You’re Leading on Empty — Now What?
“I come crashing into relationships at work or church — and I think it does damage.”
That honest confession from Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith captures something many pastors and Christian leaders feel but rarely name: the emotional and spiritual toll of ministry burnout. When our pace outstrips our presence, even the people we care most about can feel the impact.
Maybe you’ve felt it too — the racing thoughts, the strained conversations, the quiet sense that your soul is fraying at the edges. You want to lead with clarity and love, but the pressure of ministry just keeps coming.
That tension is exactly what Leading in Practice, a Christian leadership podcast from The Colossian Forum, was created to address. In each episode, we offer spiritual formation that meets you where you are, plus simple, faithful practices you can begin using right away.
A Podcast That Meets You in the Mess
Leading in Practice is a recurring segment of The Practicing Hope Podcast, hosted by Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith and Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle. In each episode, they speak candidly about the real challenges of Christian leadership and the spiritual practices that help us face those challenges with courage and grace.
This isn’t a place for formulas or quick fixes. It’s a space for truth-telling, reflection, and faithful next steps.
Whether you’re experiencing ministry burnout, relational tension, emotional fatigue, or simply the unrelenting pressure to hold everything together, this Christian leadership podcast offers a gentle but powerful invitation:
Pause long enough to reflect honestly — then take a faithful next step.
Real Talk. Real Tools. Really Needed.
Each 20–30 minute episode features a conversation between two pastors who are still learning and still being formed. Their stories, laughter, and vulnerability make space for you to reflect on your own journey with God and others.
You’ll explore themes like:
- Embodied leadership and emotional regulation
- Practices for rest, reflection, and resilience
- The power of saying “no” as an act of faith
- What it means to be fully human, and fully loved, as a leader
It’s deeply rooted in Christian spiritual formation and speaks directly into the realities of ministry burnout but always remains practical, never performative.
Who It’s For
This series is for Christian leaders who are tired of shallow answers and ready for something deeper. Whether you’re leading a church, a team, or a family, Leading in Practice offers space to:
- Tend to your soul without abandoning your calling
- Respond to tension with love and clarity
- Lead from identity, not insecurity
It’s also a great resource for staff teams or small groups who want to grow in emotional and spiritual maturity together, especially those seeking tools for faith-based leadership rooted in integrity and formation.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
You don’t need more pressure. You need more presence.
At The Colossian Forum, we believe that even the hardest tensions can become sacred ground, but only when we slow down enough to notice where God is already at work. Leading in Practice offers a rhythm of pause, prayer, and practice for leaders navigating a noisy, demanding world, and seeking greater emotional health in ministry.
As Chase puts it, “Slowing down gives grace and mercy time to catch up with us.”
Ready to Begin? Start Listening Today
🎧 Explore these standout episodes:
- The Art of Slowing Down – Why rest isn’t a luxury, but a leadership necessity
- Paying Attention to Your Body – How physical signals reveal emotional and spiritual needs
- Going Toward in Difficult Relationships – How hard people can become holy invitations
More episodes are on the way, so keep an eye on our Instagram for updates on episode releases!
Start listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.