The Crabby Pastor

Send a text What happens when a dedicated discipleship pastor faces the crushing weight of ministry burnout? This episode of the Crabby Pastor podcast brings you another Back from Burnout saga with an eye-opening conversation about pastor health featuring our brave guest, Rob Gashler, who shares his personal story of navigating the challenging waters of ministry burnout and recovery. From his expe...

Send a text Join my discussion with guest Dr. Andrew Root, author of "When Church Stops Working." Together, we dissect how the relentless drive for growth impacts pastoral health which then leads to burnout and and the threat of early departure from ministry. Discover how pursuing resonance over acceleration can breathe new life into our spiritual communities. Our discussion takes a refl...

Send a text Unlock the secrets to navigating the intricate world of intrapersonal conflict with insights to promote pastor health from Rev. Geniese Stanford, a former business professional turned pastor, who joins me on the Crabby Pastor podcast. We'll explore how recognizing the gap between current experiences and desired outcomes can turn conflict into a powerful source of energy for growth...

Send a text What truly lies behind Pastor Appreciation Month? Join me, Margie Bryce, your leadership coach who focuses on burnout prevention on the Crabby Pastor podcast as we unravel the tangled web of emotions and expectations surrounding this special time. From the joys of receiving unexpected gifts like bath bombs and meat packages to the bittersweet reality of being forgotten, we dive into st...

Send a text Join me, Margie Bryce, your leadership coach who focuses on burnout prevention, on this eye-opening episode of the Crabby Pastor Podcast, where we unravel what's essential to find contentment and perseverance through Christ's strength, all while understanding that we are not built for limitless capacity. What if the very Bible verse you've been leaning on for endless str...

Send a text Join me, Margie Bryce, on the Crabby Pastor podcast as we unpack the complexities of Pastor Appreciation Month. And yes, this is my annual rant with a goal of looking at preventing leadership burnout. And, I'm asking whether a designated time for gratitude is really necessary, or do we risk turning a heartfelt gesture into a Hallmark holiday?  This episode sheds light on the strug...

Send a text How do we navigate the turbulent waters of church polarization and foster unity? Join me, Margie Bryce, along with Michael Bischoff from Soul Leader Resources, as we tackle this pressing issue on the Crabby Pastor podcast. With more denominations than you can count, the church is more divided than ever. We reflect on Jesus' prayer for oneness in John 17, and consider how societal...

Send a text Both men and women will benefit from this discussion on how women leaders in ministry navigate the unique challenges of self-doubt and cultural barriers. Join us as Margie Bryce and our special guest Janyne McConnaughey uncover the intricacies of imposter syndrome and self-limiting narratives that often plague women in leadership. With a rich background in both supportive and restricti...

Send a text This was such a fun conversation with renowned trauma expert Janyne McConnaughey... who joins us in this episode to learn more about how internal dialogue matters... a lot!  Janyne shares invaluable insights from her professional work and personal healing journey, emphasizing the power of positive self-talk and the concept of metacognition—thinking about our thinking. This episode is d...

Send a text Can holy friendships be the key to preventing burnout in ministry? Join us on the Crabby Pastor podcast as Margie Bryce hosts Michaele LaVigne to explore how deep spiritual connections can sustain and enrich pastoral life. Currently, Michaele contributes to the Spiritual Formation Initiative at Nazarene Theological Seminary, focusing on spiritual direction and coaching. She will be hos...

Send a text Find out how to navigate the complexities of ministry while staying true to your calling with insights from Beth Caulfield, author of "People Throw Rocks at Things that Shine." In this episode, we unpack the inevitable messiness and unexpected hardships that come with following one's spiritual path. Beth provides wisdom on how to remain steadfast, emphasizing that God us...

Send a text Kathy was my spiritual director for about eight years. This means she endured A LOT because she dealt with ME.  Kathy passed away from Alzheimer's in January 2022. Her illness took her away too early from many who benefitted from her wisdom and wit. Here I'm sharing some of Kathy's best pieces of wisdom as a tribute to her.  Her influence on the ministry I am called to i...

Send a text Do you ever feel like the pressure of ministry is weighing you down? This episode is your lifeline! Join me, Margie Bryce, for a soul-refreshing conversation on self-care for ministry leaders. I'm bringing you a wealth of wisdom on building resilience through hobbies, recreational activities, and focusing on single tasks that give your brain a much-needed rest from the pressures o...

Send a text Are you determined to steer clear of becoming the 'Crabby Pastor,' exhausted and irritable? If so, this episode (which is Part 1 of a two-part series) will help guide you to sustain yourself in the demanding world of ministry.  We start with a look at 50 Ways to Support Your Pastor Across Five Dimensions of Well-Being : social, physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual—th...

Send a text Have you ever found yourself so immersed in the demands of ministry leadership that your own spirit starts to fray at the edges?  In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Paul Kuzma, a pastoral counselor who has weathered the storm of burnout himself. Together, our conversation weaves personal narratives and practical wisdom into a tapestry of guidance for any ministry lead...

Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right?  Rev. Tanner Griffin courageously shares his battles with burnout and the personal and professional toll it took on his life. Reverend Griffi...

Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right?  This episode, Rev. Eden Avalos shares a story of emotional fatigue. His candid recount of seeking therapy and restructuring his life offers...

Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right?  What happens when the weight of ministry becomes too heavy to bear? Pastor Pat Robbins from Brown City United Methodist Church courageously...

Send a text While on sabbatical (yes, I'm taking my own advice), we are replaying podcasts where our brave guests tell their journey into and out of burnout. You won't want to miss these as there's always something to learn from others, right?  This is the story that Rev. Tony Miltenberger shared with me and it's one where he draws parallels with his demanding time in the Army...

Send a text I'm exploring the essence of what it means to be 'called' in this Transitional era for the Church. God is calling us to follow Jesus wholeheartedly into 'new things' which means emergence of ministries that are both within and outside the conventional framework. I share my insights into how these shifts demand a renewed focus on holistic self-care and call for...

Send a text Humility: once you think you have it, you actually don't. That's the challenge of this basic Christian virtue. Today's conversation is with Dr. Dennis Edwards, the brilliant mind behind the book Humility Illuminated: the biblical path back  to Christian character, to help us tackle this complex virtue. As your host, Margie Bryce, I get personal about my own experiences l...

Send a text Are you the leader who's constantly putting out fires and juggling the demands of ministry, barely pausing to catch your breath?  Join me and Josh Curtiss for an honest conversation about recognizing the tell-tale signs of burnout, the necessity of self-awareness, and the dangers of becoming that crabby pastor nobody wants to invite for coffee. The thrill of change is undeniable,...

Send a text This episode explores the bitter truth behind sugar's sweet facade. My guest, Troy Duell, host of the podcast Frontline Health and CEO of Centurion Labs, joins me, Margie Bryce, to expose sugar's addictive grip on our brains. Yikes. The road to a healthier you is paved with sweet alternatives that don't compromise on taste. Discover the game-changing benefits of natural...

Send a text Discover the power of perspective in this transformative discussion with Kristen Humiston, as we peel back the layers of trauma experienced within the church. Together, we challenge the conventional approach of questioning what's wrong with individuals, pivoting instead to exploring the pivotal events that have shaped them. We dissect the crucial role of self-care for pastors, emp...

Send a text What is wrong with those sheep, anyway? My guest, Kristen Humiston, and I unpack that topic, and find a surprising link: our own trauma. Sure, it's easy to say we are all broken, but exploring our brokenness to become wounded healers is a different sort of journey. Listen as we discuss the unexpected ways in which our scars can equip us to lead with profound compassion and authent...