Episode 7: Paused, Bruised, and Back at It

Episode 7: Paused, Bruised, and Back at It

Episode 7 picks the story back up five months after Riley and Andrew last hit record, and the update is not the one anyone was hoping for. What felt like an imminent job offer in August suddenly stalled when a church pressed pause on the process, sending Riley back to square one in the middle of an already exhausting ministry transition.  Andrew and Riley talk honestly about what it feels like when a promising opportunity falls through late in the process, especially after multiple conversations, interviews, dinners, and growing expectations. They reflect on the emotional weight of disappointment, the confidence hit that comes from repeated no’s, and the hard lesson of learning not to get too excited too early, even when everything seems to be moving in the right direction.  The episode also brings in the very real family side of ministry uncertainty. Since the last recording, Riley and Savannah welcomed their daughter Sailor, while also navigating health concerns, financial pressure, and the challenge of raising three young children without the stability of a full-time ministry role and benefits. It is a candid conversation about provision, pressure, and what faith looks like when the timeline stretches much longer than expected.  Along the way, Riley reflects on the awkward experience of attending church as a former staff member, watching ministry continue without him, and wrestling with what it means to separate identity from title when pastoral ministry has shaped so much of adult life. The conversation touches on lost community, shifting relationships, side work that helps pay the bills but is not the long-term calling, and the strange in-between of knowing God is still at work even when nothing feels settled.  More than anything, Episode 7 is about learning to see God’s hand in the no’s, the pauses, and the disappointments. Even with around 20 more resumes back out and no final answer yet, Riley and Andrew point toward a deeper hope: God has not stopped working, even in the silence.  Key themes: ministry job search disappointment when a church pauses the process pastoral identity and transition family pressure during uncertainty new baby, health concerns, and finances attending church after leaving staff waiting on God in the in-between starting the process over again

Episode 6: Playing the Field, Trusting the Process

In Episode 6 of Get a Job with Andrew and Riley, the conversation turns to one of the strangest parts of a ministry job search, navigating multiple church conversations at the same time. Riley shares what it feels like to be in several different interview processes at once, each moving at its own pace, asking similar questions, and creating the challenge of remembering who said what, when, and where.  Andrew and Riley unpack the tension of trying to discern God’s leading while one church moves quickly, another drags its feet, and a third stays just active enough to keep hope alive. They talk candidly about interview fatigue, the mental energy it takes to stay organized, and the awkward reality that ministry candidates often have to “date multiple churches” at the same time while still trying to be sincere, thoughtful, and honest.  The episode also explores the hidden layers of the process, comparing church websites and livestreams, reading staff culture through lunch meetings and campus tours, and asking deeper questions about long-term fit, family health, and whether a church is truly a place to settle or simply a place to land. Along the way, the conversation stays funny, grounded, and honest about the emotional roller coaster of receiving silence, hearing no, and trying to keep going anyway.  Most importantly, this episode reflects on what God does in the waiting. Riley opens up about learning patience, leaning into spiritual disciplines, seeking wise counsel, and trusting that the awkward in-between is not wasted time. For pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone navigating an uncertain season, this episode is a reminder that calling is often clarified not just in the outcome, but in the process itself.  A few key themes from this episode: multiple church interviews ministry search fatigue discerning God’s will church staffing processes interview strategy and organization staff culture and chemistry family considerations in ministry transitions trusting God in the waiting

Episode 5: Application Anxiety and Church Search Chaos

In Episode 5 of Get a Job with Andrew and Riley, the conversation moves from job boards and search firms into the part everybody dreads, the application process. Riley shares what it has been like to submit around 20 applications, each with its own maze of cover letters, questionnaires, sermon links, philosophy statements, and church-specific hoops. Andrew and Riley talk about the strange reality that churches often expect a great deal from candidates while offering very little communication in return. They unpack the frustration of radio silence, vague timelines, awkward follow ups, and the emotional weight of trying to make major family decisions while waiting on churches to reply. The episode also gets into the variety of interview processes churches use, from simple resume submissions to Zoom calls, in-person meetings, staff interviews, executive pastor conversations, and personnel committees. Along the way, they reflect on what candidates should and should not explain during a ministry transition, how much to tailor an application, the temptation to oversell yourself, and why authenticity still matters most in the room. This episode is for pastors and ministry leaders who are in the middle of the search process, or who may be there soon. It is honest, funny, and painfully familiar for anyone who has ever waited too long for a church email.  A few key topics from this episode: ministry job applications cover letters and resumes church search committees radio silence from churches tailoring materials for different roles interview rounds and search process confusion family pressure during ministry transition how candidates should present themselves honestly

Episode 4: Where Do You Even Look?

In Episode 4 of Get a Job with Andrew and Riley, the search gets real. Riley walks through where he’s actually looking for ministry roles—from denominational job boards to search firms like Vanderbloemen, Slingshot, and Chemistry Staffing. Along the way, we talk about the pros and cons of each, how much work falls on the candidate, and why networking still matters more than you think.  We also dive into how to evaluate opportunities beyond the job description: church culture, leadership structure, theology, location, and whether your family can truly thrive there long-term. Plus, a few red flags to watch for (and a few wild job postings you can’t make up). The episode closes with honest reflection on the emotional side of the process—waiting, uncertainty, and learning to trust God in a slower season. If you’re wondering where to look—or how to know what’s worth pursuing—this episode will help you take the next step with clarity.

Episode 3: So… I Guess I Need a Resume

In Episode 3 of Get a Job with Andrew and Riley, the job search officially begins. Riley walks through the first real step of any transition: building a resume—and all the awkwardness that comes with it. From deciding what to include (and what to leave out), to navigating how to describe a complicated current role, this episode dives into the tension of presenting your story with both honesty and confidence.  We also talk about sermon links, references, cover letters, and the strange balance of “selling yourself” without losing humility. Along the way, Riley shares how he’s handling difficult questions, communicating with references, and learning to trust God’s sovereignty in a season full of uncertainty. If you’ve ever felt like your experience is too simple—or your story too messy—this episode will remind you that neither disqualifies you from what God is doing next.