"We do Kingdom things in Empire ways. What might it mean to do Kingdom things in Kingdom ways?"

Mandy Smith poses this powerful question, inviting us to reimagine Christian leadership—not as coercion or burnout, but as a life deeply rooted in the ways of Jesus. In this episode, we explore why so many Christian leaders are exhausted, losing faith, or misusing power, and how confessing our limitations might be the key to rediscovering the true heart of ministry.

Mandy, a pastor and author, doesn’t offer quick-fix strategies. Instead, she calls us back to the simplicity of followership, integrity, and sharing our lives with God in ways that bless the world. Together, we unpack the pressures of modern church culture, the hidden desires that overwhelm leaders, and how we can make space for God amid ministry demands.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How cultural tendencies like efficiency and control are shaping (and distorting) church leadership.
• Why embracing our limits can lead to deeper faith, healthier leadership, and renewed joy.
• Practical ways to make space for God and soul care in the midst of ministry demands.

Join us for a conversation that will renew your vision, refresh your soul, and remind you of the invitation at the center of it all.

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Mandy Smith is a pastor, author and speaker who, after living and ministering in the US and UK, now ministers in her homeland of Australia. She is a cohort co-leader for the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination and regular contributor to Missio Alliance.

Her books include:

• The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry (IVP)
• Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith Beyond the Baggage of Western Culture
• Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader’s Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Reliance on God.

Mandy and her husband, a New Testament professor, live in the parsonage at St Lucia Uniting Church where the teapot is always warm.

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Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is the Christian life really about? Is it prayer, church involvement, ministry, justice, or evangelism? These are all meaningful aspects, but is there something deeper at the heart of it all? In this episode, I reflect on a question my mentor, Chuck Miller, often asked: “What is the Christian life?” His answer offers a profound simplicity—one that shifts our focus from what we do to who we are with. Together, we’ll explore how Jesus as our Good Shepherd transforms our faith from a list of tasks into an ongoing, intimate relationship.

If you’ve ever felt like the Christian life is overwhelming, like a growing list of commitments, this conversation is for you. We’ll look at Jesus’ words in John 10, where he calls his sheep by name and leads them out—not just in the past, but in the present moment. You are not alone in this journey of faith. Jesus invites you into his life, guiding you, speaking to you, and walking with you every step of the way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How shifting our focus from “what” to “who” can transform our faith.
• The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and why it still matters today.
• Practical ways to listen for and recognize the voice of Jesus in daily life.

Resources & Links:

• Read more about living an unhurried life: www.unhurriedliving.com
• Follow along on Instagram for more reflections: @unhurriedliving
• Get my book on slowing down and deepening your walk with Jesus: An Unhurried Life

Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.

Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever found yourself in a dark, overwhelming season, wondering if God could hear you? We explore the healing power of lament as a way to express grief, open to God’s presence, and find rest for your soul. Lament isn't about having all the answers; it’s about allowing space for God to meet you where you are.

What to Expect as you Listen:

• How lament can deepen your connection with God during times of grief.
• Practical steps to process loss through honesty, community, and restorative practices.
• Reflection questions to help you engage with lament in your own life and leadership.

Recommended Resources:

• Psalm 116 Scripture Reference

• Resources from Unhurried Living - Explore more resources on spiritual practices and personal growth at Unhurried Living: Unhurried Living Resources

• Prophetic Lament by Soong Chan Rah
  
  

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Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.