Pastoring on Purpose

Dr. Jeff Sargent hosts this episode of Pastoring on Purpose, continuing his discussion with Dr. Tim Maness about topics explored in the book he is writing. This conversation focuses on the behaviors and struggles ministers experience that can make their role feel overwhelming, and ways ministers may better manage their time, emotions, and boundaries.

Dr. Jeffrey Sargent hosts this episode of Pastoring on Purpose, the official podcast of the Center for Ministerial Care. He has an intimate discussion with Dr. Tim Maness about his personal experiences as a child with parents suffering from the death of his brother, as a young minister facing disturbing circumstances, and as a counselor who now helps ministers identify and address the silent struggles they face. They talk about Imago Dei, vicarious trauma, and the importance of having a sense of self outside one's profession.

Dr. Tim Maness is joined by Melinda Maness and producer Ryan to talk about stress and anxiety are and how they are not always negative. They look at the difference between them, how they affect us, and what we can do to manage them in a healthy way.

Our booth is packed, the crowds are gone, and the final worship services have begun here at the Church of God General Assembly 2026. As we prepare for the trip home, we're proud to share our last mini-episode recorded here in Orlando. Dr. Tim Maness welcomes Francis Rodriquez to Pastoring on Purpose. Francis is a young man attending Lee University who has a powerful story of sacrificing his own interests to care for his family as he pursues his degree in ministry.

Dennis Laughlin is the lead pastor at Starkville Church of God in Mississippi. Dennis visited Pastoring on Purpose at the Church of God General Assembly 2026 to join Dr. Tim Maness and share his pastoral journey. He talks about his experience pastoring over the last 25 years, and gives insight into how he maintains healthy boundaries to protect his family relationships and his hobbies.