The Ministry And Podcast

What does it look like to pursue reconciliation when you've personally experienced hurt? In this episode of Ministry &, a pastor shares his experiences with racism in the church, the lessons he has learned along the way, and why he believes Christians are called to a higher standard of grace, humility, and unity. Rather than focusing solely on the failures of others, he reflects honestly on his ow...

The hosts, Heather and Mike sit down with producer Jonathan Burian to talk about season one of the Ministry & podcast. They'll talk about the origins of the podcast, how they came up with the name and their favorite moments from the first season.

In the midst of overwhelming circumstances, Matt wrestled with grief, identity, and calling. Yet through it all, his faith in the Lord remained steady. This conversation is an honest look at suffering, endurance, and what it means to stay faithful when everything around you seems to fall apart. His story is a powerful reminder that while roles may change and seasons may break us, God’s presence an...

A missionary shares the painful experience of betrayal by a sending agency and the unexpected detour that followed. In this honest conversation, they reflect on hurt, trust, and how God remained faithful—providing, restoring, and ultimately sending them back to the mission field. A story of calling that endured beyond disappointment and a reminder that detours are never outside God’s purposes.

Kris, serving as a ministry volunteer, shares how God called him out of a secure career in the secular marketplace, and into the unknown world of ministry. In this episode, Kris reflects on the tension of leaving stability, trusting God’s plan, and discovering that true calling often requires surrender. His story is a powerful reminder that obedience to God is worth the risk.

A ministry leader, David Vaughan, shares how confronting disunity head-on despite deep frustration, became the turning point God used to heal a divided church and restore unity.

A ministry leader, John, shares his experience of enduring a season where parts of his church actively undermined his leadership and resisted efforts to grow and unify the congregation. In the midst of discouragement, he learned a defining lesson: your calling is not the same as your assignment, and when an assignment fails, it does not define your identity.

A pastor (Sid Tiller) shares how he navigated one of the most difficult seasons of ministry, caring for a family who felt spiritually abused while also responding to the accused with grace, truth, and biblical integrity. This conversation offers insight for leaders facing complex pastoral care and church conflict.

An elder (Steven) and his wife (Jenée) share their experience of betrayal within church leadership, the painful discernment process that followed, and why leaving after 30 years became the most biblically faithful response. This conversation speaks to leaders navigating church hurt, broken trust, and obedience to Scripture when systems fail.

A Russian missionary, Alexandr Lukmanov (Sasha) shares his journey of coming to the United States to learn ministry, beginning church service at just 21, and now overseeing church planting efforts across Russia during the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war (as of this recording January, 2026).In this episode, he reflects on the challenges of preaching the gospel in a time of conflict—loving people on both...