Épisodes

  • Broken to Beloved
    Dec 8 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Wounded Leadership Podcast, Brian Lee shares his journey from experiencing spiritual abuse in toxic church environments to finding healing and reclaiming his identity as beloved. He discusses the importance of community, storytelling, and agency in the healing process, emphasizing that healing looks different for everyone. Brian also highlights the need for compassion and understanding in addressing trauma and the significance of creating safe spaces for individuals to share their stories.

    Learn more about Brian Lee and his ministry at: Broken to Beloved

    Learn more about Wounded Leadership Ministry at: Wounded Leadership

    Takeaways

    • Brian Lee has over 20 years of experience in ministry.
    • Spiritual abuse can lead to deep identity crises.
    • Counseling helped Brian understand his experiences of spiritual abuse.
    • The nonprofit 'Broken to Beloved' was born from Brian's healing journey.
    • Healing is a unique process for each individual.
    • Community plays a crucial role in the healing process.
    • Agency over prescription is vital in recovery from trauma.
    • Healing does not mean returning to the way things were.
    • Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and connection.
    • Brian emphasizes the importance of compassion in addressing trauma.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Brian Lee and His Journey

    04:56 The Impact of Spiritual Abuse

    09:52 Navigating Toxic Church Environments

    14:46 Finding Identity Beyond Brokenness

    19:53 Reclaiming Faith in the Church

    24:34 Defining Success and Healing

    25:33 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

    27:01 The Nature of Healing

    28:22 Navigating Vulnerability in Ministry

    29:48 Reclaiming Agency and Storytelling

    31:34 Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing

    34:22 Building Trust Through Mutual Vulnerability

    38:11 The Path to Healing: Noticing, Naming, Navigating

    Keywords

    spiritual abuse, healing, church leadership, identity, community, storytelling, mental health, nonprofit, Brian Lee, Broken to Beloved

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    46 min
  • Life After Ministry: Embracing New Beginnings
    Nov 24 2025

    Find out more about Ministry Transitions at:

    www.ministrytransitions.com

    Get ahold of Wounded Leadership at:

    www.woundedleadership.com

    Summary

    In this episode, Matt Davis shares his journey as a recovering pastor, discussing the wounds and healing processes that come with leadership in ministry. He explores the complexities of identity, the importance of community, and the hope that can be found even in the darkest moments. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Matt emphasizes the need for humility, support, and the understanding that healing is a continuous journey. He also provides resources for those in transition and highlights the significance of sharing one's story as a means of healing.

    Takeaways

    • Wounds in leadership can be self-inflicted or caused by others.
    • Healing is a continuous process, not a destination.
    • Pastors often hide their wounds, complicating their healing.
    • Community support is crucial for healing and restoration.
    • Identity can become entangled with ministry roles.
    • Hope is not wishful thinking; it is a firm belief in God's promises.
    • Friends who sit in the ashes with you are invaluable.
    • Redemption can come from our worst moments.
    • There is life and ministry after leaving a church.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    01:01 The Journey of a Recovering Pastor

    02:20 Understanding Healing in Leadership

    05:10 Navigating the Pain of Ministry

    08:58 Identity Beyond Ministry

    12:12 Finding Hope in Healing

    15:09 The Importance of Community

    18:52 Redemption and Resilience in Leadership

    21:36 Empathy and Connection in Ministry

    23:59 The Journey of Getting Unstuck

    27:06 God's Presence in Wilderness Seasons

    30:04 The Pressure of Pastoral Expectations

    32:27 Navigating Transitions in Ministry

    35:34 Finding Hope in Difficult Times

    38:33 Life After Ministry: New Beginnings

    Keywords

    #wounded leadership, #healing, #ministry, #pastors, #identity, #community, #hope, #redemption, #support

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    44 min
  • Somethings Gotta Change!
    Nov 10 2025

    Keywords

    #wounded leadership, #ministry, #healing, #reconciliation, #church, #counseling, #personal growth, #boundaries, #trauma, #support

    Summary

    In this episode of the Wounded Leadership podcast, host Matthew Tanner speaks with Tiffany Henning, founder of somethingsgotachange.com, about her journey through the challenges of ministry, the importance of healing, and the need for change within church leadership. Tiffany shares her personal experiences of being wounded in ministry, the process of reconciliation, and the role of counseling in healing. They discuss the significance of boundaries, the importance of healthy conflict, and the need for churches to support their leaders better. Tiffany emphasizes the necessity of holding onto one's calling loosely and the importance of self-care in ministry.

    Takeaways

    • Tiffany Henning is the founder of Something's Got to Change, focusing on supporting wounded leaders.
    • Everyone in ministry has a story of hurt and healing.
    • Reconciliation is possible, even after deep wounds.
    • Healing is a long process that may not have a clear endpoint.
    • Counseling is crucial for processing trauma and hurt in ministry.
    • It's important to hold your calling loosely and be open to change.
    • Healthy conflict should be normalized in church settings.
    • Boundaries are essential for maintaining personal well-being in ministry.
    • Churches need to be proactive in addressing issues before they escalate.
    • Praying for those who hurt you can lead to healing and softened hearts.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    02:36 Tiffany's Journey in Ministry

    08:31 Reconciliation and Healing

    13:37 Returning to Church and New Beginnings

    20:22 Founding Something's Gotta Change

    21:22 The Healing Process and Its Challenges

    26:24 Understanding the Enemy's Foothold

    27:38 Processing Pain and Reaffirming Calling

    28:37 The Power of Journaling in Spiritual Growth

    30:25 Conversations with God: Recognizing His Voice

    32:38 Claiming Your Salvation and Calling

    33:31 Holding Callings with a Loose Hand

    35:39 Finding Purpose in Pain

    37:05 Healing Through Prayer and Forgiveness

    39:26 What's Gotta Change in Ministry?

    41:43 Setting Boundaries in Ministry

    43:31 Necessary Endings and Healthy Conflict

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    49 min
  • A Pastor's Journey: From Hurt to Healing
    Oct 27 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Wounded Leadership podcast, Dr. Matthew Tanner and Dr. Eric Turner delve into the complexities of ministry, exploring the challenges, grief, and healing that come with leadership roles in the church. Eric shares his personal journey into ministry, the unexpected tragedies he faced, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of pastoral care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, the necessity of sharing one's story, and the resilience required to navigate the wounds of leadership. Through candid anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the significance of empathy and the role of faith in overcoming adversity.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    02:22 The Journey into Ministry

    17:03 Facing Tragedy and Grief in Ministry

    28:43 Transitioning and Finding New Purpose

    37:33 The Role of Community in Healing

    49:35 The Importance of Sharing Your Story

    Takeaways

    • Ministry can be a journey filled with unexpected challenges.
    • Grief can manifest in various ways, especially in pastoral roles.
    • Community support is crucial during times of personal and professional crisis.
    • Sharing personal stories can help break the stigma of isolation in ministry.
    • Pastors are not immune to mistakes and should not be placed on pedestals.
    • Woundedness can lead to deeper empathy and understanding in ministry.
    • The importance of having a support network during difficult times.
    • Transitioning from one ministry to another can be a path to healing.
    • Theological perspectives can help navigate through pain and suffering.
    • Every experience, even painful ones, can prepare you for future ministry opportunities.

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    59 min
  • From Wounds to Wisdom
    Oct 13 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Wounded Leadership Stories from the Wounded, Dr. Matthew Tanner interviews Jeff Holt, who shares his journey through ministry, mental health struggles, and the importance of supporting pastors. Jeff discusses his experiences as a youth minister, the challenges he faced transitioning to a senior pastor during COVID, and the impact of personal loss on his mental health. He emphasizes the need for mental health awareness in the church and the creation of One Church Health Alliance to support pastors in their mental health journeys. The conversation highlights the importance of sharing stories and seeking help in the healing process.

    Checkout One Church Health Alliance

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Jeff Holt

    03:01 Jeff's Journey in Ministry

    06:02 Transitioning to Senior Pastor During COVID

    08:55 Challenges Faced as a New Senior Pastor

    11:55 Mental Health Struggles and Panic Attacks

    15:11 Coping with Loss and Grief

    17:55 The Decision to Leave the Church

    20:56 Finding Healing and Moving Forward

    32:28 The Power of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

    38:59 Finding Purpose Through Pain

    44:24 Navigating Family Health Crises

    50:20 Establishing One Church Health Alliance

    55:48 The Importance of Sharing Your Story

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    1 h
  • Moving On
    Sep 29 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Matthew Tanner interviews Deanna Harrison, founder of Pastors Hope Network, who shares her personal journey of being a wounded pastor's wife after a sudden forced termination from ministry. Deanna discusses the emotional turmoil, grief, and anger that followed the abrupt end of her husband's pastoral role, as well as the long-term effects of trauma. She emphasizes the importance of community support, professional help, and finding purpose in pain as she navigated her healing journey. Deanna also reflects on God's plan and offers advice to others who may be facing similar challenges in their ministry careers.

    You can discover Deanna's ministry here at:

    www.pastorshopenetwork.org

    Keywords

    podcasting, ministry, grief, healing, trauma, support, community, forced termination, emotional impact, pastors

    Takeaways

    The forced termination felt like a coup, blindsiding them.

    Anger was a dominant emotion during the aftermath.

    Emotions should not be spiritualized; they are real and valid.

    God is not done with those who have been hurt in ministry.

    Finding purpose in pain can lead to healing.

    Community support is crucial during times of crisis.

    Professional help can aid in recovery from trauma.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Podcasting Journey

    02:16 The Story of Wounded Leadership

    05:36 Experiencing Forced Termination

    08:30 Navigating Emotions After Trauma

    11:16 The Impact of Grief and Loss

    14:20 Finding Support and Community

    17:12 The Journey of Healing and Reinvention

    20:25 The Role of Faith in Recovery

    23:11 Advice for Those Affected by Ministry Loss

    26:22 Conclusion and Resources for Support

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    41 min
  • Refined by the Fire(d)
    Sep 15 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Wounded Leadership podcast, Dr. Matthew Tanner interviews Kyle Isabelli, author of 'Refined by the Fired.' Kyle shares his personal journey through the challenges of church leadership, including the chaos of ministry, the impact of being fired, and the lessons learned about pride, conflict resolution, and personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of healing, self-reflection, and the role of grace in navigating difficult situations in ministry.

    Check out Kyle's Ministry Here:

    Refined By the Fire(d)

    Takeaways

    • Kyle Isabelli shares his journey in ministry and the challenges he faced.
    • The chaos of church leadership can feel normal but is often unhealthy.
    • Navigating conflict requires clear communication and understanding expectations.
    • Being fired can lead to significant personal growth and reflection.
    • Pride can hinder healing and understanding in leadership roles.
    • Finding healing involves confronting bitterness and seeking reconciliation.
    • The importance of community support during transitions in ministry.
    • Leaders must be clear about expectations to avoid misunderstandings.
    • Self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional development.
    • Grace and humility are essential in the face of conflict.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    03:25 Kyle's Journey in Ministry

    08:42 The Unexpected Termination

    16:07 Navigating the Aftermath of Firing

    23:34 The Path to Healing and Reconciliation

    34:59 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

    43:03 Podcast outro.mp4

    Keywords

    wounded leadership, ministry, church, conflict resolution, personal growth, healing, Kyle Isabelli, Refined by the Fired, church leadership, pastoral care

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    45 min
  • Pastors and PTSD
    Sep 1 2025

    In this compelling episode, we delve into the often-overlooked struggles of spiritual leaders with "Pastors and PTSD: Exploring the Concept of Post-Traumatic Spiritual Stress Disorder." Through the heartfelt words of a former marine, we uncover the silent battles pastors face, drawing parallels between military and spiritual service. This episode sheds light on the emotional and spiritual toll of leading a congregation, offering insights into the unique challenges and resilience required. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, trauma, and healing.

    www.woundedleadership.com

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    14 min