Calling in Seasons: Miles Larson on Leadership, Identity, and Holy Discontent | Caller ID

On Caller ID, host B. Davis Wells talks with Miles Larson, executive director of the Brethren Church, about calling as seasonal rather than permanent and how work matters without defining identity. Miles shares his curiosity-driven hobbies, early leadership lessons managing a catering hall at 14, and an unexpected career path from higher education and career services to pastoral ministry after experiencing “holy discontent.” He describes discernment through community, wise counsel, and practical signs like a seminary scholarship, and explains success as “fruitfulness” rather than metrics. They discuss moving toward new roles versus running away, guarding against titles becoming identity, the need for rest and sabbatical, challenges like cynicism and rigid processes, cultural shifts driving bivocational ministry, and his hoped-for legacy of rebuilding trust, clarifying key terms, and cultivating joy in the church.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Caller ID.

You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it.

New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.