The Vital Podcast

Burnout Is Not a Personal Failure (and What’s Really Driving It) — with Alan Briggs

In this episode, we take the next step: If limits are holy… then what do we do with burnout? Canon Mark Eldredge and Rev. Brian Pape are joined by leadership coach and author Alan Briggs to explore a critical reframing: Burnout is not a personal or spiritual failure. It’s often the result of what Alan calls “voluntary self-exploitation.” Many leaders aren’t breaking down because they lack faith or resilience— they’re carrying weight they were never meant to carry. Drawing from his book Anti-Burnout: A Lighter Way to Live and Lead in a Heavy World, Alan helps uncover what’s actually driving exhaustion beneath the surface—and what a healthier, more sustainable way of leading can look like. Connect with Alan Briggs: * https://www.h2leadership.com [https://www.h2leadership.com] * Anti-Burnout: A Lighter Way to Live and Lead in a Heavy World (available wherever books are sold)

Healthy Leaders, Holy Limits

In the opening episode of Healthy Leaders, Holy Limits, Mark and Brian lay the theological foundation for the series by naming the exhaustion many leaders carry quietly and faithfully. Drawing on Jesus’ example in Mark 1:32–39, they explore how limits are not a failure of faith, but a gift that clarifies calling, protects love, and makes long-term faithfulness possible. Healthy Leaders, Holy Limits is a formation-focused Revive podcast series for pastors and church leaders navigating burnout, boundaries, and sustainability in ministry. Through Scripture, lived experience, and trusted voices from across the Church and beyond, this series explores what it means to lead faithfully for the long haul—without confusing urgency with obedience.

The VITAL Stories Series: Revitalization in Catonsville, MD

In this second episode of VITAL stories, Canon Mark interviews the Rev. Cedric and Sarah Benner from Bishop Cummins Reformed Episcopal Church in Catonsville, MD. Since engaging with Canon Mark through Revive, there has been steady growth, engaging ministry, and breakthrough, despite significant challenges. Both of them share their story of revitalization and show how life continues in the ACNA at the local level through prayer and determination for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Preparing for Pentecost: Renewal as the Church's Heart

In this Pentecost interview, Canon Mark interviews the Rev. Clancy Nixon, Director of Renew, a ministry of Anglican Revitalization Ministries. Rev. Clancy talks about the history of Anglican renewal, his own experience as an Anglican priest pursuing ministry through the Holy Spirit's power, and the importance of renewal for the health and growth of the local Anglican church. For more information on Renew and Anglican Revitalization Ministries, visit www.churchrevive.org.

The VITAL Stories Series: Revitalization in Abilene, TX

In this first episode of VITAL stories, Canon Mark interviews the Rev. Bryan Stewart from Holy Cross Anglican Church in Abilene, TX. Since engaging the Revive process, there has been steady growth, engaging ministry, and worthwhile challenge. They break down this parish's story and show how life continues in the ACNA through prayer and determination for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.