After a few weeks off, we’re finally back behind the microphones and there’s plenty to catch up on.

Tim can officially talk about Lakeview hiring a new associate pastor, including what the search process was like and the surprisingly difficult reality of calling candidates to tell them they finished second. Pastoral ministry apparently now includes HR, recruiting, and emotionally complicated phone calls.

Andrew spent last weekend in Dallas for his second graduation from Dallas Theological Seminary and, unlike the first time, he actually showed up for this one. Growth. Maturity. Airfare.

Meanwhile, Tim’s ordination is only a month away, and he’s beginning to question why Andrew is asking such deeply personal theological and ministry questions. Somewhere between “describe your prayer life” and “what books are you reading,” the process started feeling less like ordination prep and more like a pastoral FBI interview.

Last night, both guys participated in their friend Adam Powers’ D.Min graduation celebration, which somehow turned into the launch of an entirely new competition: figuring out who is actually the funniest pastor in the friend group. Results remain disputed.

It’s a catch-up episode full of hiring updates, seminary milestones, ordination prep, and middle-aged men trying very hard to out-joke each other.

Andrew hit a major setback in his fitness journey this week… his Xbox died. Which means treadmill time now involves actual exercise instead of casually walking through a video game storyline. Prayers are appreciated during this difficult season.

Tim followed his new sermon pregame schedule this Sunday and felt like a new man, which apparently means hydration, pacing, and not sprinting emotionally into the pulpit like it owes you money.

At Lakeview, a new staff member was officially onboarded this morning. Meanwhile, Safety Harbor kicked off a brand-new sermon series and will spend the next two months walking through Esther. Plot twists, providence, and Persian politics. What more could you want?

Tim also wrapped up his fourth wedding in four weeks, which raises the question, should pastors just keep a suit permanently pressed and ready? That leads into a bigger conversation about weddings, honorariums, and whether built-in fees might be the better route for navigating expectations.