When a beloved role ends, identity gets loud.
In this candid conversation, Joshua Gordon traces his journey from ministry-adjacent entrepreneur to a surprising new assignment after his business collapsed in COVID. A trusted friend’s hard words, deep prayer, and patient community became “spiritual physio” that restored his sense of self in Christ.
We talk about the gap between intention and impact in church transitions, why being “driven” can hide quiet desperation, and how to hear God’s still small voice before things are literally on fire.
Josh shares the practical and pastoral moves that protected his marriage, his kids, and his future calling.
If you are a leader facing an ending, a board guiding one, or a pastor recovering from one, this episode offers language, wisdom, and hope. Faithfulness isn’t empire building. It’s walking with Jesus in ordinary choices that shape a lifetime.
Key takeaways- Intention without action creates collateral damage in transitions.
- “Driven” can be desperation in disguise; identity must relocate from role to Christ.
- God often speaks through memory, community, and quiet checks in the soul.
- Invite truth-telling friends. Love risks being misunderstood to protect you.
- Over-preparation can be control; trust requires limits on our need to manage outcomes.
- Measure success by faithfulness to Jesus and people, not by platform.
- Healthy endings open a window for deep heart work and future freedom.
- 00:00 Cold open, Canadians and calling
- 03:20 Intention vs impact in church transitions
- 07:30 PK expectations and disillusionment
- 10:20 Building a ministry-minded business
- 12:40 COVID collapse and costly layoffs
- 16:20 Untangling identity from role
- 18:45 A memory from God that exposed motive
- 28:55 “Physio” for the soul and daily trust
- 38:00 Friendship that told the hard truth
- 47:50 Closing one work, starting another
- 52:15 Learning to follow quiet discernment
- 59:30 Wealth redefined: family, faith, and freedom
- 1:04:15 Kingdom over empire, final blessing
If you’re facing a ministry transition - or helping someone through one - visit MinistryTransitions.com to find confidential guidance, resources, and hope for what’s next.
For more from Joshua Gordon and The Lead Pastor, visit here: https://theleadpastor.com/
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