In this episode of The Imperfect Pastor, we tackle a crucial reality check: this isn’t our church—Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:15-18). As pastors, we’re called to cooperate with His agenda, not our own, which often means embracing necessary culture shifts to align with His mission rather than clinging to tradition.

A key part of this is making space for the Holy Spirit to lead. Too often, we rush decisions, trying to force change on our timeline instead of waiting on God’s. But true transformation happens when we facilitate room for the Spirit to work and guide our people toward God's agenda.

We also address one of the biggest distractions in ministry—criticism. How much time did Jesus spend quieting His critics? Not much. He stayed focused on His mission. We discuss practical ways to handle complainers: have the conversation once, don’t dwell on it, and move on. Instead of getting bogged down in people-pleasing or reading every comment, invest your time in those who are open to spiritual growth.

Shifting church culture isn’t easy, but remembering whose church it is keeps us grounded. If we let Jesus lead, we can navigate these challenges with clarity, patience, and trust in His perfect timing.

Frustration is a reality for every pastor, but where does it come from, and how can we navigate it in a way that honors God and sustains our calling? In this episode, we unpack the common sources of pastoral frustration—ranging from ideological conflicts and petty battles to control struggles and the tension between church culture and mission. We discuss the challenge of leading a church that sometimes operates more like a social club than the body of Christ and explore how church history, traditions, and personal preferences can create obstacles to Kingdom growth.

Beyond external frustrations, we dive into the weight of expectations—those from the local church, denominational overseers, family, and even ourselves. Many pastors feel the pressure to be everything to everyone, yet the truth is, we were never meant to wear every hat. Without clear boundaries, others will make them for us.

So how do we overcome frustration? We explore the power of setting healthy boundaries, redefining expectations, and finding a trusted mentor to process the highs and lows of ministry. By leaning into wisdom, seeking guidance, and staying grounded in our calling, we can move from frustration to a place of clarity, endurance, and renewed purpose.

In this introductory episode, we delve into who we are and the heartfelt reasons behind creating The Imperfect Pastor podcast. This series is born from a deep awareness that pastoral work, though rooted in divine calling, is fraught with human imperfection and challenges. We acknowledge the truth: pastors are not immune to struggles but are constantly growing through them.

In this first episode, we discuss the realities of ministry, highlighting common experiences pastors face, such as loneliness, stress, burnout, and impostor syndrome. We tackle the self-doubt that manifests as internal questions like, "Am I good enough?" or "Can I truly do this well?" and explore how these doubts can lead to incongruence—acting one way while feeling another—and a lack of authenticity in ministry. But, even amidst these difficulties, there is hope.

In this episode you will learn that you are not alone on this journey. Together, we will learn to lead authentically, lean into growth, and embrace the beautiful, imperfect journey of pastoring.