Overcoming an Identity Crisis in Ministry

When I look back over 40 years of ministry, one of the things I’m most grateful for isn’t the big moments—it’s the long ones.

In this episode of The LeadingSmart Podcast, we unpack what I’ve learned about longevity. I spent 20 years at one church (Granger) and another 9 at my first ministry job. That kind of tenure is becoming increasingly rare in today’s world. But I can tell you: the fruit of staying is worth the fight.

Whether it was walking with a friend who was facing betrayal in her marriage, or conducting the wedding renewal for a 90-year old couple who were long-time neighbors of the church, nothing compares to walking with people over time. It’s not flashy. But it’s deep. And it’s what builds the kind of legacy that actually lasts.

Of course, staying long-term doesn’t always mean staying forever. In fact, we talk in this episode about:

• The line between longevity and codependency

• How to know when it’s time to go

• Why leaving a job can feel like losing part of yourself

• The (very real) emotional detox that comes with transition

• How to pace yourself for the long game—without burning out

We even touch on a tough truth: your identity can get tangled up in your title. I know mine did. And it took me a full year and a half to work through that after leaving Granger. That’s part of the journey too.

🎧 Plus, a new segment: Hard to Believe Church Memories. Holly and I swap childhood stories that could only happen in church—from wolf-dog attacks to Bible studies in a country music legend’s bathtub. You’ll just have to hear it to believe it.

👉 Want all 40 lessons from this season? Download the free companion ebook here.
👉 Next week: I sit down with my wife, Faith, to talk about what 40 years of ministry has taught us about marriage. You won’t want to miss it.

If you’re in ministry for the long haul—or wondering if you’ve got it in you—this episode is for you.