Pastors Are People Too: Breaking the Silence on Pornography & Shame

What happens when the person standing in the pulpit is the one quietly drowning in shame? In this honest episode, Michael Kamber and Nick Buda — both former pastors who have personally struggled with pornography — open up about the unique vulnerabilities pastors face, why isolation never works, and how real healing engages the whole person: body, mind, and heart. Research suggests roughly two-thirds of pastors have struggled with pornography at some point, and at least one in five say it's a current struggle. Yet shame keeps most leaders silent and stuck in cycles of compartmentalizing, self-management, and hidden pain. Michael and Nick share their own stories and the tools they use in coaching — including the FASTER scale, a recovery action plan, and the powerful "noose" illustration that explains how the loop (body), the rope (mind and beliefs), and the knot (shame) all keep us trapped. They also talk about the difference between treating this as only a spiritual issue versus addressing the whole person. Most importantly, they point to the good news of the incarnation: Jesus runs toward us in our mess. He's after connection, not perfection. The episode closes with a prayer for every pastor and listener carrying the weight of this struggle in silence. If you're a pastor feeling hopeless, or you love someone who is, this conversation offers real hope and a real path forward. Learn more about coaching and the new pastor check-in group at rscky.com.Looking for help? Hit us up here.Quit Porn | Restoration Soul Care helps men get past willpower and behavior management to the root — the pain, pressure, and disconnection underneath the pattern. Hosted by Michael Kamber and Nick Buda.START HERE→ Take the free Pressure Assessor and find out what's actually driving your pattern: https://rscky.com/pressure→ New to the work? Start here: https://rscky.com/get-startedGO DEEPER→ Work with Michael, 1-on-1 or in a group: https://rscky.comIF THIS HELPEDFollow the show so you don't miss an episode, and send it to one man who needs to hear it.CONNECTInstagram: https://instagram.com/mikekamber & https://instagram.com/nickwbudaYouTube: https://youtube.com/@Michael-RSCEmail: [email protected]