Summary

In this conversation, Pastor Toney Parks shares his journey from an unlikely candidate to becoming a pastor and his experiences growing up in Birmingham. He discusses the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of community in the black church. Pastor Parks reflects on his 32 years of pastoring a church and the decision to retire. He emphasizes the need for pastors to prepare for retirement and shares his own plans for life after ministry.

Takeaways

• The black church has played a significant role in the African American community, providing a sense of family and community.
• Pastors in the black community often retire later in life or die in the pulpit due to various factors such as financial constraints and fear of the unknown.
• Retiring from ministry requires careful planning and preparation, both financially and emotionally.
• There is life after ministry, and retired pastors can continue to serve and make a difference in their communities through teaching and mentoring.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Conference 01:40 - Unlikely Candidate to Pastor 03:07 - Encountering Jesus and Growing Up in Birmingham 07:45 - Influence of Martin Luther King Jr. 11:31 - Pastoring a Church for 32 Years 23:57 - Retiring from Ministry 29:39 - Life After Ministry 38:33 - Preparing for Retirement 46:33 - Closing Remarks

Summary

Jon Morrison shares his journey from vocational ministry to entrepreneurship. He discusses his call to ministry, the catalyst that brought him out of ministry, and the challenges he faced during the scrambling season. Jon emphasizes the transferable skills that pastors possess and how they can be applied in the marketplace. He shares his own experiences in entrepreneurship and highlights the blessings and opportunities that come with life after ministry. Jon encourages pastors to have hope and embrace the new possibilities that await them.

Takeaways

• There is life after vocational ministry, and it can be fulfilling and rewarding.
• Pastors possess transferable skills that can be applied in the marketplace.
• Adaptability, communication, leadership, and the ability to simplify complex ideas are valuable skills for pastors in the marketplace.
• Life after ministry offers opportunities for personal growth, financial stability, and the ability to pursue other passions and interests.
• Trusting in God's plan and providence is essential during the transition from ministry to a new career.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Recording Setup 00:29 - Background and Call to Ministry 03:06 - Catalyst for Leaving Ministry 06:09 - Lifelong Commitment to Ministry? 08:36 - Scrambling Season and Finding Work 09:18 - Discovering Entrepreneurship 12:52 - Life After Vocational Ministry 16:56 - Transferable Skills from Ministry 23:39 - God's Plan and Providence 32:54 - Is There Life After Ministry?

Summary

Alan Ramsey shares his journey of transitioning out of vocational ministry and into a new career. He discusses the challenges and emotions he faced during this transition, as well as the support he received from his church leadership. Alan highlights the transferable skills he gained from ministry and how they apply to his current role as a corporate chaplain. He emphasizes the importance of giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season. Alan also shares his perspective on finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry.

Takeaways

• Transitioning out of vocational ministry can be a challenging and emotional process.

• Transferable skills gained from ministry can be valuable in a new career.

• Giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season is important.

• Finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry is possible.

Chapters

01:00 Background and Ministry Experience

04:24 Transitioning Out of Ministry

06:05 Recognizing the End of a Season

08:00 Navigating the Transition

10:51 Leaving Vocational Ministry

14:45 Day Zero and Starting a New Job

19:06 Ministry in a Different Context

23:08 Identity and Titles

25:12 Grieving and Processing the Transition

29:55 Hope, Healing, and Health

31:44 Embracing the Assignment

32:16 Conclusion

Summary

In this conversation, Ian and Sharalee Smith share their journey of transitioning in and out of ministry and the lessons they have learned along the way. They discuss the decision to have six children and the challenges and blessings of raising a large family. They also talk about living in the wilderness and the importance of trusting God in uncertain times. They share their experiences of stepping out in faith and the invitation to know God on a deeper level. Finally, they discuss their current work with the Hero Collective and the importance of living one day at a time.

Takeaways

• Transitioning in and out of ministry can be a challenging and transformative experience.

• Trusting God in uncertain times and stepping out in faith can lead to unexpected blessings.

• Living in the wilderness can be a time of refinement and growth, where God invites us to know Him on a deeper level.

• Finding and embracing our unique identity and purpose is key to living a fulfilling life.

• Living one day at a time and trusting God's provision and guidance is essential in navigating an unpredictable future.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction and Family Background

• 01:01 - The Decision to Have Six Children

• 03:07 - Transitioning in and out of Ministry

• 05:19 - Lessons Learned in Ministry

• 14:48 - Living in the Wilderness

• 18:11 - Stepping Out in Faith

• 21:44 - Experiencing God in the Wilderness

• 25:50 - Longing for the Comfort of the Past

• 29:15 - Living with an Unpredictable God

• 32:56 - Life After Ministry and the Hero Collective

• 38:39 - Living One Day at a Time

• 39:26 - Conclusion

Summary

This conversation explores the challenges and struggles faced by pastors and their families in ministry. The guests, Shawn and Sonny Hennessy, share their personal journey of leaving ministry and finding restoration. They discuss the need for emotional growth, the systemic issues within the church, and the importance of creating a culture of vulnerability. They also highlight their work in providing a retreat center for pastors and individuals in need of healing and restoration. The conversation emphasizes the idea that there is life after ministry and that God can use individuals in various ways outside of traditional ministry roles.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:59 - Call into Ministry

05:07 - Struggles and Exit from Ministry

08:03 - Identity Crisis and Challenges

10:58 - The Need for Emotional Growth

11:50 - Issues with Church Leadership

17:18 - The Systemic Problem in Ministry

18:17 - Changes in Ministry Approach

25:17 - The Retreat Center and Restoration

31:30 - Creating a Culture of Vulnerability

36:39 - Finding Purpose Outside of Ministry

Summary

Dr. Michael Shafer shares his journey of transitioning out of full-time ministry and starting G6 Allies, a ministry that supports pastors and church leaders. He discusses the challenges he faced, including being blindsided by his termination and the impact it had on his family. Despite the difficulties, he found healing and purpose in helping other pastors and their families through G6 Allies. He also shares his experience of starting G6 Church and the importance of building resilient Christian leaders. Overall, his story highlights the resilience and faithfulness of God in the midst of life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:04 Transitioning out of Full-Time Ministry 09:23 Dealing with the Blindsiding and Anger 12:14 Starting G6 Allies 17:17 G6 Allies: Building Resilient Christian Leaders 19:19 Supporting Pastors' Wives 22:18 Starting G6 Church 25:01 Life After Ministry 28:11 Connecting with G6 Allies

Summary

Dane Sanders shares his journey from vocational ministry to his current work with Men and Women of Discomfort. He discusses the challenges faced in vocational ministry and the need for better transitions and support within the Christian community.

Dane explains the concept of Men and Women of Discomfort, a program that focuses on intentional discomfort to foster personal growth and strength. The goal is to be strong and awake for love's sake. He emphasizes the importance of community in this process and the power of suffering together.

This conversation explores the power of community and authentic confession in the context of discomfort. It highlights the difference between Men and Women of Discomfort and other programs, emphasizing the focus on wholeheartedness rather than perfection.

The conversation delves into the concept of the Valley of Discomfort and the temptation to return to comfort, using the story of the buffalo as a metaphor for running towards the storm. It emphasizes the importance of perspective and purpose in suffering and encourages individuals to choose to embrace discomfort and not waste the season.

The conversation also discusses shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' and relating to discomfort as building a cathedral. Finally, it offers guidance on taking the next step and getting in touch with Men and Women of Discomfort.

Takeaways

• Vocational ministry often comes with challenges and transitions that can be difficult to navigate.

• The Christian community can struggle with effectively supporting individuals going through these transitions.

• Men and Women of Discomfort is a program that focuses on intentional discomfort to foster personal growth and strength.

• The goal is to be strong and awake for love's sake, living a life that is fully engaged and aligned with one's values.

• Community plays a crucial role in the process of intentional discomfort and personal growth. Community and authentic confession can be a powerful source of support and growth in times of discomfort.

• Men and Women of Discomfort focuses on wholeheartedness rather than perfection, setting it apart from other programs.

• The Valley of Discomfort can be a challenging place, but it is where growth and transformation happen.

• Running towards discomfort, like the buffalo running towards the storm, can lead to finding the 'good stuff' and developing resilience.

• Having the right perspective and purpose in suffering can help individuals navigate and make the most of difficult seasons.

• Choosing to embrace discomfort and seeing it as an opportunity to grow and become stronger can lead to a more fulfilling life.

• Shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' can change one's mindset and attitude towards discomfort.

• Relating to discomfort as building a cathedral can help individuals see the value and purpose in their struggles.

• Taking the next step and getting in touch with Men and Women of Discomfort can provide guidance and support for those seeking to navigate discomfort.

• There is life after ministry and opportunities for ministry in different seasons of life.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

07:20 - Challenges in Vocational Ministry

13:08 - Transitioning and the Christian Community

17:25 - Moving Forward After Ministry

20:33 - Men and Women of Discomfort

26:38 - The Goal: Strong and Awake for Love's Sake

36:42 - The Importance of Community

44:38 - The Power of Community and Authentic Confession

45:31 - The Difference Between Men and Women of Discomfort and Other Programs

48:01 - The Valley of Discomfort and the Temptation to Return to Comfort

50:16 - The Story of the Buffalo and Running Towards the Storm

54:25 - The Importance of Perspective and Purpose in Suffering

57:02 - Choosing to Embrace Discomfort and Not Waste the Season

01:01:33 - Shifting from 'I Have to' to 'I Get to'

01:02:16 - Relating to Discomfort as Building a Cathedral

01:05:04 - Taking the Next Step and Getting in Touch

01:06:12 - Life After Ministry and Ministry After Ministry

Summary

In this episode of the Life After Ministry podcast, titled "Ministry In The Military," we explore a path that many pastors might not have considered: becoming a military chaplain. Our guest, Chaplain Jordan Huggins, shares his firsthand experience serving in both the US Air Force and Space Force. For pastors wrestling with "what's next?" Jordan's journey offers a compelling glimpse into a role where ministry skills are not just useful but vital.

Serving as a military chaplain brings unique challenges but also profound opportunities to support service members and their families through spiritual guidance and pastoral care. Jordan talks about what it takes to step into this role, the kind of impact you can expect to have, and why it's been fulfilling for him.

If you're at a crossroads in your ministry career, curious about military chaplaincy, or simply seeking a new avenue where your pastoral skills can make a difference, this conversation is for you. It's a straightforward look at an option that could be your next calling—a chance to serve those who serve.

Chaplain Jordan Huggins shares his journey from military to ministry and back to the military as a chaplain. He discusses the challenges and rewards of ministering to airmen and guardians, providing counseling and support in various situations. Chaplain Huggins also explains the process of becoming a military chaplain and offers guidance for those interested in pursuing this path. He emphasizes the importance of ministry beyond the walls of the church and the privilege of being with people on their worst days.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from military to ministry and back to the military as a chaplain is a unique and fulfilling path.

• Chaplains play a crucial role in providing counseling and support to military personnel, addressing their spiritual and emotional needs.

• Becoming a military chaplain requires an MDiv degree or a master's degree in theology, religious studies, and endorsement from a denomination or faith group.

• The process of joining as a chaplain takes about four to six months and involves a thorough evaluation of qualifications and physical fitness.

• Ministry after ministry extends beyond the walls of the church and involves being present with people in their most challenging moments.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

01:28 - Transition from Military to Ministry

03:11 - Existential Crisis and Return to Faith

04:10 - Ministry Life and Experience

05:27 - Return to Military as a Chaplain

07:18 - Needs of Airmen and Guardians

08:43 - Counseling and Support for Military Personnel

10:04 - Becoming a Military Chaplain

13:10 - Process of Joining as a Chaplain

14:22 - Next Steps for Those Interested

15:17 - Ministry After Ministry

17:10 - Closing Remarks