My Biggest Regret in Pastoral Ministry with Zach Monroe

The end of the Coldplay Concert & TED Talk Churches with Rodney Adams

Key takeaways: 1) The church model is shifting, whether leaders like it or not.Boomers built institutional churches; younger generations don’t trust or join institutions the same way, so the future will be more networked and less denominational. 2) Discipleship isn’t complex—it’s just rarely executed consistently.If people aren’t regularly in the Word, prayer, and community, they’re not actually being formed, no matter how many programs exist. 3) Churches get messy when they avoid operational reality.Money, staffing, and transitions require clear, structured decisions—even in a spiritual environment—otherwise emotions and ambiguity create bigger problems. Connect with Rodney on his Substack Rodney Adams [https://substack.com/profile/20648176-rodney-adams] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erichoke.substack.com [https://erichoke.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Anti-Busy Family with Sarah Marsh

IHelpPastorsGetJobs.com [https://www.ihelppastorsgetjobs.com/] helps ministry leaders market themselves for corporate jobs. Download our free PDF to learn more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erichoke.substack.com [https://erichoke.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

My Biggest Regret in Pastoral Ministry with Zach Monroe

Takeaways: Say less, carry more weight: Restraint > Expressiveness. Speaking selectively makes your input more valuable. This is a learned skill for pastors transitioning to the marketplace. Transitions cost you your identity (at first) - Leaving ministry isn’t just a job change—it’s a loss of role, clarity, and belonging. You need to rebuild from scratch, but life does stabilize. When church systems ignore real life, people don’t lack commitment; they lack time and alignment. Work, family, and growth are part of formation, not distractions. Connect with Zach Monroe [https://substack.com/profile/4390746-zach-monroe] on Substack [https://substack.com/@zachmonroe]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erichoke.substack.com [https://erichoke.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why Chasing Fulfillment Through Your Career Backfires | Dr. Jen Bennett

Are you a pastor or ministry leader who wants to transition into the marketplace in 2026? Schedule a free call below. Our team would love to meet you. Purpose in Work Often Emerges Through Seasons, Not Immediate Clarity: Many people expect to find a “perfect job” that fulfills their purpose immediately, but meaningful careers often develop through different seasons of work. Some jobs are focused on paying bills, others on learning skills, and others on leadership growth. Each stage serves a purpose in shaping experience and character. Recognizing the season you’re currently in can reduce frustration and help you see how present work contributes to future calling. High Achievers Must Guard Their Identity from Being Tied to Performance: As Enneagram “Type 3” achievers, people driven to make an impact often derive their identity from accomplishments. While ambition helps turn vision into reality, the shadow side is overworking, burnout, and seeking approval from others. A healthier approach is to remember that your value exists before achievements, titles, or success, and to protect rhythms like rest and Sabbath to maintain alignment with deeper purpose. Entrepreneurship Is Often Lonely & Community Is Essential: Entrepreneurship frequently involves uncertainty, isolation, and carrying a vision others may not fully understand. One of the biggest mistakes founders make is trying to build everything alone. Instead of immediately searching for a better strategy, entrepreneurs may need to find community, partners, or cohorts who understand the journey and provide perspective and encouragement. You can connect with Dr. Jen on her Website [https://drjenbennett.com/] or her Substack [https://substack.com/@drjenbennett]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erichoke.substack.com [https://erichoke.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Peyton Jones: When the Church is Busy but not Activated.

IHelpPastorsGetJobs.com [https://www.ihelppastorsgetjobs.com/] helps ministry leaders market themselves for corporate jobs. Download our free PDF to learn more. Episode Takeaways 1. Mobilization Comes Before MultiplicationThe church often focuses on growth and scaling, but Jesus focused first on forming people. If there’s a multiplication problem, there’s usually a mobilization problem underneath it. 2. Jesus Followed a Three-Phase RhythmYear one was about time and relationships. Year two focused on teaching and observation. Year three shifted to tactics—sending them out and activating them. 3. Discipleship Is Not the Same as Disciple MakingDiscipleship often centers on believers and weekly study. Disciplemaking starts with unbelievers and happens through everyday life and mission. 4. Activation Requires ActionTeaching informs and time transforms, but tactics activate. People don’t fully mature until they are sent and given responsibility. 5. Build Multipliers, Not Just MinistriesInstead of building bigger congregations, invest deeply in a few people. If you intentionally reproduce yourself into 12 others, growth becomes organic rather than manufactured. You can purchase Peyon’s Book at DiscipologyBook.com [https://newbreedtraining.com/resources/books/discipology/]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erichoke.substack.com [https://erichoke.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]