Shalom Project

In this milestone 50th episode, Mitch Lavender and Christian Konhaeuser-Lopez conclude their Entering Ministry for the First Time series by addressing a question many helping-profession workers quietly wrestle with:How do we keep our most important relationships from receiving only our leftovers?This conversation explores the tension between meaningful work and meaningful relationships—especially in ministry, where work can feel sacred, urgent, and all-consuming. Mitch and Christian reflect on fatigue, over-responsibility, blurred boundaries, and the subtle ways work can become an escape or even a substitute for trust in God.Rather than offering quick fixes, the episode invites listeners into a gentler, more realistic vision of faithfulness—one rooted in pacing, self-awareness, and allowing God to remain at the center of a dynamic, embodied life.Key Themes & Takeaways* Why relationships suffer under “good” work* Over-loyalty to the job* Difficulty saying no* Feeling like you must be the hero everywhere* Fatigue and compassion burnout* Letting work follow you home* Ministry is not meant to replace your walk with God* When ministry becomes your whole spirituality, other areas of life quietly deteriorate* You are called to shepherd, not to save* “Scope creep” in life and ministry* Taking responsibility for what was never yours* Doing “God-things” instead of human-sized faithfulness* Tending your internal garden* Burnout is often a sign of neglected inner care* “Add yourself back in” is not selfish—it’s necessary* Reimagining balance* Ministry begins in your actual, ordinary life—not an idealized version of it* Faithfulness flows outward from lived worship, not performance* God at the center, not the top of a list* A spoke-and-hub metaphor for life with God at the center* Energy flows dynamically to where it’s needed without abandoning core rhythms* Norms protect relationships* Healthy patterns create freedom during emergencies* Consistency builds resilience, not rigiditySeries ReflectionThis episode marks the conclusion of the Entering Ministry for the First Time series. The series has explored vocation, values, boundaries, expectations, and sustainability—not just for ministry, but for anyone in caregiving or helping professions.It’s Time For a Break!We’re taking a short, intentional pause through March to read, reflect, and let new ideas take root.The Shalom Project has always been about depth over urgency, and this season is part of that commitment.We’ll be back in April with a new series shaped by what we’re learning.InvitationIf this episode stirred something in you:* You’re welcome to reach out with questions* Coaching conversations are available* And we would love to hear what you are practicing and learning“To the next 50.” Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

What happens after you take the job?Many conversations about ministry discernment focus on interviews, resumes, and hiring decisions. But the real work often begins after the offer letter is signed—when the honeymoon phase fades and the deeper values of a ministry begin to surface.In Episode 49, Mitch Lavender and co-host Christian Konhaeuser-Lopez continue the Entering Into Ministry for the First Time series by shifting the lens to life inside the role.This is a conversation for anyone quietly asking:“Is this still healthy for me?”What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe First 60–90 DaysWhy the early months matter so much—and how listening, observing, and asking questions can help you discern what’s really going on beneath the surface.Healthy Skepticism (Without Cynicism)How to pay attention without becoming combative, guarded, or disillusioned—and why awareness is an act of wisdom, not rebellion.Burnout vs. Compassion FatigueWe unpack the difference between the two, how they show up in ministry, and why both often go unnamed until damage is already done.One subtle sign burnout may be beginning:when you stop operating from your person and start operating from your position.Values Alignment and Long-Term CostIs this place worth your heart, your energy, your time, and your family—five, ten, or twenty years from now?Not every misalignment means you should leave.But not every misalignment is survivable.The Question That Changes EverythingCan I coexist here without losing myself or my values?This question becomes a compass—whether the answer is yes or no.When It’s Time to Part WaysWe normalize something rarely spoken out loud:parting ways can be biblical, faithful, and done with dignity.Leaving doesn’t automatically mean failure, rebellion, or lack of faith.Backup Plans and Real-World PressureWhat to do when finances, loyalty, fear, or spiritual guilt make discernment feel impossible—and why having a Plan B is not a lack of trust in God.Spiritual Direction as SupportWhy having someone outside your ministry—who holds no power over you—can be essential during seasons of discernment.Why This Episode MattersMinistry is sacred work.It is also risky work.We know you care.We know you love God.We know you want to serve well.This episode is dense. If you remember one thing, remember this:“Do not forget yourself in the process. Pay attention and take care of yourself.”Because discernment becomes nearly impossible when you are depleted, disconnected, or overwhelmed.Resources Mentioned* A Church Called Tov by Laura Barringer and Scot McKnight* Soul Roots Spiritual Formation (BIPOC-centered, free spiritual direction)* Previous Shalom Project episode: God Is Not Surprised That You Left ChurchA Final WordIf you find yourself in a ministry role where values feel misaligned, or you’re quietly carrying questions you don’t feel safe asking—You don’t have to hold that alone.You’re welcome to reach out privately.We’re here to listen.We’re here to hold space.We’re here to remind you that you matter too.Next episode: “Your Family Doesn’t Get Seconds” — a conversation about boundaries, loyalty, and core relationships.Music By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Shalom Project, Mitch Lavender is joined by co-host Christian Konhaeuser-Lopez as they continue their series on entering into ministry for the first time.This conversation centers on a crucial (and often overlooked) reality: you are interviewing a ministry just as much as they are interviewing you.Together, Mitch and Christian explore how interviews can act as a microcosm of ministry culture—revealing values, power dynamics, expectations, and definitions of success long before you ever say “yes.”In this episode, we explore:* Why interviews are about mutual discernment, not just qualification* Key questions to ask when evaluating a ministry’s values and culture* How to pay attention to your body, nervous system, and intuition during interviews* Why understanding power dynamics (authority, race, gender, culture, economics) matters* What it means when a ministry defines success by:* Attendance* Baptisms* Stories of transformation* Service metrics* The danger of value misalignment—and the cost of long-term compromise* How to assess whether a ministry invites mutual thriving or quiet assimilation* Why being “picky” (when possible) is an act of wisdom, not selfishness* The interview as a blind date—not a marriage proposalQuestions discussed in the episode include:* What happened to the last person in this role?* Who do I directly report to?* Who do I talk to if I have an issue with my direct report?* How does leadership relate to congregants / parishioners?* How do you define success in ministry?* What are the core values held by the leadership team?Each question is framed not as suspicion—but as curiosity, care, and self-respect.Extra Questions:* Who does my direct report, report to?* What are long-term goals of the leadership?* How do we handle HR issues? Is there an HR Team/department?* How is conflict handled?* How does the leadership team handle feedback?* How is the work life balance?* What’s the culture of the Leadership team?* Would you work here again?A posture we encourage:Come curious.Come grounded.Come honest about your needs and boundaries.And if you can, do not compromise your values out of fear or urgency.A faster “yes” is not always a safer one.If alignment is there — beautiful.If it isn’t — that information matters.And sometimes, if you can’t find it, you may be called to create it elsewhere.Recommended ResourceWe reference The Church Called Tov by Scott McKnight and Laura Barringer as a helpful framework for thinking through church culture, leadership health, and institutional values.What’s next?In the next episode, we shift the lens:👉 You’ve been hired. Now what?We’ll explore posture, boundaries, and discernment after you step into a ministry role.As always, take what’s helpful.Leave what’s not.And may you move toward places where your values—and your humanity—are welcomed.Music By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Shalom Project Podcast, Mitch Lavender and Christian Konhauser-Lopez continue their conversation on formation, integrity, and sustainability—especially for those entering ministry or other helping fields for the first time.After identifying our values in the previous episode, this conversation asks a crucial follow-up question:How do we actually sustain those values over time?Together, Mitch and Christian explore how deliberate practices tether us to our values and help us stay grounded, present, and regulated—particularly in environments that place pressure on our identity, performance, and spirituality.Rather than prescribing rigid formulas, this episode frames practices as anchors—gentle rhythms that stabilize our nervous systems, deepen our self-awareness, and create space for God to meet us where we are.In this episode, we explore:What we mean when we say grounded and present in body, mind, and spiritWhy helping fields (especially ministry) can quietly erode our sense of selfBriefly how unexamined trauma responses can shape our leadership and relationships (more to come later)Briefly Why Mitch prefers the word practice.Briefly the role of embodiment, play, and enjoyment in spiritual formationHow internal chaos makes it difficult to live out our values consistentlyPractices discussed include:Physical activity & movement as regulation and playReading as humility, curiosity, and worldview expansionJournaling as a non-performative space for integrationPrioritizing Core friendships where performance stops and presence beginsEngaging in tangible reminders that engage the senses and call us back to centerRule of Life as rhythms that support long-term fruitfulnessThis episode also reflects gently but honestly on the unique dangers of ministry—when worship becomes a job and how we can risk forgetting our own need for the gospel of Jesus Christ.At its heart, this conversation is an invitation:to slow down, to listen to your body, to honor your limits, and to cultivate practices that help you become the kind of person who is aligned with their own values—not just someone who does meaningful work.💬 Join the conversation:We’d love to hear from you. What practices help you stay grounded and aligned with your values? You’re invited to share in the comments on Substack—or message us privately if that feels safer for you.Leave a commentMessage Mitchell LavenderResources Mentioned:The Artist’s WayCrafting a Rule of LifeRuthless Elimination of HurryHabits of the HouseholdCommon RulePS: If you’re new here, the Start here page is the best place to begin. Shalom Project grows slowly and through word-of-mouth. If this helped you, tapping the ❤️ or following the podcast helps others find it.And if you want to go deeper: Subscribe nowOr connect with us through the Shalom Project.Directly support this podcast hereDirectly support our Cincinnati campus ministry hereMusic By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

What is real joy when life doesn’t look the way we hoped it would?In this Christmas Advent sermon, Mitch reflects on joy not as a feeling we manufacture, but as something we glimpse in the space between grief and hope. Drawing from Isaiah 35 and the season of Advent, this message names the reality many of us carry—loss, exhaustion, unanswered questions—while refusing to abandon hope.Through personal stories of life, death, birth, and waiting, this sermon invites listeners to consider how joy changes across seasons, how it slips through our fingers, and how it quietly returns when we become aware of God’s nearness. Isaiah’s vision of deserts blooming and exiles returning becomes a picture of a deeper truth: joy is not tethered to circumstances, but to the presence of God.This message is for anyone who feels like joy comes and goes, for those grieving during the holidays, and for those who are learning to trust that even when everything is not as it should be, Jesus remains the same. Real joy, Mitch suggests, sits somewhere between the pain of today and the hope of tomorrow—and the link between the two is Christ.May this sermon offer space to breathe, permission to grieve, and a gentle reminder that God is still at work, bringing new life where we least expect it.Shalom Project’s regularly scheduled series, Entering into Ministry for the First Time, will return on January 1 at 9:00 a.m. Until then, you’re invited to listen to the first two episodes here: Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Shalom Project, we explore why self-awareness and values are essential for anyone working in a helping field—especially ministry.Helping professions invite us to bring our whole selves into the work. At the same time, they place our identity at risk. By identity, we mean the person God designed you to be—your personality, temperament, culture, and unique way of being in the world. Over time, many environments subtly reshape people into what is most socially acceptable, rather than championing growth without assimilation.We also clarify what we mean by values: the things that give your life meaning, direction, and depth—such as authenticity, kindness, creativity, or faithfulness. When we lack awareness of who we are and what we value, it becomes difficult to be present. When we aren’t present, our decisions are often shaped by external pressures rather than internal conviction.In demanding environments, one of two things usually happens:* We slowly conform to the culture around us* Or we help shape the culture through clarity, presence, and integrityWe name the realities many people encounter in ministry and other helping fields—traditions, expectations, agendas, sacred emotions, and status quos—that can either support wholeness or quietly resist growth.We also discuss how emotions can serve as important signals:* Frustration or anger may point to a crossed boundary* Sadness can indicate misalignment with your values* Anxiety may reveal a lack of safety or support* Peace or happiness often signal alignment* Joy can reflect safety and security, even in hard circumstancesRather than judging these emotions, we invite you to treat them as information—something to be approached with curiosity.This episode lays the foundation for what comes next. In the following episode, we’ll explore practices that help you hold onto your values over time, especially in demanding and high-pressure environments.Reflection Questions* What do I genuinely enjoy?* What do I want to be known for?Resources Mentioned* ACT Values Worksheet (Russ Harris)* Finding the Right Hills to Die On – Gavin Ortlund* Who Pays for Diversity? – Oneya Fennell Okuwobi* Emotionally Healthy Discipleship – Pete Scazzero* Non-Anxious Presence – Mark SayersShalom Project grows slowly and through word-of-mouth. If this helped you, tapping the ❤️ or following the podcast helps others find it.And if you want to go deeper, connect with us through the Shalom Project.Directly support this podcast hereDirectly support our Cincinnati campus ministry hereMusic By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Entering into ministry for the first time can feel exciting! But with time it can also feel overwhelming, unclear, and—if you’re not careful—unsustainable.In this episode, Mitch and Christian talk about one of the most overlooked essentials for new ministers: a clear, healthy job description.We explore:* why job descriptions protect your heart, your boundaries, and your calling* how unclear roles lead to burnout, resentment, and confusion* The pitfalls of what can happen down the road when you don’t have oneThis episode is part of our ongoing series “Entering Into Ministry for the First Time,” designed to help new ministers step into their calling with wisdom, health, and integrity.Whether you’re preparing for your first ministry role, already serving and feeling overwhelmed, or trying to build healthier systems in your church, campus ministry or job in general—this conversation will give you tools that last.Note* We do not discuss the details of what should go in a job description directly because we feel that should be worked out internally within ministry specific settings.However, a good starting point would include the following:* Responsibilities* Expectations* Reporting structure* Character/values alignment* Competencies & required skills* Hours, rhythms, and culture fitAs always, take what you need, leave what you don’t.Shalom Project grows slowly and through word-of-mouth. If this helped you, tapping the ❤️ or following the podcast helps others find it.And if you want to go deeper, connect with us through the Shalom Project. Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever wondered why Christians read Scripture together, this message will open that up with clarity and honesty. We’ll trace the beauty of our Judeo-Christian roots while also naming the painful truth—how the Bible has sometimes been weaponized in ways that overshadow Jesus Himself. This sermon invites you back to the center: a faith formed by Christ, faithful to the wholistic witness of Scripture, and rooted in a story bigger than our distortions.Connect with our shalom coaches hereDirectly support this podcast hereDirectly support our Cincinnati campus ministry here Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

I’m sharing the journey that brought me here: the healing, the clarity, the rediscovery of joy, and the calling that emerged from it all. This is the heartbeat of the Shalom Project — a story still being written in hope.Buy a Hoodie or Beanie here Supplies lasts until the end of November!Connect with our shalom coaches hereDirectly support this podcast hereDirectly support our Cincinnati campus ministry hereMusic By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I share about the awesome direction the Shalom Project Podcast is planning to go over the next year and also a very beautiful and personal update about my life. Don’t miss it!Buy a Hoodie or Beanie here Supplies lasts until the end of November!Connect with our shalom coaches hereDirectly support this podcast hereDirectly support our Cincinnati campus ministry hereMusic By: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Witness the beauty of Timothy’s journey as he has moved through spaces that have suppressed and judged his identity, yet he still managed reclaimed his whole self through dance, martial arts, and becoming a therapist. He is one of our Shalom coaches, this episode is an opportunity for you to get to know him and connect. Tune in.Connect with Timothy hereMusic by: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Hear the powerful story of Christians’ journey over the last 6 years, full of ups, downs, wins, losses, and a powerful search for self amongst our Christian heritage. He is one of our Shalom coaches, this episode is an opportunity for you to get to know him and connect. Tune in.Connect With Christian HereConnect With Pax CohortsMusic by: Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this Episode we recap the concepts and ideas that we’ve gained from sitting in this uncomfortable in between space. The goal being moving forward when we’re ready as a new person who’s been changed from our time with God in this place.Support Shalom ProjectSupport our Impact Campus MinistryGet Your Gear While It LastsConnect with Spiritual CoachesMusic By: Grand_ProjectPrayer: Every Moment Holy Volume 3, pg. 198. Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we talk more about our emotions, a few realities I have faced and what I’m learning about them. Imagine what stewarding your emotions well could mean for your relationship with yourself and Jesus. That’s what I’m talking about in this episode. Tune in.Support Shalom Project HereMusic: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Criticism has a way of surfacing when life shifts—whether in our relationships, work, or spiritual journeys. In this episode, I share some reflections on how to face criticism in the middle of transition with honesty, care, and hope. It’s a short conversation to help you walk through hard moments without losing sight of peace and wholeness.Reflection Questions:* What does your internal criticism feel and sound like? * When does it show up?* Are there any specific phrases or beliefs that seem to visit too long as you are on your way?* On external criticism, are you staying connected to something that is toxic for you? * If so why and what would it take to let that go? * How can you let it go and maintain your relationships?* What can you focus on that you can control this week that would be beneficial and helpful for your own formation and walk with God?Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work, grace and peace to you!Music by: Grand_Project. Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Sometimes life leaves us wondering if hope is even possible. In this episode, I talk honestly about the places where hope feels thin, and how to keep holding on when circumstances and faith seem fragile.Passages: Ezekiel 37Books: Dictionary of Theological Interpretation by by Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Craig G. Bartholomew, Daniel J. Treier, N. T. WrightMusic: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Real transformation doesn’t begin with what people see—it starts inside of us. Together, we’ll explore the quiet, often hidden interior work that allows us to heal, grow, and live more authentically in faith and life.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

This is a short episode with a gentle invitation receive 2 deep truths. We tap on what it means to relate to God in the noisy, uncomfortable in-between. This is just a simple start. Tune in and know there is more to come.Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Leaving a church community can feel disorienting and lonely. This episode explores what it looks like to find belonging again and where new, life-giving connections can emerge in unexpected places.Faith Community Brainstorming WorksheetMusic: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we come back to the conversation on staying, leaving, and holding space for pain. We think about our theology of leaving, staying, the stories we tell, and the closure we seek.Music by: Grand_ProjectShalom Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Mitchell Lavender begins to unpack the painful and complex space of loss in our Faith communities.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to season IIMany of us are in the space between what was and what will be. This episode explores how to inhabit the “in-between” seasons of life with honesty, patience, and a sense of hope that can carry us forward.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share with you a bit under the hood at Impact Campus Ministries, the awesome team of people I get to work with! Views expressed on this podcast are mine alone and do not represent the views of Impact Campus Ministries.www.ImpactTheU.comSupport Mitch Lavender in his work at ImpactMusic: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Bonus episode of the sermon I had the opportunity to Preach/teach to my partnering church here in Ohio. Tune in for a good laugh and some thought provoking and relatable situations from the letter of James.This Episode goes live on #GivingTuesday! Please Support our campus ministry work here! Your monthly support will help bring community that is centered on Jesus Christ and his Gospel to college students!Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In todays episode we hear from local Elders Scott and Ann in the UCC church who have been practicing hospitality and the powerful difference it makes in the lives of both people who follow Jesus and people who don’t. Tune in!Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In todays episode, I recap key takeaways from the previous paradigm episodes. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to them, check them out!Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Quick updates and exciting news for what’s around the corner as we move through this Fall and into Winter.Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Deconstructing and not sure if there are good churches out there? This one’s for you.Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share a sermon that I preached back in July of 2024 over at the church I partner with, The University Christian Church. This partnership with them has been a huge blessing to my formation and I’m thankful to be able to observe, learn, and walk alongside them in the journey. Tune in!Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share a quick and powerful paradigm that I learned from one of my professors and few years ago, tune in, it will make your life a little easier.Scriptures:Matthew 22Leviticus 19Deuteronomy 6Music:Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I unpack a bit of the book of James and his call to us to recognize ourselves as people who must remember something that we easily forget.Resources: New Living TranslationLockett, Darian R. NT286 Survey of the General Epistles. Logos Mobile Education. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.Davids, Peter H. The Epistle of James: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982.Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this Episode I read Jesus’ prayer in John 17, inviting us who call ourselves Jesus followers to meditate on the implications of this prayer now, in this election season, and beyond.Music by:Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this Episode Leslie (LCSW) and I continue a powerful conversation centered around our brains, the Gospel and how perhaps we can take a few steps forward in embodying our Lord Jesus.Reach Leslie Music by:Grand_ProjectLexin_Music Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Taking a short break from the paradigm series, I share a bit of my meditation this week from Gen 1:1-3. Tune in!Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Leslie (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and myself begin to unpack this idea of trauma informed ministry. This episode was so good I asked her to return for a part II! Tune in, you’ll enjoy it! You can find some of her work here at: UnveiledStudy References: (visual perception, not necessarily conscious experience)*https://academic.oup.com/nc/article/2016/1/niw004/2757124Music by: Coma Studio & Grand Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Many people have different ideas about Seminary based on different experiences. We are three Black men who have found value from our time there and wanted to discuss some of what we found insightful. Tune in.Books:How to Survive and Thrive in Seminary by H. Daniel Zacharias & Benjamin K. ForrestSacred Rhythms By Ruth Haley BartonSpiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg CalhounMusic by: White_Records & Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I and my good friend Christian who is a Licensed Professional Counselor discuss the idea of Tolerance. Is it the place to stay? How do we have patience with ourselves if that’s where we are? If it’s not the place to stay, what are some ideas about how we could move past in and onto other aspects of following Jesus? Should we settle for tolerance? How has it felt when people tolerated you?Text:Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, JohnMusic By: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this Episode Lenz and I discuss the topic of humility, how it is not being a door mat nor overbearing. We take a look at what we see in Jesus and some of the implications for us in our lives and in our respective ministry contexts.Text:Gen 2:7John 4Philippians 2Music By: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I and my good friend Lenz who is a pastor is FL, begin discussing the paradigm shifts that center around the topic of unity, Unity as humanity and unity in communities of faith as well as some advice and wisdom for those of us who lead.Text:Genesis 1:26-28Matthew 10John 17Ephesians 1-3Books:Following the Master by Michael J. WilkinsMusic by: Grand_Project from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we spend some time discussing the transition between healing and transformation. While I believe healing is an ongoing process and that transformation is a part of that process, I wanted to give us some room to sit with what we have discussed.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share about the prayer of a student of mine that has come to frame my life and put words to my healing journey on a wholistic level. Often times our painful experiences color our minds as we think about the future, but with God many of our past experiences are rewritten with new ones that bring life… we just need to show up as we areMusic by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share about a few more aspects of facing the future that were pivotal for my journey out of an unhelpful ministry setting into newness.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share about my experience with facing the future after what was a dramatic life change for myself and my family.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I speak about my experience with walking away from my role in ministry without having the closure that I always thought I’d have.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I begin talking about some of the ins and outs of facing my past as I began to realize it is what I needed to do.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share specifically about what the healing looked like in my life, how it showed up through my social circles, through therapy, and in having a better understanding of my needs as a person who is wired the way I am.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share about two of the main things which God delivered me from through my healing journey and how he began to crack open this new world of formation.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share about a confrontation that took place in my life which revealed a few things hidden deep in my heart and lead me towards freedom.Music by : Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share about the circumstances in my church ministry which lead to me becoming aware of what was going on inside of me as I began to face dysfunction and pain.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this introductory episode I share about the Shalom Project Podcast and lay out the parameters as we venture forward together into healing, wholeness, and the Text. This Podcast exists for those experiencing Church hurt, Leadership troubles and have a need for room and space to heal.Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe