Should pastors take sabbaticals? It seems like a simple question—but it's sparked heated debate in ministry circles. Some pastors feel guilty taking extended rest when their congregants don't get the same benefit. Others argue that sabbaticals are just poor boundary-setting dressed up in spiritual language.

In this episode, Seth pushes back on both objections. He makes the case that pastoral ministry isn't just demanding—it's different in kind from other professions. When your professional identity is fused with your spiritual identity, and your job is to lay down your life for your flock, the toll is deeper than boundaries alone can address.

You'll hear:

• Why the discomfort pastors feel about sabbaticals actually proves they need them
• The difference between managing people and caring for people—and why it matters
• Why "just set better boundaries" isn't the complete answer
• The biblical pattern for extended rest (it's older than you think)
• A simple 6% savings strategy to fund your own sabbatical—even without church support

Whether your first sabbatical was years ago or you needed one yesterday, this episode gives you both the permission and the plan.

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

It's December, and lots of financial professionals are talking with their clients about Roth conversions—but is that the best strategy for pastors? In this episode, we break down the "Super-Roth" concept: how your church 403(b) combined with housing allowance in retirement can actually beat a traditional Roth in terms of pure tax efficiency. But there's a catch (there's always a catch), and it has everything to do with what happens when you pay off your mortgage. Learn how to think strategically about your 403(b) balance, when Roth conversions make more sense, and why the legacy factor might tip the scales.

Resources mentioned:

• Pastor Refinance Calculator: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/refinance-calculator
• Pastor Tax Review: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/taxreview
• Sacred Capital Community: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/join
• Full article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/should-pastors-do-roth-conversions

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Most CPAs who make errors with clergy tax returns aren't failing pastors out of incompetence—they're failing because the system never equipped them to succeed. In this episode, I walk through what clergy taxation looks like from a tax preparer's perspective, the proactive questions they'd need to ask (but probably won't), and a spectrum of responses if you suspect your preparer is in over their head.

Resources mentioned:

• Free Interview Guide: shepherdswallet.com/tax-interview-guide
• Contact for CPA consultations: shepherdswallet.com/contact or seth@shepherdswallet.com
• Tax Mastery Training: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/taxes
• Sacred Capital Community: shepherdswallet.com/join
• Full article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/how-to-find-a-cpa-who-actually-understands-clergy-taxes

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.