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Wounded Leadership: Stories from the Wounded

Wounded Leadership: Stories from the Wounded

Written by: Dr. Matthew Tanner
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Summary The Wounded Leadership Podcast, hosted by Dr. Matthew Tanner, aims to provide a platform for pastors and church leaders who have experienced trauma in their ministry. Through storytelling, the podcast seeks to foster healing and community among those who have faced church hurt. Each episode features authentic narratives from various leaders, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences to combat isolation and promote recovery. The podcast promises authenticity and vulnerability, offering listeners a sense of connection and hope as they navigate their own leadership challenges.2025 Dr. Matthew Tanner Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Ministry & Evangelism Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • Navigating Trust in Wounded Leadership: Noe Rivera
    Feb 9 2026

    Find out more about Noe Rivera at Ministry Transitions

    A very special thank you to Lanier Theological Library in Houston Texas for allowing us to film on location!

    Summary

    This conversation explores the themes of wounded-ness in ministry, particularly from the perspective of a pastor's kid. The discussion delves into the impact of church hurt, the journey into ministry, and the importance of trust, identity, and healing. The speakers emphasize the need for forgiveness, understanding one's identity in Christ, and the significance of being human in ministry. They also provide encouragement for those who have experienced hurt and offer insights into navigating the complexities of ministry life.

    Takeaways

    • Wounded-ness in ministry can deeply affect one's identity.
    • Growing up as a pastor's kid provides a unique perspective on church hurt.
    • Trusting others in ministry requires vulnerability and healing.
    • Forgiveness is a crucial step in the healing process.
    • Understanding one's identity in Christ is essential for recovery.
    • It's okay to be broken; humanity is part of ministry.
    • Isolation can hinder healing; connection is vital.
    • Gatekeeping in ministry helps prevent toxic patterns.
    • Wounded pastors can find healing through community and support.
    • Embracing one's story is key to finding strength and healing.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    01:30 The Impact of Woundedness in Ministry

    02:20 Growing Up as a Pastor's Kid

    02:58 Navigating Trust and Vulnerability in Ministry

    03:49 The Journey into Ministry Despite Hurt

    04:20 Understanding Grief and Forgiveness

    05:42 The Importance of Identity in Healing

    06:13 Overcoming Shame and Guilt

    07:02 Gatekeeping in Ministry

    08:22 Patterns of Healing for Wounded Pastors

    09:09 The Role of Humanity in Ministry

    09:59 Encouragement for the Wounded

    11:19 Conclusion and Resources

    Keywords

    wounded leadership, ministry, healing, church hurt, pastor's kid, trust, identity, grief, forgiveness, counseling

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    41 mins
  • Navigating Unwanted Exits: A Pastor's Wife's Tale
    Jan 26 2026

    To learn more about Kristen Humiston please visit:

    Kristen Joy Coaching

    For more podcast episodes or to learn about the ministry of Wounded Leadership please visit: Wounded Leadership

    Summary

    In this episode of the Wounded Leadership podcast, Kristen Joy Humiston shares her profound journey from being a pastor's wife to experiencing an unwanted exit from ministry. She discusses the deep emotional impact of this transition, including identity loss and the subsequent depression that followed. Kristen emphasizes the importance of community support and therapy in the healing process, and how her experiences have led her to create a ministry focused on helping other pastors' wives navigate similar challenges. Through her story, she highlights the significance of sharing personal narratives as a means of healing and connection.

    Takeaways

    • Kristen Joy is a ministry coach and therapist.
    • She works primarily with wounded pastor's wives.
    • Her family's unexpected exit from ministry led to deep depression.
    • The church experience can lead to significant identity loss.
    • Support structures often vanish after a church exit.
    • The dismissal of pastors can be abrupt and shocking.
    • Therapy became a crucial part of Kristen's healing process.
    • Community support is vital for those experiencing trauma.
    • Kristen's ministry focuses on helping others in similar situations.
    • Sharing stories is essential for healing and connection.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    01:59 Kristen's Journey in Ministry

    07:17 The Unexpected Exit from Ministry

    12:00 The Inquisition: Facing Dismissal

    20:15 The Aftermath of Being Fired

    26:42 Reflections on Church Dynamics

    28:21 Navigating Sudden Change: A Mother's Decision

    30:34 The Journey of Support: Finding Community

    33:07 The Financial and Emotional Fallout of Ministry

    35:34 Healing Through Therapy: A Personal Journey

    43:19 Empowering Others: The Birth of a Ministry

    Keywords

    #Wounded Leadership, #Ministry, #Pastors Wives, #Healing, #Support Groups, #Church Exit, #Identity Crisis, #Mental Health, #Community, #Therapy

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    46 mins
  • Faith and Forgiveness: Rodrick
    Jan 12 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Roderick Sweet shares his journey through the challenges of ministry, including a traumatic incident that led to significant personal and professional wounds. He discusses the importance of community support, the impact of toxic leadership, and the lessons learned from his experiences. Roderick emphasizes the need for healing, communication, and the role of trust in overcoming past wounds. He encourages others to share their stories and highlights the transformative power of healing relationships in leadership.

    Find other episodes, tell your story, and seek help for your own ministry journey at Wounded Leadership.

    Takeaways

    • Roderick Sweet's journey in ministry began with unexpected challenges.
    • A traumatic incident led to significant personal and professional wounds.
    • Community support played a crucial role in Roderick's healing process.
    • Toxic leadership can have lasting effects on individuals and organizations.
    • Returning to a familiar place can be both healing and challenging.
    • Communication is key in navigating leadership dynamics.
    • Healing is a journey that requires vulnerability and openness.
    • Roderick learned to lead around toxicity in his environment.
    • The importance of trust in relationships cannot be overstated.
    • Healing others is a vital part of Roderick's mission in ministry.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wounded Leadership

    03:04 Rodrick's Early Ministry Challenges

    11:04 The Aftermath of a Violent Incident

    14:35 Transitioning to Youth Ministry

    22:58 Returning to the Church

    29:13 Lessons Learned from Wounded Leadership

    31:05 Navigating Personal Wounds

    33:24 Healing Through Community Support

    35:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery

    38:11 Transforming Pain into Purpose

    42:15 Recognizing Toxic Leadership

    47:38 Returning to Toxic Environments

    51:06 Creating a Culture of Healing

    Keywords

    #wounded leadership, #healing, #ministry, #toxic leadership, #community support, #personal growth, #forgiveness, #resilience, #storytelling, #restoration

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    51 mins
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