Pursuit of Calling | Christian Identity and Growth for Men

Thomas Carney, Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Pursuit of Calling is a Christian personal growth podcast for men who feel stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from their purpose. If you’re a Christian man struggling with direction, identity, or clarity in your life season, this podcast will help you understand what God may be doing in the middle of it. Each episode explores how God uses struggle, uncertainty, discipline, and growth seasons to shape your identity and reveal your calling—not just your career, but your life purpose and spiritual direction. Through biblical insight, leadership principles (including John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth), and real personal stories, you’ll learn how to move from confusion to clarity and from stagnation to forward momentum. Hosted by Thomas Carney, Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, this show is built for men navigating transition—whether in their faith, career, relationships, or personal identity. You’ll hear conversations and teaching on topics like: • Why you feel stuck even when you’re doing everything “right” • How God develops identity through pressure and pain • What to do when your calling feels unclear • How to build consistency and discipline in your life • How spiritual growth actually leads to practical direction This is not motivational noise. It’s practical, faith-centered clarity for men who are ready to move forward with purpose. If you’re in a season of transition, this podcast will help you understand your struggle—and respond to it with wisdom, faith, and action.

  1. 5d ago

    Why Every Christian Man Needs at Least One Mentor

    Some of the most important lessons a mentor teaches happen when he is not trying to teach anything. In this Pursuit Bite, Thomas shares how two mentors shaped more than his knowledge: Jim Fink modeled grace and helped him plan a major career decision, while Marc Serrao demonstrated that success should never make a leader too important to notice the person who needs help. Key takeaways A mentor should not replace your responsibility to think, decide, and do the work.Character is a stronger qualification than impressive results alone.Proverbs 15:22 points toward many advisers, not one person who covers every area.Mentors can help you avoid preventable mistakes and months of repair.Start with coffee and thoughtful questions; do not force a ten-year commitment.Humility, curiosity, and willingness to listen make guidance useful.Scripture mentioned Proverbs 15:22People and resources mentioned Jim FinkMarc Serrao and Oakmont BakeryFree Grow on Purpose Workbook: https://grow.pursuitofcalling.comPodcast chapters 00:00 The lessons mentors never say 00:44 Why every man needs a mentor 01:06 Jim Fink and faithful example 01:24 A lens of grace 01:58 Counsel for a life-changing decision 02:21 Marc Serrao: character in business 03:57 Proverbs 15:22 and many advisers 04:33 Borrow someone else's wisdom 05:07 Where do you need guidance? 06:07 The Grow on Purpose Workbook 06:29 Results matter; character matters more 07:01 Closing encouragement

    Why Every Christian Man Needs at Least One Mentor

  2. Jul 14

    God Stretches You Before He Expands You | The Law of the Rubber Band

    God may be using the tension you want to escape to strengthen your faith, courage, and capacity. Thomas shares how comfort, chronic illness, accountability, and a major career transition taught him to take the next faithful step before he had the full map. Are you in an uncomfortable, uncertain, or painful season—and wondering what God is doing through it? In this episode of The Pursuit of Calling, Thomas Carney explores why the tension between where you are and where you could be may be an invitation to grow rather than evidence that God has abandoned you. He shares how a COVID furlough exposed the difference between rest and drift, how muscular dystonia stretched his faith and discipline, how a friend challenged his excuses, and how leaving software development to pursue coaching expanded his capacity. Grounded in John Maxwell’s Law of the Rubber Band and biblical principles from Philippians 3, Romans 5, and Proverbs 27:17, this episode will help Christian men respond to discomfort with faith and take one practical step toward their God-given calling—even without a complete map. IN THIS EPISODE • How comfort quietly turns into drift • Why God may use discomfort to stretch your vision, faith, courage, and capacity • What suffering can produce without pretending it does not hurt • Why people who challenge your excuses are essential to growth • Three questions that reveal your next faithful step REFLECTION QUESTIONS 1. Where have I become so comfortable that I’ve started drifting? 2. What might God be developing in me through this season? 3. Who is stretching me—and am I willing to listen? FREE RESOURCE Download the Grow On Purpose Workbook: https://grow.pursuitofcalling.com If this episode helped you see your current season differently, share it with another Christian man who may need the encouragement and leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Chapters 0:00 When Comfort Becomes Drift 0:37 Welcome to The Pursuit of Calling 1:02 How COVID Exposed My Drift 2:40 Why God Uses Stretching Seasons 3:43 Comfort Won’t Make You Come Alive 5:11 Question 1: Where Have You Started Drifting? 6:11 When Pain Stretches Your Faith 9:04 Question 2: What Is God Developing in You? 9:38 How God Uses People to Challenge You 11:22 Question 3: Who Is Stretching You? 12:03 Leaving My Job Stretched My Capacity 13:18 The Pattern Behind My Growth 13:42 Three Questions for Your Week 14:20 Choose Your Next Faithful Step 15:27 Don’t Waste the Stretching

    God Stretches You Before He Expands You | The Law of the Rubber Band

  3. Jul 7

    You’re Not Stuck—You’re Believing a Lie About Your Identity

    Most people aren’t stuck because they lack opportunity—they’re stuck because of limiting beliefs, fear, and identity confusion they don’t even realize they’re carrying. In this episode of The Pursuit of Calling, I sit down with licensed trauma therapist Michelle Croyle to talk about Christian mindset, emotional healing, and how internal beliefs shape your ability to step into your God-given calling. We unpack how fear of failure, comparison, and past trauma patterns quietly keep Christian men and women stuck in cycles of self-doubt, procrastination, and settling for less than their potential. This conversation is especially for you if you’re searching for things like: how to stop feeling stuck in life as a Christian manwhy am I afraid to pursue my callinghow to overcome limiting beliefs and fearChristian mindset for purpose and directionhow to find your God-given callingovercoming comparison and insecurity as a believerWe talk about: Why it’s actually “selfish” not to use your God-given giftsHow fear and comfort quietly shape your decisions in life and careerWhy discomfort is often a sign of personal growth and spiritual developmentThe hidden beliefs that keep you stuck in identity confusion and comparison trapsHow small, consistent steps lead to long-term purpose and calling clarityWhat it actually looks like to begin emotional healing and mindset renewalIf you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, unqualified, or unsure of your direction—this episode will challenge the way you see yourself and your calling. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Christian personal growth, discipline, identity, and pursuing your God-given purpose. 📌 CHAPTERS 00:00 - It's Selfish Not to Use the Gift God Gave You | Welcome to The Pursuit of Calling 01:02 - Michelle Croyle Intro + EMDR Therapy Explained 03:21 - Why This Applies to Men Too 05:01 - Breaking Out of Limiting Identity 07:06 - Why People Settle for Less 09:00 - Living Below Your Potential 11:02 - Fear and Survival Wiring 13:00 - Catching the Lies You Believe 14:26 - Turning Weakness Into Strength 17:09 - The Measuring Stick Problem 19:01 - Opinion vs Wisdom 21:39 - Discomfort vs Danger 23:55 - 13 Years of Small Steps 26:46 - Tools for Self-Discovery 27:38 - Where to Find Michelle Croyle

    You’re Not Stuck—You’re Believing a Lie About Your Identity

  4. Jun 30

    Why Your Weakness Might Be Where God Builds Your Strength

    Most men are focused on success on the outside—but struggle with who they are on the inside. In this episode of The Pursuit of Calling, we explore John Maxwell’s Law of the Ladder and what it really means to grow into your calling through character development, humility, and inner transformation. I also share personal stories from leadership in the local church and my journey through muscular dystonia—how losing physical strength forced me to rebuild identity from the inside out. This is a conversation about becoming the kind of man who can carry the calling God has placed on his life. 📌 In This Episode Character vs appearance and why it mattersHow identity gets shaped in hidden seasonsLeadership lessons from early church responsibilityWhat muscular dystonia taught me about purposeWhy humility unlocks growthThe Law of the Ladder explained in real life 🧠 Episode Themes Character development, Christian identity, purpose, calling, leadership growth, humility, inner transformation, faith and adversity, men’s spiritual growth, personal development, John Maxwell laws of growth 🔥 Listener Takeaway God is not only concerned with where you are going—but who you are becoming on the way there. Your character is being formed in the unseen places long before your calling is fully revealed. Follow The Pursuit of Calling on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for weekly episodes on identity, purpose, and growth. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who is in a season of transition or searching for direction. 👉 Join the Pursuer Circle (group coaching for Christian men in transition): https://circle.pursuitofcalling.com

    Why Your Weakness Might Be Where God Builds Your Strength

  5. Jun 23

    How God Uses Suffering to Shape Your Identity, Purpose, and Calling | The Law of Pain

    Are you feeling stuck, struggling to understand God's purpose, or wondering why you're walking through a painful season? In this episode of The Pursuit of Calling, we explore how God uses suffering, adversity, and difficult seasons to shape your identity, reveal your calling, and develop spiritual growth. Many Christian men feel stuck because they can't see what God is doing in the middle of their struggle. But pain has a way of exposing what needs to change, strengthening character, and preparing you for the purpose God has placed on your life. I also share a personal story from my own journey—including chronic pain and a recent business setback that almost kept me from recording this episode. If you're walking through uncertainty, frustration, disappointment, or a season that feels slow, this conversation will help you see your circumstances through a different lens. In this episode: • Why pain introduces you to yourself • Why most people never grow from difficult seasons • How suffering reveals identity shifts you didn't expect • The difference between pain that destroys and pain that develops • What John Maxwell teaches about growth through adversity • How God uses struggle to shape calling and character • My personal experience with chronic pain and business pressure Key Truth: Pain is not always punishment. Sometimes it is formation. Reflection Questions: • What is this season revealing about me? • What pain am I currently trying to avoid? • What might God be teaching me through this? 👉 Join the Pursuer Circle (group coaching for Christian men in transition): https://circle.pursuitofcalling.com If this episode resonates with you, share it with another man who feels stuck right now. Follow the podcast and leave a review if this episode helped you grow.

    How God Uses Suffering to Shape Your Identity, Purpose, and Calling | The Law of Pain

  6. Jun 16

    The Law of Reflection: How Pausing Unlocks Growth, Clarity, and Calling

    Most men feel like they’re doing everything right but still feel stuck. In this episode, I share how the simple practice of reflection transformed my life. I was grinding—building a career, battling chronic pain, and trying to grow my faith—but I kept moving without processing. Today, I unpack the Law of Reflection from John Maxwell's teachings. You’ll learn how a simple journaling habit and intentional pauses helped me break cycles of burnout and distraction. 💼 If you’re in a season of transition and need clarity, join the Pursuers Circle for personal growth and accountability: circle.pursuitofcalling.com.

    The Law of Reflection: How Pausing Unlocks Growth, Clarity, and Calling

  7. Jun 9

    The Law of Design: Why Your Life Isn’t Changing

    Many men feel stuck in life—not because they lack effort, but because they lack intentional design in their growth. You can read more, pray more, and try harder… and still feel like nothing is changing. In this episode, we explore The Law of Design from John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth and why growth doesn’t happen by accident. If your life isn’t intentionally being shaped, you will drift into someone else’s design for you. And that usually leads to confusion, frustration, and feeling behind in life. We talk about: Why effort without design often leads to stagnationHow identity, clarity, and calling are connectedWhy most men feel stuck even when they’re trying hardHow God often develops who you are before He directs where you’re goingWhat it looks like to intentionally design your growth instead of drifting through itThis episode is about formation, not motivation. Because you don’t accidentally become who God is calling you to be—you are shaped into it over time. 🔗 Free coaching sessions: https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/intro 🔗 Pursuers Circle community: https://circle.pursuitofcalling.com

    The Law of Design: Why Your Life Isn’t Changing

  8. Jun 2

    Why You Feel Stuck in Life (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)

    Feeling Stuck in Life? Christian Personal Growth, Purpose, and Calling Explained Have you ever felt stuck in life—even when you are doing everything right? In this episode, I share a personal story from a season where I was working full-time as a software developer, dealing with chronic pain, trying to build a coaching business, staying consistent with my podcast, and pursuing Christian personal growth—yet still feeling stuck, burned out, and unsure of my direction in life. On the outside, everything looked successful. But internally, I kept wrestling with one question: Why do I feel stuck in life when I am doing everything I am supposed to do? If you are searching for answers around purpose in life, Christian calling, or feeling stuck in your career or personal growth journey, this episode will help you reframe what is actually shaping your direction. Because the truth is this: You are not just trying to grow—you are being shaped every day by your environment. Your environment, relationships, habits, mindset, influences, and daily inputs are either leading you toward your God-given purpose or keeping you stuck in cycles of confusion, burnout, and lack of clarity. Christian Personal Growth and Purpose in Life (What Actually Shapes You) In this episode, I break down the Law of Environment from John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth and how it relates to: Christian personal growthdiscovering your purpose in lifeunderstanding your callingovercoming feeling stuck in lifenavigating life transitionsmindset and identity transformationIf you are a Christian man feeling stuck, burned out, or unclear about your next step in life, this conversation will help you understand why personal growth is not just about motivation or discipline—but about environment, influence, and identity formation. Signs You May Be Stuck in Life and Need a Shift in Environment This episode is for you if you are experiencing: Feeling stuck in life or your careerFeeling lost or unsure of your purpose in lifeBurnout while trying to do everything rightLack of clarity in your calling or directionDesire for Christian personal growth and spiritual growthA major life transition or identity shiftFrustration with slow personal or professional progress Pursuers Circle (Christian Group Coaching for Purpose & Calling) If you are in a season where you know you are meant for more but feel stuck, unclear, or unsure of your next step in life, I want to invite you into the Pursuers Circle. The Pursuers Circle is a Christian group coaching experience for men focused on: purpose in lifeChristian callingpersonal growth and disciplineidentity in Christclarity and direction in lifebreaking cycles of feeling stuck We walk through The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell, but more importantly, we focus on applying it to real life transformation, mindset renewal, and spiritual growth. 👉 Apply or learn more here: https://circle.pursuitofcalling.com

    Why You Feel Stuck in Life (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)
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About

The Pursuit of Calling is a Christian personal growth podcast for men who feel stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from their purpose. If you’re a Christian man struggling with direction, identity, or clarity in your life season, this podcast will help you understand what God may be doing in the middle of it. Each episode explores how God uses struggle, uncertainty, discipline, and growth seasons to shape your identity and reveal your calling—not just your career, but your life purpose and spiritual direction. Through biblical insight, leadership principles (including John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth), and real personal stories, you’ll learn how to move from confusion to clarity and from stagnation to forward momentum. Hosted by Thomas Carney, Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, this show is built for men navigating transition—whether in their faith, career, relationships, or personal identity. You’ll hear conversations and teaching on topics like: • Why you feel stuck even when you’re doing everything “right” • How God develops identity through pressure and pain • What to do when your calling feels unclear • How to build consistency and discipline in your life • How spiritual growth actually leads to practical direction This is not motivational noise. It’s practical, faith-centered clarity for men who are ready to move forward with purpose. If you’re in a season of transition, this podcast will help you understand your struggle—and respond to it with wisdom, faith, and action.

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