Send us 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 experience in college ministry and church planting to his current role at Second Baptist Church in Ba...
Dec 04, 2024•39 min
Send us 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 reflective turn as we explore the powerful act of waiting, a rare but transformative practice in today's fast-p...
Nov 20, 2024•51 min
Send us 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 and change, even in the simplest scenarios—like deciding between a beloved cup of coffee and timely m...
Nov 06, 2024•53 min
Send us 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 stories shared by our vibrant online community. The complexities of Pastor Appreciation Month are a...
Oct 23, 2024•33 min
Send us 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 strength is actually nudging you to recognize your limits? This heartfelt conversation guides you through maintaini...
Oct 16, 2024•26 min
Send us 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 struggles pastors face, such as managing parsonages, setting boundaries, and the ever-crucial task of self-c...
Oct 08, 2024•23 min•Ep. 130
Send us 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 instincts to identify enemies contribute to further fractures. Election seasons and post-COVID tension...
Sep 25, 2024•43 min
Send us 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 restrictive church environments, Janyne sheds light on the critical need for male leaders to foster inclus...
Sep 11, 2024•35 min
Send us 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 designed to inspire better self-care and mindfulness in perceiving and speaking to ourselves, provi...
Aug 28, 2024•51 min
Send us 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 hosting a webinar on August 29 on how to start a holy friendship group (see link below). In our conv...
Aug 14, 2024•49 min
Send us 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 uses every experience, even the tough ones, to fulfill His greater plan. Drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul...
Aug 07, 2024•36 min
Send us 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 is profound. For one, I have a spiritual director bent that impacts how I coach others. I hope you find some treasu...
Jul 31, 2024•22 min
Send us 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 of ministry. We'll also talk about the invaluable support of a coach or spiritual director and I'll be ...
Jul 17, 2024•22 min
Send us 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—that will fortify your pastoral journey. This is a document available HERE which was produced by Wespath, an a...
Jul 10, 2024•26 min
Send us 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 leader seeking harmony between their calling and personal well-being. Join us as we explore the fullness of...
Jul 03, 2024•49 min•Ep. 120
Send us 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 Griffin provides an unfiltered look at the inefficacies within church organizational health and the immense pressures t...
Jun 26, 2024•46 min
Send us 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 a beacon of hope and practical advice for ministry leaders navigating similar challenges. Eden's journey didn't e...
Jun 19, 2024•47 min
Send us 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 shares his journey through a period of intense burnout. He faced a harrowing series of personal and professional ...
Jun 12, 2024•21 min
Send us 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 Reserves. Our conversation underscores the dangers of righteous indignation in ministry and the importance of balancin...
Jun 05, 2024•29 min
Send us 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 a missional approach to ministry, tapping into the unique gifts of congregations to serve communities earnestly and effect...
May 29, 2024•27 min
Send us 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 leading with humility. It's a journey sprinkled with trials and victories, from the difficulties of relying on the...
May 22, 2024•44 min
Send us 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, but so is its ability to drain your batteries. We're tackling the need for balance—how to embrace chang...
May 15, 2024•44 min
Send us 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 sweeteners that don't come packaged with other health concerns. This is sure to be a sweeet episode. Here is Tro...
May 08, 2024•34 min
Send us 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, emphasizing the necessity for leaders to be equipped with empathy and insight—to not only heal others eff...
May 01, 2024•34 min
Send us 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 authenticity. Embarking on a path to self-awareness is no solitary endeavor, especially for those shepherding...
Apr 24, 2024•33 min
Send us a text When the calling you've devoted your heart to is stripped away, where do you turn? This episode features the courageous Kristen Humiston, who opens up about the often-concealed traumas of ministry leadership. Have you or anyone you know experienced forced termination and the trauma that it induced? Then this episode is for them, and YOU! This is part one of three conversations with Kristen where we delve deeper into trauma. that not only challenges the soul but also questions the ...
Apr 17, 2024•34 min
Send us a text Imagine stepping into a sanctuary that's as safe and nurturing as it is spiritually enriching – this is the future we're fashioning today on the Crabby Pastor podcast. I'm Margie Bryce, and alongside former private investigator Lori Morrison, we're ripping off the veil on the urgent need for secure church environments. Through Lori's unique lens, we grasp the tangible steps we can take to transform our worship spaces into bastions of safety that guard not only our physical well-be...
Apr 10, 2024•37 min
Send us a text This week on the Crabby Pastor podcast, I’m thrilled to have Debra Peck, author of "The Hijacked Conscience," join us to illuminate the often misunderstood world of religious scrupulosity. Debra opens up about her personal battle with this form of OCD that entangles fear, sin, and relentless spiritual rituals. Together, we dissect the complexities of this condition, aiming to equip pastors and counselors with the knowledge to provide empathetic and informed support. Imagine feelin...
Apr 02, 2024•47 min
Send us a text Let's peel back the curtain of battles with diets from Atkins to Weight Watchers, and I'll share how I learned to navigate the emotional minefields that can sabotage our healthiest intentions. This episode isn't just about what you eat, it's about the challenges we face with food. I'll share how adapting your weight management approach to fit your lifestyle is more effective than chasing the latest diet fads. From the debate over how often to step on the scale to the benefits of t...
Mar 26, 2024•30 min
Send us a text Here's a unique metaphor for HOW we work in our vocations. Join me, Margie Bryce, on a journey to harmonize the scattered shards of our personal and professional lives, just like crafting a stained glass masterpiece. The silent predator of burnout lurks in the shadows of our demanding roles, which is why this episode features a vital burnout questionnaire to help you self-assess and remain vigilant. Reflecting on my own decision to step back from pastoral ministry, I opened up abo...
Mar 19, 2024•16 min
