Care for Pastors Podcast

Care for Pastors
  • 5.0 (5)
  • CHRISTIANITY

A podcast designed to encourage pastors and their families with the support they need to persevere and thrive in ministry, ultimately impacting their church and communities for Christ.

  1. 4D AGO

    Savage Marriage with Phil and Priscilla Fretwell, Part Two

    Send a text In Part Two of our powerful conversation, Robby Bolden continues his discussion with Phil and Priscilla Fretwell, authors of Savage Marriage, as they walk us deeper into the journey of healing, transparency, and restored intimacy after confession and betrayal. If you haven’t listened to Part One, we strongly encourage you to go back and start there. This episode builds on that foundation of confession, repentance, and the beginning of healing. Episode Highlights 1. The Beginning of True Intimacy Phil and Priscilla share how their healing began—not with physical intimacy—but with: Early morning time in God’s Word togetherLearning spiritual intimacy for the first timeSharing thoughts, fears, burdens, and failures openlyDiscovering that emotional intimacy flows from spiritual intimacyThey unpack the biblical order of intimacy:  Spiritual → Emotional → Physical When spiritual intimacy is missing, physical intimacy becomes mechanical. When it’s restored, physical intimacy becomes meaningful and fulfilling. 2. 100 Days of Rebuilding Trust After confession, they made a critical decision:  No sexual intimacy for 100 days. Why? To remove agenda-driven behaviorTo rebuild trust without manipulationTo learn how to know one another emotionallyTo pursue forgiveness and repentance intentionallyThis season became a game changer in rebuilding safety and trust. 3. Radical Transparency: “Taking Thoughts Captive” Phil shares a powerful practice that transformed their marriage: Sending a simple 🙏 emoji as code when facing temptationDiscussing triggers openly laterChoosing transparency over secrecyHis key insight: “If I shared the thought, I took it captive.  If I kept it secret, it took me captive.” They also describe practical ways they navigated public triggers (like switching seats at a restaurant) as an act of honoring and protecting one another. 4. Reclaiming Sexual Intimacy God’s Way Their renewed sexual relationship was not about technique—it was about: Inviting the Holy Spirit into their marriage bedRenouncing past patterns shaped by pornographyRejecting shame and secrecyPraying togetherPriscilla shares her powerful prayer for “the pleasure of Sarah” (Genesis 18), asking God to redeem what had been robbed. God answered. This conversation is honest, redemptive, and deeply hopeful. 5. Advice for Pastors & Leaders Harboring Secrets If you’re hiding something: Tell someone.Don’t manage or minimize the story.Get wise counsel before confessing to your spouse.If confession has already happened: Bring in trusted outside help.Humility must replace image protection.Repentance must be visible, not performative.Phil reminds us: “There is no cure for shame without telling your story.” 6. For Pastors Concerned About Their Church Phil and Priscilla address the fear every leader carries: “What will this do to my church?” They remind us: Transparency can bring revival.Weakness, when confessed, invites the power of Christ.Many in your congregation are already struggling with the same issues.When leaders create environments of honesty, freedom follows. 📘 Savage Marriage by Phil & Priscilla Fretwell 🌐 Website: savagemarriageministries.com You can also reach out to Care for Pastors if you or your spouse need confidential support.

    59 min

  2. FEB 17

    Savage Marriage with Phil and Priscilla Fretwell, Part One

    Send a text In this powerful and deeply transparent Season 3 premiere, Robby Bolden sits down with Phil and Priscilla Fretwell to begin a two-part conversation about brokenness, betrayal, repentance, and redemption in marriage. Phil shares his decades-long struggle with pornography, secrecy, and pride—even while serving as a church leader. Priscilla opens up about the trauma of betrayal, the lies she believed about herself, and the emotional and spiritual disconnect that followed. Together, they recount how hidden sin nearly destroyed their marriage—and how confession, humility, and radical transparency became the pathway to healing. This episode is a sobering reminder for pastors and church leaders: secrecy fuels bondage, but humility opens the door to grace. Key Themes from Part 1 1. The Destructive Power of Secrecy Hidden sin creates internal war (Psalm 32:3–5).Managing sin is not the same as experiencing transformation.Pride keeps leaders isolated and resistant to healing.2. Betrayal Trauma and Emotional Fallout Priscilla’s honest reflection on fear, anger, shame, and believing she was “not enough.”The long-term impact of unresolved hurt and spiritual disconnection in marriage.How secrecy affected not just their relationship—but their entire family system.3. Humility as the Turning Point A pivotal moment of desperation that led Phil to surrender.“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”The difference between information disclosure and true repentance.4. The Role of Counseling and True Healing Why counseling alone cannot replace heart transformation.The danger of performing—even in therapy.Healing requires confession, community, and dependence on God.5. Breaking Generational Secrecy Why they chose to share appropriately with their children.How transparency created deeper unity instead of destruction.The ripple effect of confession within extended family relationships.6. Guarding the Heart Moving Forward Becoming intentional about media consumption.Cultivating spiritual and emotional intimacy.Choosing lifelong transparency over image management.Powerful Quotes from the Episode “There is no secret healing.”“I became convinced I couldn’t save myself.”“It’s not a moment of transparency—it’s a lifetime of transparency.”“What I saw for the first time in 28 years of marriage was a repentant and humble heart.”“God had freedom in mind—not just for us, but for our family.”Scripture Referenced Psalm 32:3–5 – The weight of unconfessed sinJames 5:16 – Confess your sins to one another1 John 5 – Sin that leads to deathJohn 17:21 – Unity as testimonyPsalm 51:17 – A broken and contrite heartWhy This Matters for Pastors You can lead publicly while dying privately.Pride isolates; humility restores.Image management is the enemy of healing.Freedom begins where secrecy ends.If you are struggling in silence, this episode is both a warning and an invitation. Coming Next Week (Part 2) In Part 2, Phil and Priscilla share what happened after confession—how God rebuilt trust, restored intimacy, transformed their family culture, and used their story to impact others. Resources: Learn more about Phil and Priscilla’s journey in Savage Marriage. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a fellow pastor or ministry spouse who may need hope today.

    1h 1m

  3. 11/25/2025

    Cultivating a Healthy Mind

    Send a text Host: Robby Bolden Guests: Ron Cook (Founder, Care for Pastors), Robert White (Counselor, Care for Pastors) Episode Overview In the final installment of our Healthy Habits of Pastors series, Robby sits down with Ron Cook and Robert White for a meaningful conversation about the importance of developing and protecting a healthy mind in ministry. With decades of combined pastoral and counseling experience, Ron and Robert offer practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and honest insight into the mental battles pastors face every day. Key Topics Discussed Why the mind is often the primary battleground for pastorsThe subtle lies spiritual leaders are most tempted to believeHow past wounds and ministry pressures shape mental habitsPractical strategies for preparing the mind for unpredictable ministry momentsThe connection between spiritual truth and emotional resilienceDaily practices that strengthen mental and spiritual clarityHow community and counseling play a vital role in mental well-beingNotable Quotes “You can plan your day, but ministry often surprises you—your mind needs to be anchored before the surprises come.”“Lies grow in the dark. Truth brings them into the light.”“A healthy mind starts with remembering who God is, and who you are in Christ.”Resources Mentioned Care for Pastors counseling and support programsPastoral health resources available at CareForPastors.comWho This Episode Is For Pastors and ministry leaders carrying the weight of daily spiritual and emotional demandsChurch staff looking to build sustainable, healthy rhythmsAnyone seeking biblical and practical guidance for mental and emotional wholenessConnect With Care for Pastors Website: CareForPastors.comFacebook: Care for PastorsInstagram: @careforpastors

    44 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    Healthy Marriages (Part 3)

    Send a text Series: Healthy Habits of Pastors Host: Robby Bolden Guests: Art & Mary Ellen Eaton and Traci Bolden Episode Overview In this episode of the Care for Pastors Podcast, host Robby Bolden wraps up our three-part series on Healthy Marriages with a conversation about intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. Robby is joined again by Art and Mary Ellen Eaton, along with his wife Traci, for an honest and grace-filled discussion on how couples in ministry can strengthen their connection and build a marriage that reflects the heart of Christ. Together, they explore how healthy intimacy goes beyond physical closeness to include spiritual unity and emotional understanding, and how these areas impact both marriage and ministry. Key Topics: Understanding intimacy in marriage from a biblical and practical perspectiveHow emotional, spiritual, and physical connection work togetherCommon challenges pastors and spouses face in maintaining intimacyWays to rebuild connection when distance or busyness sets inEncouragement for couples serving in ministry togetherKey Takeaway: A healthy marriage doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated through intentional connection in every area of life. When pastors and their spouses pursue intimacy with grace and understanding, they reflect the beauty of the gospel in their home and ministry. Resources Mentioned: Care for PastorsPastoral marriage and family care resourcesCounseling and support services for ministry couplesNext Episode: Join us next time as we close out our Healthy Habits of Pastors series with a powerful conversation on A Healthy Mind—how to guard your thoughts, manage stress, and stay centered in truth as you serve.

    55 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Healthy Marriages (Part 2)

    Send a text Series: Healthy Habits of Pastors Host: Robby Bolden Guests: Art & Mary Ellen Eaton, and Traci Bolden 🧩 Episode Overview In this episode of the Care for Pastors Podcast, host Robby Bolden continues the conversation on Healthy Marriages—a crucial part of maintaining balance and wholeness in pastoral life. Joined once again by Art and Mary Ellen Eaton, along with Traci Bolden, this discussion dives deeper into the daily habits and heart postures that help ministry couples thrive. Together, they share real stories and lessons from their own marriages, explore the challenges pastors and their spouses face, and offer practical wisdom for keeping your relationship healthy amid the demands of ministry. 💬 Key Takeaways Intentional connection matters. Healthy marriages don’t happen by chance—they’re built through daily choices of love, grace, and communication.Shared faith sustains intimacy. Prayer, worship, and spiritual partnership are essential anchors for couples in ministry.Boundaries protect what’s sacred. Guarding time for rest, family, and emotional recharge helps strengthen your relationship.Honesty and vulnerability build trust. A healthy marriage grows when both spouses feel safe to be real with each other.📖 Scripture & Encouragement “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8 Healthy ministry starts with a healthy marriage. When pastors and their spouses prioritize their relationship, they not only nurture each other—they model Christ’s love for the church. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Care for Pastors — Support, resources, and counseling for pastors and their families.Upcoming Episode: Healthy Marriages – Part 3🎧 Listen & Subscribe Don’t miss part three of this conversation, where we’ll talk about practical rhythms for staying emotionally and spiritually connected in every season of ministry. Subscribe to the Care for Pastors Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

    51 min

  6. 11/04/2025

    Healthy Marriages (Part 1)

    Send a text Show Notes: 🎙️ Care for Pastors Podcast Season 2, Episode 9 Title: Healthy Marriages (Part 1) Host: Robby Bolden Guests: Art & Mary Ellen Eaton (Care for Pastors Team), and Traci Bolden 🩺 Episode Overview: In this episode of the Care for Pastors Podcast, host Robby Bolden continues the Healthy Habits of Pastors series with a conversation close to every pastor’s heart — marriage. Robby is joined by Art and Mary Ellen Eaton, part of the Care for Pastors team, along with his wife Traci Bolden, for an honest and hope-filled discussion on what it looks like to build and maintain a healthy marriage in the midst of ministry life. Together, they explore how habits of connection, communication, prayer, and shared adventure can breathe new life into a marriage and help couples stay grounded in their love for God and each other — even when ministry gets demanding. 💬 Key Takeaways: Ministry can magnify both the joys and challenges of marriage — intentional habits keep couples strong.Healthy marriages grow through consistent communication, shared prayer, and making time for fun together.You can’t give what you don’t have — caring for your marriage is part of caring for your calling.Grace and forgiveness are the daily rhythms that keep love alive.🧭 Episode Highlights: [01:45] The connection between pastoral health and marital health[07:30] How ministry seasons test communication and priorities[14:20] The role of prayer and spiritual intimacy in a thriving marriage[19:10] Rediscovering fun and laughter together[25:00] Encouragement for couples who feel distant or weary❤️ Next Episode Preview: Join us next week for Part Two of “Healthy Marriages,” where we’ll dive deeper into communication, conflict, and practical ways to serve one another with grace in every season of ministry. 🔗 Resources & Links: Care for PastorsLearn more about the Care for Pastors Marriage Support ProgramsSubscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform

    52 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    Healthy Pastors’ Kids

    Send a text Series: Healthy Habits of Pastors Host: Robby Bolden Guest: Krissie Glass, PK Director at Care for Pastors Episode Summary: In this episode of the Care for Pastors Podcast, host Robby Bolden sits down with Krissie Glass, PK Director at Care for Pastors and a pastor’s kid herself, for an honest and encouraging conversation about raising healthy pastors’ kids. Ministry life can put unique pressures on a pastor’s family — from constant visibility to unrealistic expectations. Krissie shares from her own experience and her work with PKs across the country about what it looks like to create a home where ministry kids don’t just survive the demands of church life but truly thrive in their walk with Christ. Together, Robby and Krissie explore how authenticity, grace, and intentional connection at home can protect pastors’ kids from resentment and nurture hearts that love Jesus for themselves. Key Takeaways: The health of a pastor’s family begins with authenticity — being the same person at home and in ministry.Pastors’ kids need permission to be themselves, not an idealized version of their parents.Protecting family rhythms and privacy helps kids feel secure and valued.Parents can model grace by showing vulnerability and inviting their kids into real faith conversations.A healthy home gives PKs the freedom to develop a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus.Resources Mentioned: Care for Pastors – PK Ministry https://pastorskids.org Connect with Krissie Glass and the PK network at Care for PastorsThe Pastor's Kid, by Barnabas PiperShepherding a Child's Heart, by Tedd TrippParenting, by Paul David TrippHabits of the Household, by Justin Whitmel EarleyNext Episode: Join us next week as we continue our Healthy Habits of Pastors series with a powerful conversation on Habits of a Healthy Marriage — exploring how to strengthen your relationship, maintain intimac

    53 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    The Healthy Practice of Sabbatical

    Send a text Episode Title: The Healthy Practice of Sabbatical Series: Healthy Habits of Pastors Host: Robby Bolden Guest: Pastor Jason Borton Episode Summary In this episode of the Care for Pastors Podcast, host Robby Bolden welcomes back Pastor Jason Borton for a powerful conversation on the Healthy Practice of Sabbatical. After 27 years in ministry, Jason took his first sabbatical — a journey that God used to restore his soul, renew his calling, and reshape his leadership. Robby and Jason explore what a true sabbatical looks like, why it’s not just an extended vacation, and how it can serve as a vital rhythm of rest and renewal for pastors and ministry leaders. They also discuss the importance of cultivating trust with church leadership, setting healthy expectations, and allowing God to work deeply in the stillness. Key Takeaways: Sabbaticals are a biblical rhythm of rest and renewal, not a luxury.A healthy church board plays a critical role in supporting pastoral rest.Sabbaticals provide space for clarity, healing, and renewed purpose.True rest often requires courage — the willingness to stop and trust God.Sustainable ministry begins with a soul that is restored.Recommended Episodes: Healthy Practice of Sabbath (Season 2, Episode 5) with Pastor Jason BortonCultivating a Healthy Soul with Ron CookHealthy Friendships with Pastor Michael ThedfordConnect with Jason Borton - jason@htbc.church Learn More: For more resources to help you stay healthy in life and ministry, visit CareforPastors.org. Subscribe & Connect: Subscribe to the Care for Pastors Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow us on social media for weekly encouragement and updates.

    53 min
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About

A podcast designed to encourage pastors and their families with the support they need to persevere and thrive in ministry, ultimately impacting their church and communities for Christ.

Information

  • Creator
    Care for Pastors
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Care for Pastors
  • Show Website
    Care for Pastors Podcast