It’s easy to blame our staff, our church, or our circumstances for ministry stress. But often the real issue lies deeper—in our own hearts. In this episode, we unpack how unchecked ambition, workaholism, and misplaced identity quietly undermine pastoral health.  With insights from Genesis 3, Romans 12, and real coaching conversations, we’ll talk about how pastors can move from surface fixes to genuine transformation.

Do a Blame Check

• Genesis 3:11-12 – “And God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from? The man said, “The woman You put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
•  Adam blamed Eve first (and then God).
• Shifting frustration to staff, church members, or systems instead of facing our own hearts.

Do a Heart Check

• Example 1: When I react poorly to people or circumstances ask, “Where does my heart need God’s grace right now?”
• Example 2: Workaholism
  • What is driving you?
  • Hal Donaldson: “What sacrifices are you making that God isn’t asking you to make?”

Do a Head Check

• Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
• Ephesians 4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
• Getting out of our own way