☕ Coffee and Conversation | Dr. Lindsey Hardegree & Rev. Jenelle Holmes on Calling, Pivots & Community

In this episode of Coffee and Conversation, hosted by Candler Career Services, we’re joined by Dr. Lindsey Hardegree (DMin ’24) and The Rev. Jenelle Holmes (MDiv ’15) for an honest, practical, and deeply encouraging conversation about discernment, pivots, community building, lay leadership, and the many ways theological education shapes who we become.Dr. Hardegree, Executive Director of the Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia, shares how her DMin research explored spirituality in secular spaces, the role of laypeople in God’s mission, and what the church can learn from the spiritual practices people are already embracing outside traditional congregations. She also reflects on the intentionality required in hybrid learning, discerning the “right time” for seminary, and how spiritual life must be nurtured beyond one’s job.Rev. Holmes, organizing pastor of Ormwood Church in Southeast Atlanta, discusses her many life pivots—from MTS to MDiv, from academic interests to preaching, and eventually into church planting. She reflects on preaching politics in “spicy times,” the importance of imagination in ministry, practical skills pastors actually need, and how becoming grounded across multiple communities protected her identity and well‑being throughout seminary and beyond.☕ In this episode, we explore:• Pivoting into new vocational paths during seminary• Spirituality beyond the four walls of the church• Discernment, timing, finances, family, and intuition• Church planting, nonprofit leadership & practical ministry skills• Preaching politics with courage and theological grounding• Hybrid formation, online community, and intentional spiritual rhythms• The power of community, imagination, and diverse support systems• Seminary as formation of the whole person—not just a career pathThis conversation is full of wisdom for students, alumni, and anyone navigating calling, community, and life’s unexpected turns.Coffee and Conversation, hosted by Candler Career Services, creates space for alumni wisdom, student listening, and thoughtful reflection at the intersection of faith and work.Grab your mug and join the conversation.