ServingLeaders Podcast

ServingLeaders Ministries
  • 5.0 (31)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to the ServingLeaders Ministries podcast, which exists to revive, restore, and resource ministry leaders and their families. Tune in with us as we address a variety of topics relevant to healthy ministry leadership such as self-care, team culture, conflict, grief, anxiety, marriage, parenting, and more. For more information, visit www.servingleaders.org.

  1. APR 2

    The End of Yourself: Why Loneliness is Both a Gift and an Invitation to More: A Conversation with Shelby Abbott

    “Loneliness is God’s grace in your life to bring you to the end of yourself” - Shelby Abbott.  In this compelling conversation, Shelby Abbott joins us to talk about his new book on loneliness — and why he believes loneliness can actually be a uniquely meaningful season in our walk with Jesus.  Together we explore why loneliness is universal yet uniquely intensified in leadership and ministry, how our hyper-digital world has reshaped (and often weakened) real connection, and why quick fixes like sex, achievement, or distraction can’t satisfy the deeper ache of the human heart. Shelby reframes loneliness not as something to escape at all costs, but as an invitation — to deeper dependence on God and to courageous, embodied relationship with others. Shelby's website: https://shelbyabbott.com/about/ Link to Shelby's favorite read right now: Deeper by Dane Ortlund Link to Shelby's new book Why We're Feeling Lonely (and what we can do about it): Shelby Abbott's Book

    1h 13m

  2. MAR 19

    Grace in the Fishbowl: Hope, Healing, and the Inner Life of a Pastor’s Wife

    What are the gifts — and sometimes costs — to be a woman connected to ministry?  In this honest conversation, Sarah Gammage unpacks the hidden emotional load many pastors’ wives and ministry women carry. From the “one-legged stool” reality described in Resilient Ministry to navigating burnout, protecting marriage, raising kids in the spotlight, and walking through cancer in the spotlight of ministry, Sarah offers practical wisdom and hope through her own journey.  Listeners will gain language for how to think about the uniquely complex role of ministry spouse, tools for building healthy boundaries, and encouragement to cultivate identity in Christ — not just in a role. Whether you’re a pastor’s wife, female ministry leader, or simply walking closely with someone in church leadership, this conversation will give you a unique vision of joys, challenges and gifts encountered while walking the ministry road.  Referenced in the episode: Resilient Ministry on Amazon Dale Ralph Davis' books on the Psalms:  Psalms 1-12 Psalms 13-24 Psalms 25-37 Psalms 38-51 Sarah's blog: hopeinthehard.net  Instagram: @free2sing2him

    1h 20m

  3. MAR 5

    Special Edition Episode! The Four Types of Tired Every Leader Should Know: A Conversation with Brett Payne of Rhythms for Life Ministry with bonus segment: A Personal Sabbatical Story with Joe Bruni of ServingLeaders

    Ministry leaders are often exhausted — but most don’t know what to do with their fatigue beyond pushing through it. In this conversation, Brett Payne, founder of Rhythms for Life Ministry, unpacks the four types of fatigue, why most leaders rarely pause to know the difference, and the untapped freedom that comes from actually processing our weariness instead of ignoring it. Packed with practical wisdom from decades of working with ministry leaders, Brett brings us new ways of thinking about “tiredness” and strategies to help leaders recover joy, clarity, and sustainable health in ministry. Followed by a personal conversation with ServingLeaders Chief Operating Officer, Joe Bruni. Joe gives us a taste of what a sabbatical is really like and provides an inside look at his own journey of sabbatical in 2025 with practical wisdom for leaders around how to prepare for and fully engage in this key ingredient to healthy leadership in their own lives. Rhythms for Life Ministry

    1h 55m

  4. FEB 19

    Holding Sacred Space for New Life: Curiosity and Questions with J.R. Briggs

    What if faithful leadership is less about having the right answers and more about asking the right questions? In this episode, J.R. Briggs joins us to explore how curiosity shapes spiritual formation, deepens relationships, and transforms the way leaders lead. Drawing from his newest work on asking better questions—and his honest reflections on failure, disillusionment, and resilience—J.R. invites leaders to move from control to presence, from performance to humility. This conversation offers practical wisdom and hope for leaders longing to lead in the way of Jesus: building trust, bearing pain, and bringing hope. Ecclesia NetworkPodcasts: Resilient Leaders PodcastKairos Partnerships: https://www.kairospartnerships.org/The Art of Asking Better Questions

    46 min

  5. FEB 5

    Holding Grief and Joy: A Pastor’s Journey & Inner Resilience with Raphael Mnkandhla

    In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Raphael Mnkandhla, Lead Pastor of City Church in Williamsport, PA, to hear the remarkable story of how God met him in profound loss and shaped him into a resilient shepherd. From growing up in Zimbabwe and working in AIDS-awareness ministry to navigating trauma, grief, and pastoral leadership, Raphael shares how suffering has deepened his compassion, clarified his calling, and refined his inner life. Together, we explore the paradox of grief and joy in ministry, the subtle idols and ruling passions pastors must confront, and the practices that sustain hope over the long haul. This conversation offers honest encouragement for pastors and leaders who long to lead from a healed and wholehearted place. Pastor Raphael's BioListen to Raphael's Podcast: Fueled Pastoral ResilienceTo contact: raphael@citychurchpa.orgOn Social Media: https://twitter.com/rafmnk https://www.facebook.com/mkristu https://instagram.com/rafmnk/Dave's book: The Spiritually Healthy LeaderPrecious Remedies Against Satan's Devices

    1h 3m

  6. JAN 22

    Learning to Lead with Presence in a Fast-Paced Ministry World: A Conversation with Phil Carnuccio

    What does it look like to be fully present with people while juggling an energetic, growing ministry, family needs, and the endless demands of leadership? In this episode, Dave and Laura sit down with Pastor Phil Carnuccio, lead pastor of Providence Church in West Chester, PA, to explore what it means to be spiritually formed as a leader in ways that lead to healthy, fulfilling ministry without draining the life out of the leader. We discuss the tension between performing and being present, the pressure leaders carry to stay productive, the power of marriage as a channel of true leadership, and life-giving shifts that cultivate a more vibrant, sustainable, and joy-filled ministry and personal life. Drawing on three decades of ministry experience, Phil offers honest, passionate, and practical insight into what it looks like to minister as Jesus did. ServingLeaders Ministries Providence Church West Chester

    1h 16m

  7. 12/18/2025

    The Weary World Rejoices: Navigating the Complexity of the Holidays

    Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year…sometimes. The holiday season can bring with it beautiful and sweet moments of joy and meaning. Yet it also opens the door to many other emotions, highlighting our grief, landing us in disappointment, increasing pressure, and exposing us to challenging relationships. In this special episode with Dave Wiedis, Penny Freeman, Jon Sovocool, and Laura Yoder, we explore some of the complexities of the holiday season, and practical ways to navigate those challenges, leaning on the presence of Jesus with us. This is our last podcast of 2025, but stay connected with us at servingleaders.org, subscribe to our newsletter, and mark your calendars for our upcoming events! We'll be back with great new content in the new year!

    1h 1m

  8. 12/11/2025

    Safeguarding the Heart of the Worship Leader: A Conversation with Justin Unger of Likewise Worship

    Worship leaders have a unique and crucial role in the church, but can often be unprepared for the spiritual and emotional challenges they face in a ministry that imposes multiple pressures, including the pressure to perform and be the instrument of growth in churches, along with unique tensions around identity. Under this burden, the worship leader is at greater and greater risk for burnout and emotional and spiritual illness. In this important conversation with Justin Unger, Founder and President of Likewise Worship, we explore 3 key pillars of health that support a worship leader in thriving as a healthy leader, intimately connected to their vital calling and deeply rooted in relationship with Jesus.   Likewise Worship Website Justin Unger Website Choosing Gratitude book

    1h 6m
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Welcome to the ServingLeaders Ministries podcast, which exists to revive, restore, and resource ministry leaders and their families. Tune in with us as we address a variety of topics relevant to healthy ministry leadership such as self-care, team culture, conflict, grief, anxiety, marriage, parenting, and more. For more information, visit www.servingleaders.org.

Information

  • Creator
    ServingLeaders Ministries
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ServingLeaders Podcast
  • Show Website
    ServingLeaders Podcast

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