Hope Renewed

Karl Vaters joins Tom and Sean to talk about his new book De-Sizing the Church and how our obsession with bigness is hurting our witness.

Dr. Dan Borg, Regional Director for PIR Ministries joins Tom and Sean to talk about how pastors can help one another grow as preachers with a new initiative he calls Preacher to Preacher.

Tim Young, PIR Regional Director, joins Tom and Sean to share his framework for working through the wilderness places in ministry.

Chuck DeGroat joins Sean to talk about what an associate pastor should do if they find themselves serving under a narcissistic leader.

Tom and Sean talk about how to form a discernment group to help you get "unstuck" or to clarify your way forward. Learn how discerning God's will as a group can be a hope giving experience.

Pastor David Henderson joins Tom and Sean to talk about how pastors and churches can maintain a spirit of love in the face of anger, bitterness, fear, and contentious times.

Karl Vaters joins Tom and Sean to talk about his sabbatical experience. Karl worked with Sean to plan his sabbatical and he shares what that was like and how it helped his whole sabbatical. For more on Karl Vaters' sabbatical listen to this episode on The Church Lobby Podcast: Ep 055: What I Learned By Taking A Sabbatical, with Karl Vaters https://megaphone.link/CHRTDY1587100718

PIR Executive Director Roy Yanke joins Tom once again to help interview Sean about part 3 of The Weary Leader's Guide to Burnout. This discussion centers around the spiritual practices of lament, surrender, and abiding in God's love as the keys to the transformation into being a burnout-proof leader. They guys also discuss the characteristics of a healthy Christian leader and the importance of practicing Sabbath and forming a Rule of Life. 

Tom, Sean, and PIR Executive Director Roy Yankee discuss part two of The Weary Leader's Guide to Burnout. They cover the necessary steps to recover from burnout and develop resilience and discuss the theological heart of the book - what it means to be in Christ. To learn more, or preorder a copy of the book visit wearyleadersguide.com

PIR Executive Director, Roy Yanke, joins Tom and Sean to talk in more detail about the first part of The Weary Leader's Guide to Burnout. This section of Sean's new book asks "What is burnout and what causes it?" 

In this episode, Tom and Sean introduce Sean's new book The Weary Leader's Guide to Burnout: A Journey from Exhaustion to Wholeness. This first of four episodes on the book, gives an overarching view of the book and Sean's story of burnout. In the next three episodes, the guys will be joined by PIR Executive Director, Roy Yanke, to explore each section of the book in more detail. You can learn more about the book at wearyleadersguide.com 

Roy Yanke, Executive Director of PIR Ministries, was a guest on the Conversations Podcast provided by the Center for Thriving Leaders sponsored by Grace Theological Seminary. They have graciously allowed us to share that interview with our listeners. 

Monty Harrington joins Tom and Sean to talk about the aftermath of forced exit because of a new lead pastor. Monty, the events coordinator for Renovare, shares a little about the Renovare Pastor's Retreat in Colorado Springs.

Pastor and Author Chris Davis joins the guys to talk about his new book Bright Hope for Tomorrow, an in-depth look at how the return of Christ gives us hope and strength for today. We also talk about how pastors can combat isolation and loneliness in ministry.

Joe Chambers and Jeremy Frye join Tom and Sean to talk about their Sacred Journey Retreats and how they bless ministry families. These free retreats are offered every year and focus on learning to rest in our belovedness in Christ. Show notes will be available on hoperenewedpodcast.com

Bivocational pastor, Cedrick Barrett, joins Tom and Sean to talk about how clergy coaching has helped him navigate the challenges of life and ministry.

Author Kelly Kapic joins Tom and Sean to discuss his new book Your Only Human. If you are continually driven to do more or try harder but end up feeling exhausted, guilty, or ashamed, this conversation is for you. Learn how your limits are part of God's good creation.

Kim and Rob Hock join Tom and Sean to talk about how they found hope in the darkest times in ministry. Kim shares about her counseling ministry and how she is using story work to help men and women heal. She also conducts group retreats. You can learn more about Kim Hock's counseling and retreats at her website.

In this short-form episode, we listen to a clip from episode 1 as Roy Yanke discusses the need for margin and rhythms of work and rest.  Then in our preview of episode 62, Kim Hock talks about how the darkest times in ministry don't have to be so dark.

Brad Hoefs, founder of Fresh Hope for Mental Health joins the guys to talk about how pastors can find help for their mental health needs. Brad speaks of his own battle with being bipolar and shares how his painful story has become a source of healing for many pastors. In this episode, pastors will find Fresh Hope for their struggles. 

This is our first short-form episode. We start with a clip from Episode 25 where Steve Cuss talks about Leadership Anxiety. Next Sean shares a practice called BEATS that can help reduce anxiety and improve your mental health. The episode ends with a preview of Episode 61 - our interview with Brad Hoefs, founder of Fresh Hope for Mental Health.

Tom and Sean share what's new for the upcoming season of Hope Renewed. They introduce a new theme song and thank Joe Chambers for his excellent voice-over for the intro and outro. They also introduce some changes to the format and a new podcast website— hoperenewedpodcast.com. 

This 3-minute trailer describes what the Hope Renewed podcast is all about and who would benefit from listening. Check it out or visit the Hope Renewed Podcast website to learn more.

In this episode we continue our conversation focusing on the core process of PIR Ministries, the Pastor in Residence Process. This restorative and hope-giving tool was created by PIR founder Dr. Chuck Wickman as a means by which a pastor exited from ministry can experience biblical restoration and healing in the context of the local church, and move forward with confidence in the call which God has given. In this second episode we highlight the experience of engaging in the PiR process from a pastor's perspective. Pastor Seth McCumber joined us and graciously shared his story of finding hope in the midst of brokenness, and how the PiR process helped he and his wife experience God's healing grace and discern their future path in life and ministry. Learn more about the PiR Process here.

At the heart of PIR Ministries is the "Pastor in Residence Process". This restorative and hope-giving tool was created by PIR founder Dr. Chuck Wickman as a means by which a pastor exited from ministry can experience biblical restoration and healing in the context of the local church, and move forward with confidence in the call which God has given. This episode is the first of two focusing on our core ministry and highlights the work of the Refuge Church Support Team. We're pleased to have talked with Pastor Caleb Smith who co-led a Support Team through a successful and life-giving PIR process for a pastor and his wife.  Learn more about the PIR Process here. Learn more about Refuge Church and Support Team ministry here.

We sit down with Pastor Jerry Troyer to talk about the challenges of finding resources and support for ministry in rural churches.  Jerry a life-long rural pastor,  created a means of encouraging, connecting, and equipping ministry leaders in rural contexts called Rural Shepherdology. Jerry's commitment is to provide help and hope to those who face the unique world of rural ministry. Resource Rural Shepherdology

Ministry in an urban context will always have its unique challenges. Add to that the heightened tensions and pressures of recent days and Urban Ministry can rob even the most stalwart of pastors of joy, strength and hope. But God's heart for the city cannot be abandoned or ignored, by any of us. Pastor and Church Planter Tyler St. Clair joins us for an extremely important conversation from the heart of that context and shares words of encouragement that flow from the hope of the Gospel.  RESOURCES Cornerstone Church - Detroit

Challenge. Change. Conflict. Sabotage. Whatever you may call it, the critical times of growth in ministry demand a set of leadership skills that aren't taught in seminary or come naturally. "Faith leaders are mostly trained to be teachers and chaplains, but a rapidly-changing, continually-disruptive world requires that they also become skilled at leading change when there are few best practices. Many leaders are growing frustrated and losing heart." This is the conviction that pastor, author and leadership expert Tod Bolsinger (Canoeing the Mountains, Tempered Resilience) brings to the table. Join us for a fascinating, insightful and extremely instructive conversation about ministry, those who engage in it, and how to develop resilience to thrive in the call God has given you. Resources Mentioned in the Episode The De Pree Center at Fuller Seminary AE Sloan Leadership

Navigating pastoral transitions is challenging even in the best of circumstances. Having perspective, guidance, encouragement and help can make all the difference in not only where you're going, but how well you'll get there. In this episode of Hope Renewed, Matt Steen of PIR ministry partner Chemistry Staffing sits down with us to talk about the realities of pastoral transition and how to best find your way through them.  RESOURCES Chemistry Staffing Website

Whether you like it or not, social media is a reality of the world in which we live, and therefore a reality of ministry. How can a pastor appropriately navigate the presence and use of social media? What are the pitfalls and benefits? Join us as we talk with pastor, evangelist and writer Doug Bursch who shares a unique and helpful perspective on how pastors can interact with social media and the possibility of introducing a redemptive light in what can be a dark and hurtful world. Resources Doug's Webpage Fairly Spiritual

Let's face it...ministry is hard. And at times it's hard in ways we never thought it would be, and for which we were never really prepared. So many of the day-in and day-out realities - the practical nuts-and-bolts of ministry - can leave us tired, frustrated or wondering if we're even fulfilling God's call. And sometimes it can make us feel very alone. Brian Croft joins us on Hope Renewed to talk about finding hope in the midst of the every-day-ness of ministry and where we can find strength for the practical aspects of our call to shepherd God's flock. Resources Practical Shepherding website

Having relationships that are safe, open and encouraging are helpful - in fact needful - for everyone. But finding these relationships as a pastor can be especially difficult. That's why it's important for those who surround pastors to be those kinds of people and create the times and spaces that help pastors be healthy. Join us as we talk with PIR's Robin Schmidt and her husband Larry as they share their experiences in championing safe relationships for their pastors, and how it's a response to God's call in their life and to the church at large.

Finding hope to address ministry pain is challenging. For women in ministry - or married to those who are - it can be especially so. Finding a place of understanding, safety and healing can be elusive. That's why we're so excited to share in this episode of Hope Renewed a powerful conversation we had with Kristen Joy, founder of The Ministry Wife Coach. Her deeply informed and passionate approach to resourcing women in ministry provides a much needed place of hope for those impacted by the confusion, pain and even trauma of ministry exits. Her story of finding grace in the midst of woundedness gives a strong foundation of leading others to healing. Resources  Kristen's Website

Tom and Sean sit down with Winn Collier, the director of The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. Winn is the author of Burning in My Bones, a new biography on Eugene Peterson. In this conversation he talks about his friendship with Eugene and what led him to write this great book. They talk about the joys and struggles of ministry, including a dark six-year period that Eugene called The Waste Land. Winn and Eugene offer hope during our darkest times. Resources Highlighted: A Burning In My Bones The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination Winn Collier Homepage

In a world that is changing at a seemingly exponential rate, the church is not immune. In fact, more and more of the world's "perspective threads" are being woven into the fabric of the church, and pastors are confronted with attitudes and voices which run counter to the Gospel. How can pastors and ministry leaders best navigate the changing current within their churches, and how can they best attend to an eroding hope which can too easily take hold? Join us as Glenn Packiam shares insight from his experience and new book "The Resilient Pastor". Building on data from the Barna Institute, Glenn unfolds current trends pastors face and offers hope-filled guidance to find resilience in ever-changing contexts. Resources mentioned: Glenn's website

Long and difficult days are a regular part of ministry. It seems the length and difficulty are compounding recently, and pastors are tired. Endurance in ministry is becoming more and more a major theme as shepherds and leaders strive to faithfully and healthily serve the church. Join us as we sit down with Jimmy Dodd, CEO and Founder of PastorServe. In his ministry to serve, support and encourage pastors, Jimmy has gleaned powerful insights not only into the challenges faced in ministry, but how to endure and flourish in Kingdom work. Resources Highlighted in this Episode: PastorServe UniteKC

Every journey has three components. Most familiar are Destination and Path. What is often overlooked is Origin...where you're starting from. In our spiritual journey it's as crucial for healthy growth to know where we are - right now - as it is to know where we're going and how we'll get there. Join us as we sit down with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, whose extensive experience of journeying with pastors and ministry leaders have given them unique insights to discerning where you are in your journey, and how to find hope and vision for the road of faith ahead. Resources Mentioned in this episode: Soul Shepherding Journey of the Soul Sabbatical Guide

Shepherding shepherds. Caring for wounded leaders. Walking with pastors and their families. Partnering to bring healing. These all reflect the depth of the mission of PIR. We invite you to sit down with us as we talk with pastor, minister to ministers and PIR Board Member Tim Johnson. He shares some creative and helpful ways by which pastors can facilitate healthy ministry/personal lives and find strength for the long haul. As always we invite you to check out our resources at PIR Ministries' website.

Exhaustion.  False self.  Divided heart.  Narcissism.  These are terms that are becoming more and more associated with pastoral ministry. And while the concepts are not new - just look at the Biblical examples of them! - the current attention they're receiving comes with a fresh perspective on their antidote. Join us as we sit with pastor, professor, therapist, spiritual director and author Chuck DeGroat as he outlines God's hope and cure for a fragmented and out-of-control life. Perhaps it's best explained in David's prayer in Psalm 86: "Give me an undivided heart..." Find Chuck and his resources at chuckdegroat.net  

It' no secret that pastoral ministry is demanding and requires much from those who engage in it. Practicing good self-care is a must to stay healthy in ministry. But how do you know when you've crossed a line from the normal wear and tear of ministry life into more dangerous areas of damaging fatigue, debilitating anxiety and loss of effectiveness? How do you know when burnout is present? In this important episode of Hope Renewed, we explore the work Sean has done in recognizing burnout in the life of the pastor, and where to find recovery and hope. Having a clear and simple way to begin understanding how burnout may be effecting you (or others!) could be just the lifeline to hope you've been looking for! Resources Referenced Visit Sean's Website: The Pastor's Soul

The Soul Care Institute (https://www.soulcareinstitute.com/) is a six-retreat journey spread over two years where participants learn to care for their own souls. Sean interviewed the Soul Care Institute president Kaylene Derksen and her husband Jimm (who serves a s Vice President of the Institute). The talked about how pastors are often so busy caring for others that they neglect to care for their own souls. The Soul Care Institute experience is an ideal way for pastors to find safety, friendships, and healing as they learn soul care.

As leaders there is always the subtle temptation to allow our identity to be found in our own accomplishments. Our degrees, successes, networks, and personalities become what form and inform our perspectives for ministry. But what if God is choosing a different way to shape us for His call? Desert experiences. Painful self-awareness. Suffering. What if God’s way involves the breaking of ourselves to be filled by Him? Join us as we sit down with PIR Board Member and friend Shalini Bennett who shares with joy and passion from her experiences of growth in understanding God’s sovereign ways, and the living hope we have in Christ. Resources mentioned: By Vaneetha Rendall Risner: Article: “When God Does the Miracle We Didn’t Ask For” Books: “The Scars that have Shaped Me”; “Walking Through Fire”

Shame. It’s the lie that says, “You’re worthless. You're a mistake.” It can get to the root of our being and poison our lives. Pastors and ministry leaders face unique battles with shame even as they hold out the Word of life that heals. What is it about shame that is so devastating? When and how does it attack? What are some ways those in ministry can unmask shame, build “shame resilience”, finding freedom and renewal? Join us as we talk with Pastor Mike Gorr (D.Min.) whose own confrontation with shame became the focus of his doctoral work and the basis of a new and healthy way of ministering God’s grace! Resources Referenced Brené Brown's “Men, Women and Worthiness” Curt Thompson's “The Soul of Shame” Gershen Kaufman’s “Shame: The Power of Caring” Robert McGee's “The Search for Significance” John Trent’s “People Fuel”

Often pastors and ministry leaders find themselves occupied and even struggling with the very same issues they help others face. The danger is the assumption - the lie - that "pastors can deal with these things on their own" or, "pastors don't need counselors, that's a sign of weakness." Nothing could be further from the truth. Literally. The truth of God's word admonishes all of us to seek and receive good, biblical, godly counsel. Our lives and health depend upon it. We sit down with pastor and professional counselor Nate Wagner to discuss the benefits and challenges pastors and ministry leaders face in finding good counsel, and how that can lead to greater resiliency and strength in ministry. You can find Nate at spartabaptist.org.

When a car's wheels are out of alignment, it can create a domino effect of issues which could ultimately result in a crash. So it is in life, and perhaps more so in ministry. Inattention to our soul's alignment can be the fundamental issue that expresses itself in ever increasing difficulties. We sit down with pastor and ministry coach John Opalewski, whose story is one of the wheels coming off, but finding new hope and strength through alignment with God's truth and purposes. Resources Find all of John's materials at Converge Coaching

Many leaders are hurried, and hurry is costing them more than they realize. What if we were to rediscover the genius of Jesus' unhurried way of life and leadership? Great leadership grows in the soil of good rest. This is the conviction Alan Fadling has found in his quest to live and minister from the fullness of life in Jesus. Join us as we discuss living life at the pace of Jesus and what it means to abandon the rush of doing ministry our own way and in our own strength, and surrendering to the rhythm of work and rest God has shown us. Find out more about Alan's ministry at Unhurried Living Links to Alan's Books: An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest An Unhurried Leader: The Lasting Fruit of Daily Influence What Does Your Soul Love?: Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You The Way of Presence: The Empowering Reality of God-With-Us Inhaling Grace: A 60-Day Unhurried Living Devotional

Good health in any aspect of our lives requires Attention and Intention. It just doesn't happen, it must be pursued and practiced. This is especially true in ministry because there is an enemy - of our souls and of our ministry - who would have us weak, ineffective and irrelevant. How we cultivate our ministry health is as important as the ministry we seek to do! In this episode of Hope Renewed, we talk with Bryan Moak of Converge, and glean some crucial insights from how his work in the Mid-America District is helping to strengthen the Church and her leaders, providing hope to weary and worn warriors. To see what Converge Mid-America is doing to strengthen the church and her leaders, visit: https://convergemidamerica.org/strengthen/

“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.”—John 15:9 What would ministry - and life - look like if done from a basis of abiding deeply in Christ and his love? If that's not your current experience, it may be that this command of Jesus is an invitation to explore a more life-giving and joyful way to engage in your call to serve and minister. Join us as we sit down with Jack and Sharon Brown, who share their journey of ministry and life, and the lessons of identity, boundaries, self-care and healing they have learned that have led to experiencing healthy and hope-filled ministry. Resources mentioned in this episode: Abiding Way Ministries Sharon's Author Website Hope Renewed Episode with Sharon Garlough Brown

Serving the small (or ordinary) sized church is filled with challenges. So many of the resources and conferences for ministry leaders are geared toward larger-church contexts, and can leave those called to smaller congregations feeling under-served and less than confident about their ministry. In this episode of Hope Renewed we sit down with Karl Vaters, whose love for and experience in small church leadership have uniquely equipped him to be a voice of encouragement for pastors of congregations under 100. He shares some powerful insights about bringing God-sized faith to lesser-sized congregations, how health and numbers are NOT synonymous, and helpful thoughts about navigating these challenging times in the small church. Resources Mentioned: Find all of Karl's Resources at karlvaters.com

Each of us has a story which serves as a testimony to God's grace in our lives. Some of these stories involve deep pain and potential ruin. Others are stories of perseverance and discovery. All of them point to Jesus and the hope of his gospel. In this episode of Hope Renewed, PIR's own Jason Eddy opens his heart and shares his story of burnout and recovery. From a promising beginning in ministry, through an almost catatonic crash, to a renewed and flourishing role in service and ministry, Jason traces the hand of God at work in, around and through him as he navigated an incredibly difficult time of life and ministry. What shines clearly in his story is the One, True God who renews hope and sets our feet on solid ground.