Palms Up: How Vulnerability, Anxiety, and Contemplation Transform Pastoral Leadership - w/ Pastor Jenny Smith

How can pastors lead with openness, authenticity, and courage—especially in the face of anxiety, societal pressure, and denominational tension? In this powerful episode, Bonnie Lewis and Tim Stafford introduce Jenny Smith, a United Methodist pastor from Washington, who shares her deeply personal and transformational journey with anxiety, ministry, and discovering a contemplative rhythm called "Palms Up." Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or seeker longing for a more integrated faith, this conversation offers wisdom, practical tools, and a compassionate invitation to lead and live with vulnerability and freedom. Key Takeaways: • Palms Up Leadership – Learn Jenny Smith's four-step contemplative practice designed to cultivate presence, spiritual awareness, and trust in difficult moments: Show Up, Pay Attention, Cooperate with God, and Release the Outcome. • Courage in Vulnerability – Jenny shares a life-changing moment when she experienced a panic attack mid-sermon—and how her congregation's response transformed her leadership, ministry, and relationship with authenticity. • Mental Health in Ministry – Why addressing anxiety and high-functioning stress in church leadership is essential to protecting wellbeing, longevity, and spiritual integrity in ministry. • The Power of Going First – How sharing struggles as a leader creates space for others to access healing, dismantle stigma, and cultivate more honest spiritual communities. • Contemplative Practices and Conflict – How practicing "Palms Up" can equip us to engage difficult conversations—including political and theological disagreements—with grace, presence, and humility. Guest Highlights: Jenny Smith – A United Methodist pastor, writer, and speaker who is passionate about spiritual formation, women in leadership, and creating safe, grace-filled spaces for transformation. Jenny is developing resources around Palms Up Leadership, including a forthcoming podcast. Resources Mentioned: • Jenny Smith's Website – palmsup.co • Jenny Smith on Instagram – @jennysmithwrites • Elaine Heath's Work – [Link] • "Love Does" by Bob Goff – [Link] • EMDR Therapy Info – [Link to EMDR resources] • Rob Bell Communication Workshop – [Link to Rob Bell events] Join the conversation and deepen your faith by learning to lead with your palms up. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, share your favorite takeaway, and follow us on Instagram or YouTube to stay connected with thought-provoking conversations and spiritual growth. We love hearing from you—email questions and reflections to [email protected] and follow the discussion on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy