Shalom Project

In this milestone 50th episode , Mitch Lavender and Christian Konhaeuser-Lopez conclude their Entering Ministry for the First Time series by addressing a question many helping-profession workers quietly wrestle with: How do we keep our most important relationships from receiving only our leftovers? This conversation explores the tension between meaningful work and meaningful relationships—especial...

What happens after you take the job? Many conversations about ministry discernment focus on interviews, resumes, and hiring decisions. But the real work often begins after the offer letter is signed—when the honeymoon phase fades and the deeper values of a ministry begin to surface. In Episode 49, Mitch Lavender and co-host Christian Konhaeuser-Lopez continue the Entering Into Ministry for the Fir...

In this episode of The Shalom Project , Mitch Lavender is joined by co-host Christian Konhaeuser-Lopez as they continue their series on entering into ministry for the first time . This conversation centers on a crucial (and often overlooked) reality: you are interviewing a ministry just as much as they are interviewing you . Together, Mitch and Christian explore how interviews can act as a microco...

In this episode of the Shalom Project Podcast , Mitch Lavender and Christian Konhauser-Lopez continue their conversation on formation, integrity, and sustainability—especially for those entering ministry or other helping fields for the first time. After identifying our values in the previous episode, this conversation asks a crucial follow-up question: How do we actually sustain those values over...

What is real joy when life doesn’t look the way we hoped it would? In this Christmas Advent sermon, Mitch reflects on joy not as a feeling we manufacture, but as something we glimpse in the space between grief and hope. Drawing from Isaiah 35 and the season of Advent, this message names the reality many of us carry—loss, exhaustion, unanswered questions—while refusing to abandon hope. Through pers...

In this episode of Shalom Project , we explore why self-awareness and values are essential for anyone working in a helping field—especially ministry. Helping professions invite us to bring our whole selves into the work. At the same time, they place our identity at risk. By identity , we mean the person God designed you to be—your personality, temperament, culture, and unique way of being in the w...

Entering into ministry for the first time can feel exciting! But with time it can also feel overwhelming, unclear, and—if you’re not careful—unsustainable. In this episode, Mitch and Christian talk about one of the most overlooked essentials for new ministers: a clear, healthy job description. We explore: * why job descriptions protect your heart, your boundaries, and your calling * how unclear ro...

If you’ve ever wondered why Christians read Scripture together, this message will open that up with clarity and honesty. We’ll trace the beauty of our Judeo-Christian roots while also naming the painful truth—how the Bible has sometimes been weaponized in ways that overshadow Jesus Himself. This sermon invites you back to the center: a faith formed by Christ, faithful to the wholistic witness of S...

I’m sharing the journey that brought me here: the healing, the clarity, the rediscovery of joy, and the calling that emerged from it all. This is the heartbeat of the Shalom Project — a story still being written in hope. Buy a Hoodie or Beanie here Supplies lasts until the end of November! Connect with our shalom coaches here Directly support this podcast here Directly support our Cincinnati campu...

In this episode, I share about the awesome direction the Shalom Project Podcast is planning to go over the next year and also a very beautiful and personal update about my life. Don’t miss it! Buy a Hoodie or Beanie here Supplies lasts until the end of November! Connect with our shalom coaches here Directly support this podcast here Directly support our Cincinnati campus ministry here Music By: Za...

Witness the beauty of Timothy’s journey as he has moved through spaces that have suppressed and judged his identity, yet he still managed reclaimed his whole self through dance, martial arts, and becoming a therapist. He is one of our Shalom coaches, this episode is an opportunity for you to get to know him and connect. Tune in. Connect with Timothy here Music by : Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get fu...

Hear the powerful story of Christians’ journey over the last 6 years, full of ups, downs, wins, losses, and a powerful search for self amongst our Christian heritage. He is one of our Shalom coaches, this episode is an opportunity for you to get to know him and connect. Tune in. Connect With Christian Here Connect With Pax Cohorts Music by : Zakar Valaha from Pixabay Get full access to Shalom Proj...

In this Episode we recap the concepts and ideas that we’ve gained from sitting in this uncomfortable in between space. The goal being moving forward when we’re ready as a new person who’s been changed from our time with God in this place. Support Shalom Project Support our Impact Campus Ministry Get Your Gear While It Lasts Connect with Spiritual Coaches Music By: Grand_Project Prayer: Every Momen...

In this episode we talk more about our emotions, a few realities I have faced and what I’m learning about them. Imagine what stewarding your emotions well could mean for your relationship with yourself and Jesus. That’s what I’m talking about in this episode. Tune in. Support Shalom Project Here Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Criticism has a way of surfacing when life shifts—whether in our relationships, work, or spiritual journeys. In this episode, I share some reflections on how to face criticism in the middle of transition with honesty, care, and hope. It’s a short conversation to help you walk through hard moments without losing sight of peace and wholeness. Reflection Questions: * What does your internal criticism...

Sometimes life leaves us wondering if hope is even possible. In this episode, I talk honestly about the places where hope feels thin, and how to keep holding on when circumstances and faith seem fragile. Passages: Ezekiel 37 Books: Dictionary of Theological Interpretation by by Kevin J. Vanhoozer , Craig G. Bartholomew , Daniel J. Treier , N. T. Wright Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalo...

Real transformation doesn’t begin with what people see—it starts inside of us. Together, we’ll explore the quiet, often hidden interior work that allows us to heal, grow, and live more authentically in faith and life. Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

This is a short episode with a gentle invitation receive 2 deep truths. We tap on what it means to relate to God in the noisy, uncomfortable in-between. This is just a simple start. Tune in and know there is more to come. Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Leaving a church community can feel disorienting and lonely. This episode explores what it looks like to find belonging again and where new, life-giving connections can emerge in unexpected places. Faith Community Brainstorming Worksheet Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we come back to the conversation on staying, leaving, and holding space for pain. We think about our theology of leaving, staying, the stories we tell, and the closure we seek. Music by: Grand_Project Shalom Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelll...

In this episode Mitchell Lavender begins to unpack the painful and complex space of loss in our Faith communities. Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to season II Many of us are in the space between what was and what will be. This episode explores how to inhabit the “in-between” seasons of life with honesty, patience, and a sense of hope that can carry us forward. Music by: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I share with you a bit under the hood at Impact Campus Ministries, the awesome team of people I get to work with! Views expressed on this podcast are mine alone and do not represent the views of Impact Campus Ministries. www. ImpactTheU.com Support Mitch Lavender in his work at Impact Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe

Bonus episode of the sermon I had the opportunity to Preach/teach to my partnering church here in Ohio. Tune in for a good laugh and some thought provoking and relatable situations from the letter of James. This Episode goes live on #GivingTuesday! Please Support our campus ministry work here! Your monthly support will help bring community that is centered on Jesus Christ and his Gospel to college...

In todays episode we hear from local Elders Scott and Ann in the UCC church who have been practicing hospitality and the powerful difference it makes in the lives of both people who follow Jesus and people who don’t. Tune in! Music: Grand_Project Get full access to Shalom Project at mitchelllavender.substack.com/subscribe