In this episode of Life After Ministry, Chris Adams, Executive Director of Flourishing in Ministry, takes us deep into the heart of one of the biggest challenges pastors face today—burnout. With pastors feeling pulled in every direction, post-pandemic pressures, political polarization, and toxic church dynamics, how can they stay healthy and truly flourish? Chris shares his own background as a third-generation pastor and how he was inspired to care for those serving in ministry, especially after witnessing his grandfather's ministry burnout. Together, we unpack the emotional weight pastors carry and how Chris's work is helping pastors find real, tangible ways to prevent burnout, restore balance, and thrive, even when their ministries are struggling.

1. "You can be so right, you're wrong. There’s a lot of that happening today."

2. "Burnout sneaks up on pastors. By the time they realize it, the damage is done."

3. "Pastors need to play. A little bit of fun, even 20-30 minutes a week, can make a huge difference."

• Burnout sneaks up: Most pastors are unaware they’re burning out until it reaches a critical level. Early warning signs must be recognized.

• Self-regulation is essential: Pastors are constantly exposed to toxic behavior and emotional stress. They need skills to process and release those burdens.

• Playtime is necessary: Even a small amount of leisure time can rejuvenate mental and physical health and contribute to long-term well-being.

• Daily rhythms matter: Pastors should practice simple daily wellness routines, like a 5-minute pause or a 15-minute walk, to maintain resilience.

• Flourishing despite hardship: A pastor’s ministry doesn’t need to be thriving for them to personally flourish; redefining success can lead to true fulfillment.

00:00 - Introduction and Chris's Ministry Background 02:30 - The "Clergy-Killing" Churches and Why Chris Stayed in Ministry 04:50 - The Current Health of Clergy in America 07:15 - Navigating Polarization and Flourishing Amidst Conflict 10:00 - The Daily Well-being of Pastors 12:30 - Importance of Contemplative Practices and Play 16:30 - Flourishing in Ministry Even When Ministry Isn’t Flourishing 19:40 - The Research Behind Burnout in Ministry 22:30 - Indicators of When to Consider Stepping Away from Ministry 26:20 - How Flourishing in Ministry is Helping Pastors

In Episode 34 of Life After Ministry, Dennis Allen, author of The Disciple Dilemma, shares his journey from a military and corporate background to addressing one of the most significant crises in the church today: the failure of discipleship. Dennis discusses how the church has shifted from making disciples to prioritizing institutional success, leading to widespread disengagement, de-churching, and a broken model of ministry. Drawing on his leadership experience, Dennis explains how churches can refocus on their true mission—making disciples who make disciples.

This episode is crucial for ministry leaders, decision-makers, and anyone grappling with the challenges of church leadership in today’s complex landscape. Dennis offers deep insights into how discipleship can transform churches, reduce pastor burnout, and create lasting impact in the lives of congregations. His message is a wake-up call to rethink the church's mission and rediscover the biblical model of discipleship.

Join us as we dive into practical solutions for reviving discipleship in the church and hear Dennis' heartfelt encouragement to pastors who have transitioned out of ministry, reminding them that their identity is not lost—there is still hope and purpose beyond the pulpit.

Takeaways

• The modern church has shifted from making disciples to focusing on institutional growth, leading to disengagement and the rise of the "de-churched."

• True discipleship is a life-on-life process, not something that can be achieved through programs or one-size-fits-all approaches.

• Pastors are often burdened with unrealistic expectations, leading to burnout and a broken leadership model in many churches.

• Churches need to rediscover their biblical mission: making disciples who make disciples, which starts with leadership modeling the way.

• Even after leaving vocational ministry, pastors can still fulfill their purpose by walking alongside others in discipleship, finding renewed hope and identity.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:20 - Dennis Allen’s Journey from Military and Corporate to Ministry

02:21 - Early Mentorship and the Biblical Model of Discipleship

04:30 - The Symptoms of the Discipleship Crisis in the Church

05:01 - The Rise of the "Nones," "Dones," and the De-Churched

07:24 - The Impact of COVID on Church Engagement

08:59 - Institutional Problems in the Church and the Burden on Pastors

11:52 - The Biblical Discipleship Model: Bet Sefer, Bet Midrash, Bet Talmud

14:09 - Implementing Real Discipleship in the Modern Church

17:03 - The Burden of the "Sunday Show" and Outsourcing Spiritual Responsibility

18:32 - Similarities Between Broken Churches and Broken Corporations

20:51 - Reclaiming the Church’s True Mission and Identity

23:03 - The Challenge of Discipleship in a Culture of Instant Gratification

24:45 - Overview of The Disciple Dilemma and Its Goals

26:04 - Encouragement for Pastors Transitioning Out of Ministry

27:30 - Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Dennis Allen

What do you do when God asks you to let go of the dream you’ve built your life around? Wade Joye, former worship leader at Elevation Church, shares his personal story of facing that very question. We talk about the book he wrote: This Dream Is Not For You. In this episode of Life After Ministry, Wade opens up about the moment Pastor Steven Furtick asked him to consider if he was willing to release what he was good at to embrace what God was calling him to be great at. Wade wrestled with letting go of his role as a worship leader—a dream he thought would last a lifetime—but in surrendering it, he discovered a deeper purpose.

This episode speaks directly to those in ministry transition and the decision-makers tasked with helping others move forward. We explore the often painful process of releasing control and trusting God with an unknown future. Wade’s story is an encouragement to anyone navigating the loss of a role, identity, or dream, helping you recognize that God may be writing a greater story, even when the one you’re living seems to be falling apart.

In this raw and honest conversation, Wade shares how embracing new dreams led him to a more fulfilling and joyful life, despite the fear and uncertainty along the way. From his pivotal conversation with Pastor Furtick to finding his calling beyond vocational ministry, Wade emphasizes that true peace and fulfillment often only come after we release our grip on our own plans and trust God with our whole lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing ministry transitions, looking for hope and guidance as they step into the unknown.

Takeaways

• Letting go of our own dreams can open the door to God's greater plans for us.

• Ministry transitions, while painful, are often part of God's way of refining us and leading us into a new season of purpose.

• Trusting the guidance of leaders and God's timing can help us navigate through uncertainty and discover new callings.

• Our identity should not be defined by what we do (such as a job or ministry role), but by who we are in Christ.

• Calling is more about who we are becoming in Jesus than about a specific role or career path.

• Leadership transitions create opportunities for others to step into their God-given roles, making room for new growth in the church or organization.

• True peace and fulfillment often come only after we release our grip on our own plans and trust God with our entire lives.

• Developing a healthy inner world, focusing on our spiritual and emotional health, is essential for effective leadership and finding joy in new assignments.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:38 - Wade’s Journey and the Story Behind the Book

04:15 - The Turning Point: Pastor Steven Furtick’s Challenge

06:10 - Wrestling with the Dream and Trusting Leadership

08:05 - Transitioning into New Roles and Calling

12:13 - Redefining Calling: Identity vs. Assignment

14:03 - Stepping Away from Elevation Church

17:31 - Finding Joy in Letting Go and Creating Space for Others

20:42 - True Peace and Fulfillment After Letting Go

25:13 - Wade’s Ministry Today: Coaching and The Joyful Leader Program

29:04 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement