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PODCAST · religion

The Crabby Pastor

by Rev. Dr. Margie Bryce

Nowhere in Scripture do we find the story of Jesus rushing to Bethany like a maniac. Yet, far too often, we see dedicated ministry leaders embracing a lifestyle that leads to disillusionment and burnout. Welcome to our podcast, where we champion the art of nurturing a self-care mindset alongside a transformative kenotic leadership style. It's not about denominations; it's a profound spiritual journey! Join us for a candid conversation as we explore how you can consciously refocus and realign your life to cultivate a sustainable, thriving lifestyle. After all, if you don't, you might just find yourself becoming... The CRABBY Pastor.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 16, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. 134: Back from Burnout: Rev. Rob Gashler's saga

    Send a text What happens when a dedicated discipleship pastor faces the crushing weight of ministry burnout? This episode of the Crabby Pastor podcast brings you another Back from Burnout saga with an eye-opening conversation about pastor health featuring our brave guest, Rob Gashler, who shares...

  2. 133: Finding Resonance with Author Andrew Root

    Send a text Join my discussion with guest Dr. Andrew Root, author of "When Church Stops Working." Together, we dissect how the relentless drive for growth impacts pastoral health which then leads to burnout and and the threat of early departure from ministry. Discover how pursuing resonance over...

  3. 132: Dealing with Conflict within Yourself

    Send a text Unlock the secrets to navigating the intricate world of intrapersonal conflict with insights to promote pastor health from Rev. Geniese Stanford, a former business professional turned pastor, who joins me on the Crabby Pastor podcast. We'll explore how recognizing the gap between...

  4. 131: Pastor Appreciation Month: Genuine Celebration or Obligatory Gesture?

    Send a text What truly lies behind Pastor Appreciation Month? Join me, Margie Bryce, your leadership coach who focuses on burnout prevention on the Crabby Pastor podcast as we unravel the tangled web of emotions and expectations surrounding this special time. From the joys of receiving unexpected...

  5. 130: Check your Finite-tude

    Send a text Join me, Margie Bryce, your leadership coach who focuses on burnout prevention, on this eye-opening episode of the Crabby Pastor Podcast, where we unravel what's essential to find contentment and perseverance through Christ's strength, all while understanding that we are not built for...

  6. 129: Pastor Appreciation Month revisited

    Send a text Join me, Margie Bryce, on the Crabby Pastor podcast as we unpack the complexities of Pastor Appreciation Month. And yes, this is my annual rant with a goal of looking at preventing leadership burnout. And, I'm asking whether a designated time for gratitude is really necessary, or do…

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  7. 128: Dealing well with this divisive era

    Send a text How do we navigate the turbulent waters of church polarization and foster unity? Join me, Margie Bryce, along with Michael Bischoff from Soul Leader Resources, as we tackle this pressing issue on the Crabby Pastor podcast. With more denominations than you can count, the church is more...

  8. 127: More (and even worse) stories we tell ourselves

    Send a text Both men and women will benefit from this discussion on how women leaders in ministry navigate the unique challenges of self-doubt and cultural barriers. Join us as Margie Bryce and our special guest Janyne McConnaughey uncover the intricacies of imposter syndrome and self-limiting...

  9. 126: Stories We Tell Ourselves

    Send a text This was such a fun conversation with renowned trauma expert Janyne McConnaughey... who joins us in this episode to learn more about how internal dialogue matters... a lot! Janyne shares invaluable insights from her professional work and personal healing journey, emphasizing the power...

  10. 125: The power and sustainability found in Holy Friendships

    Send a text Can holy friendships be the key to preventing burnout in ministry? Join us on the Crabby Pastor podcast as Margie Bryce hosts Michaele LaVigne to explore how deep spiritual connections can sustain and enrich pastoral life. Currently, Michaele contributes to the Spiritual Formation...

  11. 124: ENCORE: Advice for WHEN your call gets messy

    Send a text Find out how to navigate the complexities of ministry while staying true to your calling with insights from Beth Caulfield, author of "People Throw Rocks at Things that Shine." In this episode, we unpack the inevitable messiness and unexpected hardships that come with following one's...

  12. 123: ENCORE: A Little Wisdom from Kathy

    Send a text Kathy was my spiritual director for about eight years. This means she endured A LOT because she dealt with ME. Kathy passed away from Alzheimer's in January 2022. Her illness took her away too early from many who benefitted from her wisdom and wit. Here I'm sharing some of Kathy's…

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  13. 122: ENCORE: Part 2: From Burnout to Balance

    Send a text Do you ever feel like the pressure of ministry is weighing you down? This episode is your lifeline! Join me, Margie Bryce, for a soul-refreshing conversation on self-care for ministry leaders. I'm bringing you a wealth of wisdom on building resilience through hobbies, recreational...

  14. 121: ENCORE: Part 1: From Burnout to Balance: A Guide for Ministry Leaders

    Send a text Are you determined to steer clear of becoming the 'Crabby Pastor,' exhausted and irritable? If so, this episode (which is Part 1 of a two-part series) will help guide you to sustain yourself in the demanding world of ministry. We start with a look at 50 Ways to Support Your Pastor...

  15. 120: ENCORE: Back from Burnout: Rev. Paul Kuzma

    Send a text Have you ever found yourself so immersed in the demands of ministry leadership that your own spirit starts to fray at the edges? In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Paul Kuzma, a pastoral counselor who has weathered the storm of burnout himself. Together, our conversation...

  16. 119: Back from Burnout ENCORE: Rev. Griffin's Journey to Self-Care and Renewed Calling

    Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? Rev. Tanner Griffin courageously shares his battles...

  17. 118: Back from Burnout ENCORE: Rev. Eden Avalos' Journey to Sustainable Self-Care

    Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? This episode, Rev. Eden Avalos shares a story of...

  18. 117: Back from Burnout ENCORE: Pastor Pat's Journey Through Spiritual Strain and Recovery

    Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? What happens when the weight of ministry becomes too...

  19. 116: Back from Burnout ENCORE: Rev. Tony Miltenberger

    Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right? This is the story that Rev. Tony Miltenberger shared...

  20. 115: A Chat about "Calling" in this Transitional Era for the Church

    Send a text I'm exploring the essence of what it means to be 'called' in this Transitional era for the Church. God is calling us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly into 'new things' which means emergence of ministries that are both within and outside the conventional framework. I share my insights…

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  21. 114: Balancing Praise with Humility

    Send a text Humility: once you think you have it, you actually don't. That's the challenge of this basic Christian virtue. Today's conversation is with Dr. Dennis Edwards, the brilliant mind behind the book Humility Illuminated: the biblical path back to Christian character, to help us tackle…

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  22. 113: Back from Burnout: Josh Curtiss' story

    Send a text Are you the leader who's constantly putting out fires and juggling the demands of ministry, barely pausing to catch your breath? Join me and Josh Curtiss for an honest conversation about recognizing the tell-tale signs of burnout, the necessity of self-awareness, and the dangers of...

  23. 112: The sweet deception of SUGAR

    Send a text This episode explores the bitter truth behind sugar's sweet facade. My guest, Troy Duell, host of the podcast Frontline Health and CEO of Centurion Labs, joins me, Margie Bryce, to expose sugar's addictive grip on our brains. Yikes. The road to a healthier you is paved with sweet...

  24. 111: Final Thoughts Clergy Need to Know about Trauma

    Send a text Discover the power of perspective in this transformative discussion with Kristen Humiston, as we peel back the layers of trauma experienced within the church. Together, we challenge the conventional approach of questioning what's wrong with individuals, pivoting instead to exploring…

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  25. 110: More on Clergy and Trauma, Part 2 of 3

    Send a text What is wrong with those sheep, anyway? My guest, Kristen Humiston, and I unpack that topic, and find a surprising link: our own trauma. Sure, it's easy to say we are all broken, but exploring our brokenness to become wounded healers is a different sort of journey. Listen as we…

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  26. 109: Clergy and Trauma, Part 1 of 3

    Send a text When the calling you've devoted your heart to is stripped away, where do you turn? This episode features the courageous Kristen Humiston, who opens up about the often-concealed traumas of ministry leadership. Have you or anyone you know experienced forced termination and the trauma…

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  27. 108: Defining Sanctuary for Faith Communities

    Send a text Imagine stepping into a sanctuary that's as safe and nurturing as it is spiritually enriching – this is the future we're fashioning today on the Crabby Pastor podcast. I'm Margie Bryce, and alongside former private investigator Lori Morrison, we're ripping off the veil on the urgent...

  28. 107: A Pastor's Guide to Religious Scrupulosity

    Send a text This week on the Crabby Pastor podcast, I’m thrilled to have Debra Peck, author of "The Hijacked Conscience," join us to illuminate the often misunderstood world of religious scrupulosity. Debra opens up about her personal battle with this form of OCD that entangles fear, sin, and...

  29. 106: Food, Glorious Food and Sustainable Weight Strategies for Ministry Leaders

    Send a text Let's peel back the curtain of battles with diets from Atkins to Weight Watchers, and I'll share how I learned to navigate the emotional minefields that can sabotage our healthiest intentions. This episode isn't just about what you eat, it's about the challenges we face with food.…

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  30. 105: A nail-biter realization about how we work

    Send a text Here's a unique metaphor for HOW we work in our vocations. Join me, Margie Bryce, on a journey to harmonize the scattered shards of our personal and professional lives, just like crafting a stained glass masterpiece. The silent predator of burnout lurks in the shadows of our demanding...

  31. 104: The Post-COVID world: deconstruction

    Send a text Join Margie Bryce and special guest Michael Bischoff from Soul Leader on The Crabby Pastor podcast as they explore the delicate balance of ministry and self-care. They discuss the transformative process of faith deconstruction, likening it to a messy yet rewarding kitchen renovation....

  32. 103: Thriving in Faith Leadership Beyond the Shadow of Depression

    Send a text Join podcast host Margie Bryce and special guest Michael Bischoff from Soul Leader Resources as they delve into the art of constructing a sustainable life in ministry. In this enlightening discussion, Margie and Michael explore the beauty of self-care and the vital importance of...

  33. 102: Messing up the Balancing Act of Ministry and Self Preservation

    Send a text Discover the transformative journey from the burdens of leadership to the oasis of self-care and sustainable ministry with Margie Bryce, host of the Crabby Pastor podcast. Dive into the tranquil sanctuary of her glass workshop as she extends a personal invitation to fellow ministry...

  34. 101: Back from Burnout: Rev. Paul Kuzma

    Send a text Have you ever found yourself so immersed in the demands of ministry leadership that your own spirit starts to fray at the edges? In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Paul Kuzma, a pastoral counselor who has weathered the storm of burnout himself. Together, our conversation...

  35. 100: Empowering Ministry Leaders through Coaching with Cathy Parish

    Send a text When Cathy Parish went from a local pastor in Indiana to a minister of evangelism in Alabama, little did she know that her quest for coaching would redefine not just her path, but the way we all view mentorship in ministry. Our latest episode of the Crabby Pastor podcast is a…

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  36. 99: Rev. Alex Lang: Part 2: Why I Left the Church

    Send a text Have you ever witnessed the moment when a long-held belief is challenged and, like a seedling breaking through concrete, transforms into a new understanding? That's the kind of metamorphosis we unpack in our latest episode of the Krabby Pastor podcast, where I, Margie Bryce, sit down...

  37. 98: Rev. Alex Lang: Part 1: Why I Left the Church

    Send a text Discover what it takes to foster a transformative ministry in today's ever-changing spiritual landscape. Join me, Margie Bryce, for an insightful discussion with Reverend Alex Lang, whose candid revelations in "Departure: Why I Left the Church" have resonated with leaders and...

  38. 97: A Back from Burnout Story: Rev. Tanner Griffin

    Send a text Time for another: Back from Burnout episode. Reverend Tanner Griffin is candid about the moments that led him to step away from full-time pastoral work and this is a tale of caution as well as invaluable insight for those bearing the mantle of spiritual leadership. His emergency room...

  39. 96: Transformative Coaching inspires the Leader at key ministry in Flint, Michigan

    Send a text When Reverend Dawn Ramirez, the compassionate force behind Little Lambs Compassionate Ministry Center, joins me, Margie Bryce, it's more than just a conversation—it's an inspiring journey through how coaching is a valuable asset for ministry. Discover the powerful narrative of how…

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  40. 95: Embracing AI for Innovative Worship and Design

    Send a text Join me, Margie Bryce, as I sit down with Jason Moore, an innovative ministry leader merging faith with the digital frontier. We unravel the complex relationship between artificial intelligence and spiritual outreach, sharing how AI like ChatGPT can amplify the echoes of our sermons…

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  41. 94: Surviving the Highs and Lows of the High Holy Holidays

    Send a text And just where did all the people go??? Let's chat honestly about the dip in attendance after the high holy holidays. One minute the throngs are there and the next... nada! Once those crowds disperse, reality sets in. One key reality is that we are only human. Proof: how our emotions...

  42. 93: Advent Devotional: Finding Joy in the Challenges of Serving

    Send a text Ever feel overwhelmed by personal and global challenges? You're not alone. Margie Bryce, host of the Crabby Pastor podcast, explores how to find authentic joy amidst struggles and suffering. Margie powerfully illustrates this with the example of Mary, and her joy in serving the Lord,...

  43. 92: Advent Devotional: How well do you love yourself?

    Send a text Have you ever felt like a 'Crabby Pastor,' hustling to keep up with ministry duties, only to realize you're burnt out and your self-care has taken a back seat? It's time to pump the brakes and take a detour away from pastoral burnout and tune in to this little Advent devotional about...

  44. 91: Advent Devitional: Finding Sustained Peace in Ministry Leadership

    Send a text Ever found yourself lost, grappling with the complexity of leading a ministry, especially during the hustle and bustle of the Advent season? But how do we find peace in the frenzy and avoid burnout? I'm Margie Bryce, host of the Crabby Pastor podcast, on a journey to uncover…

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  45. 90: Advent devotional: Embracing Hope

    Send a text Have you ever considered how the shimmering beauty of a stained glass heart captures the vulnerability of those who lead in ministry? As your host, Margie Bryce, I'm here to share valuable insights relating to the sustainability of ministry, especially during this Advent season.…

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  46. 89: The Complexities of Pastor Appreciation

    Send a text What if the very tradition meant to show appreciation towards pastors, instead stirs up feelings of trauma, invalidation, and a sense of being unappreciated? As your host, Margie Bryce, we grapple with this question on the latest episode of the Crabby Pastor podcast. I’m discussing...

  47. 88: Dr. Chris Adams on How to Take a Sabbatical, Part 2

    Send a text Part 2 of a compelling conversation, on how sabbatical know-how. Your host, Margie Bryce, and guest Rev. Dr. Chris Adams from Biola University illuminate the significance of a sabbatical as a powerful tool for rejuvenation. But the relief doesn't end there - we also reveal how to...

  48. 87: Dr. Chris Adams on How to Take a Sabbatical

    Send a text Feeling the strain of ministry leadership? Burnout is more common than you might think, and it often goes unnoticed by those who are suffering. Together with the insightful Rev. Dr. Chris Adams from Biola University, we explore the how-tos of sabbatical from the planning process to…

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  49. 86: Part 2: From Burnout to Balance

    Send a text Do you ever feel like the pressure of ministry is weighing you down? This episode is your lifeline! Join me, Margie Bryce, for a soul-refreshing conversation on self-care for ministry leaders. I'm bringing you a wealth of wisdom on building resilience through hobbies, recreational...

  50. 85: Part 1: From Burnout to Balance: A Guide for Ministry Leaders

    Send a text Are you determined to steer clear of becoming the 'Crabby Pastor,' exhausted and irritable? If so, this episode (which is Part 1 of a two-part series) will help guide you to sustain yourself in the demanding world of ministry. We start with a look at 50 Ways to Support Your Pastor...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Nowhere in Scripture do we find the story of Jesus rushing to Bethany like a maniac. Yet, far too often, we see dedicated ministry leaders embracing a lifestyle that leads to disillusionment and burnout. Welcome to our podcast, where we champion the art of nurturing a self-care mindset alongside a transformative kenotic leadership style. It's not about denominations; it's a profound spiritual journey! Join us for a candid conversation as we explore how you can consciously refocus and realign your life to cultivate a sustainable, thriving lifestyle. After all, if you don't, you might just find yourself becoming... The CRABBY Pastor.

HOSTED BY

Rev. Dr. Margie Bryce

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Crabby Pastor have?

The Crabby Pastor currently has 162 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Crabby Pastor about?

Nowhere in Scripture do we find the story of Jesus rushing to Bethany like a maniac. Yet, far too often, we see dedicated ministry leaders embracing a lifestyle that leads to disillusionment and burnout. Welcome to our podcast, where we champion the art of nurturing a self-care mindset alongside a...

How often does The Crabby Pastor release new episodes?

The Crabby Pastor publishes regularly with 162 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Crabby Pastor?

You can listen to The Crabby Pastor on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Crabby Pastor?

The Crabby Pastor is created and hosted by Rev. Dr. Margie Bryce.
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