bunce from Austria

01:57 David's Spiritual Journey

03:34 Understanding European Baptist Theology

04:47 Life and Ministry in Austria

09:16 Challenges and Cultural Context

15:26 Mission and Community Engagement

25:32 Reflections and Future Conversations