What do you do when God asks you to let go of the dream you’ve built your life around? Wade Joye, former worship leader at Elevation Church, shares his personal story of facing that very question. We talk about the book he wrote: This Dream Is Not For You. In this episode of Life After Ministry, Wade opens up about the moment Pastor Steven Furtick asked him to consider if he was willing to release what he was good at to embrace what God was calling him to be great at. Wade wrestled with letting go of his role as a worship leader—a dream he thought would last a lifetime—but in surrendering it, he discovered a deeper purpose.

This episode speaks directly to those in ministry transition and the decision-makers tasked with helping others move forward. We explore the often painful process of releasing control and trusting God with an unknown future. Wade’s story is an encouragement to anyone navigating the loss of a role, identity, or dream, helping you recognize that God may be writing a greater story, even when the one you’re living seems to be falling apart.

In this raw and honest conversation, Wade shares how embracing new dreams led him to a more fulfilling and joyful life, despite the fear and uncertainty along the way. From his pivotal conversation with Pastor Furtick to finding his calling beyond vocational ministry, Wade emphasizes that true peace and fulfillment often only come after we release our grip on our own plans and trust God with our whole lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing ministry transitions, looking for hope and guidance as they step into the unknown.

Takeaways

• Letting go of our own dreams can open the door to God's greater plans for us.

• Ministry transitions, while painful, are often part of God's way of refining us and leading us into a new season of purpose.

• Trusting the guidance of leaders and God's timing can help us navigate through uncertainty and discover new callings.

• Our identity should not be defined by what we do (such as a job or ministry role), but by who we are in Christ.

• Calling is more about who we are becoming in Jesus than about a specific role or career path.

• Leadership transitions create opportunities for others to step into their God-given roles, making room for new growth in the church or organization.

• True peace and fulfillment often come only after we release our grip on our own plans and trust God with our entire lives.

• Developing a healthy inner world, focusing on our spiritual and emotional health, is essential for effective leadership and finding joy in new assignments.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:38 - Wade’s Journey and the Story Behind the Book

04:15 - The Turning Point: Pastor Steven Furtick’s Challenge

06:10 - Wrestling with the Dream and Trusting Leadership

08:05 - Transitioning into New Roles and Calling

12:13 - Redefining Calling: Identity vs. Assignment

14:03 - Stepping Away from Elevation Church

17:31 - Finding Joy in Letting Go and Creating Space for Others

20:42 - True Peace and Fulfillment After Letting Go

25:13 - Wade’s Ministry Today: Coaching and The Joyful Leader Program

29:04 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

What happens when pastors hang on too long or find themselves suddenly cut off from ministry?

In part two of our conversation with Gene Getz on Life After Ministry, we tackle this crucial issue head-on. With over 50 years in ministry and 20 years post-succession, Gene offers practical wisdom on how to prepare for life after ministry, including avoiding bitterness, maintaining humility, and finding a new calling.

He shares how his own transition didn’t end his impact - in fact, it led to creating the world’s first multimedia study Bible.

For those wrestling with disappointment, Gene’s advice is clear: Don’t let anger turn to bitterness, and be ready to serve God in new ways, even when the path forward feels uncertain.

This episode is a must-listen for any pastor navigating the complexities of ministry transitions. Whether you’re nearing retirement or facing an unexpected exit, Gene’s wisdom and experience can guide you through the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of stepping away from the pulpit.

His message offers hope: there is a way to transition well, with grace and a lasting impact.

Takeaways

• Ministry transitions can be challenging and require wisdom, humility, and proactive thinking.
• Succession planning should involve the development of a team of supportive individuals who can provide guidance and accountability.
• Pastors who are transitioning out of ministry should consider developing a second ministry career or finding ways to fill the void left by their previous role.
• Dealing with disappointment and anger is important for pastors who have left ministry, and seeking help and forgiveness can aid in the healing process.
• Having a godly and supportive board is crucial for pastors, and addressing board dynamics is essential for a healthy ministry.
• Support and resources are needed for pastors who are transitioning out of ministry to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of their next season.

Chapters

What happens when a pastor knows it’s time to pass the baton?

How do you handle transitions with grace, humility, and purpose?

As we kick off this episode and a new season of Life After Ministry, we dive deep into these questions with none other than Gene Getz - a man who pastored for decades and transitioned out in a way that continues to inspire. Gene, now 92, shares his incredible journey of ministry, church planting, and leadership, revealing how he successfully handed over his thriving megachurch to the next generation.

His story is one of humility, foresight, and the importance of building a strong team, emphasizing that true leadership is knowing when and how to let go.

This conversation is a masterclass in succession planning and next steps - offering insights not just for pastors but for anyone leading an organization. Gene’s wisdom shines as he discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with godly people, recognizing when someone else is ready to lead, and the challenges of balancing ego with responsibility.

Whether you’re a pastor facing transition or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes struggles of leadership, this episode offers hope that there is indeed life after ministry, and ministry after ministry.

Takeaways

• Ministry can involve layered and textured conversations that leave a lasting impact.
• Life After Ministry aims to provide hope and encouragement to those transitioning out of ministry or facing tough seasons.
• Gene Getz's journey into ministry was shaped by his upbringing, his experience at Moody Bible Institute, and the influence of a supportive professor.
• Getz's approach to ministry involved team leadership and building a support system of godly men and their wives.
• Succession planning and passing the baton in ministry require humility, open communication, and a focus on the future of the organization.

Chapters

Summary

In this episode, Matt and Marilee Davis discuss eight things that ministry leaders need in their transition out of ministry. These include consistent community support, affirmation of personal integrity and worth, financial guidance and support, spousal and family support, professional development and coaching opportunities, legal and administrative support, access to solid Christian therapy, and spiritual direction and guidance. They emphasize the importance of these resources in navigating the challenges and growth opportunities that come with transitioning out of ministry.

Takeaways

• Consistent community support is crucial for ministry leaders transitioning out of ministry, as it can be disorienting and lonely.

• Affirmation of personal integrity and worth is important, especially for men in ministry who often struggle with their identity tied to their job.

• Financial guidance and support are necessary, as pastors often don't qualify for unemployment and may not have significant savings.

• Spousal and family support and engagement are essential, as the transition affects the entire family and can lead to instability.

• Professional development and coaching opportunities help ministry leaders transition into new industries and utilize their skills in different contexts.

• Legal and administrative support is needed to navigate contractual and legal matters, especially when NDAs are involved.

• Access to solid Christian therapy is beneficial for emotional and spiritual health during the transition.

• Spiritual direction and guidance help ministry leaders discern God's leading and navigate the next season of life.

Chapters

00:00 - Eight Things Ministry Leaders Need

08:30 - Financial Guidance and Support

13:14 - Spousal and Family Support

16:34 - Professional Development and Coaching

21:44 - Christian Therapy

25:04 - Spiritual Direction and Guidance

Summary

In this conversation, Pastor Toney Parks shares his journey from an unlikely candidate to becoming a pastor and his experiences growing up in Birmingham. He discusses the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of community in the black church. Pastor Parks reflects on his 32 years of pastoring a church and the decision to retire. He emphasizes the need for pastors to prepare for retirement and shares his own plans for life after ministry.

Takeaways

• The black church has played a significant role in the African American community, providing a sense of family and community.
• Pastors in the black community often retire later in life or die in the pulpit due to various factors such as financial constraints and fear of the unknown.
• Retiring from ministry requires careful planning and preparation, both financially and emotionally.
• There is life after ministry, and retired pastors can continue to serve and make a difference in their communities through teaching and mentoring.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Conference 01:40 - Unlikely Candidate to Pastor 03:07 - Encountering Jesus and Growing Up in Birmingham 07:45 - Influence of Martin Luther King Jr. 11:31 - Pastoring a Church for 32 Years 23:57 - Retiring from Ministry 29:39 - Life After Ministry 38:33 - Preparing for Retirement 46:33 - Closing Remarks

Summary

Jon Morrison shares his journey from vocational ministry to entrepreneurship. He discusses his call to ministry, the catalyst that brought him out of ministry, and the challenges he faced during the scrambling season. Jon emphasizes the transferable skills that pastors possess and how they can be applied in the marketplace. He shares his own experiences in entrepreneurship and highlights the blessings and opportunities that come with life after ministry. Jon encourages pastors to have hope and embrace the new possibilities that await them.

Takeaways

• There is life after vocational ministry, and it can be fulfilling and rewarding.
• Pastors possess transferable skills that can be applied in the marketplace.
• Adaptability, communication, leadership, and the ability to simplify complex ideas are valuable skills for pastors in the marketplace.
• Life after ministry offers opportunities for personal growth, financial stability, and the ability to pursue other passions and interests.
• Trusting in God's plan and providence is essential during the transition from ministry to a new career.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Recording Setup 00:29 - Background and Call to Ministry 03:06 - Catalyst for Leaving Ministry 06:09 - Lifelong Commitment to Ministry? 08:36 - Scrambling Season and Finding Work 09:18 - Discovering Entrepreneurship 12:52 - Life After Vocational Ministry 16:56 - Transferable Skills from Ministry 23:39 - God's Plan and Providence 32:54 - Is There Life After Ministry?

Summary

Alan Ramsey shares his journey of transitioning out of vocational ministry and into a new career. He discusses the challenges and emotions he faced during this transition, as well as the support he received from his church leadership. Alan highlights the transferable skills he gained from ministry and how they apply to his current role as a corporate chaplain. He emphasizes the importance of giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season. Alan also shares his perspective on finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry.

Takeaways

• Transitioning out of vocational ministry can be a challenging and emotional process.

• Transferable skills gained from ministry can be valuable in a new career.

• Giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season is important.

• Finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry is possible.

Chapters

01:00 Background and Ministry Experience

04:24 Transitioning Out of Ministry

06:05 Recognizing the End of a Season

08:00 Navigating the Transition

10:51 Leaving Vocational Ministry

14:45 Day Zero and Starting a New Job

19:06 Ministry in a Different Context

23:08 Identity and Titles

25:12 Grieving and Processing the Transition

29:55 Hope, Healing, and Health

31:44 Embracing the Assignment

32:16 Conclusion

Summary

In this conversation, Ian and Sharalee Smith share their journey of transitioning in and out of ministry and the lessons they have learned along the way. They discuss the decision to have six children and the challenges and blessings of raising a large family. They also talk about living in the wilderness and the importance of trusting God in uncertain times. They share their experiences of stepping out in faith and the invitation to know God on a deeper level. Finally, they discuss their current work with the Hero Collective and the importance of living one day at a time.

Takeaways

• Transitioning in and out of ministry can be a challenging and transformative experience.

• Trusting God in uncertain times and stepping out in faith can lead to unexpected blessings.

• Living in the wilderness can be a time of refinement and growth, where God invites us to know Him on a deeper level.

• Finding and embracing our unique identity and purpose is key to living a fulfilling life.

• Living one day at a time and trusting God's provision and guidance is essential in navigating an unpredictable future.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction and Family Background

• 01:01 - The Decision to Have Six Children

• 03:07 - Transitioning in and out of Ministry

• 05:19 - Lessons Learned in Ministry

• 14:48 - Living in the Wilderness

• 18:11 - Stepping Out in Faith

• 21:44 - Experiencing God in the Wilderness

• 25:50 - Longing for the Comfort of the Past

• 29:15 - Living with an Unpredictable God

• 32:56 - Life After Ministry and the Hero Collective

• 38:39 - Living One Day at a Time

• 39:26 - Conclusion