Mark Buchanan on Pastoring Others Without Losing Your Soul, Growing Deep Over Fast, and Telling Gospel-Shaped Stories
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In ministry, we all know that our character is more important than our gifting. Yet, if we’re honest, there are times when it feels easier to rely on our abilities instead of pastoring out of a deep, dependent relationship with Christ. How do we stay rooted in Him over the long haul, especially when the pressures of ministry can cause soul drift? And what happens to our spiritual health when what we preach doesn’t fully reflect the state of our own discipleship?
In this episode, Mark Buchanan, an author and longtime pastor, reflects on his own journey through these struggles and the moments when he has wrestled with these questions. With humility and a heart for the Church, Mark shares what has helped him get back on track when he senses a drift in his soul.
Mark offers profound insights on pastoring others without losing your own soul, the importance of growing deep in faith rather than pursuing fast success, and how gospel-shaped stories play a vital role in spiritual formation. His life is a compelling example of faithful service to the Church, marked by a deep love for God that shapes everything he does.
This conversation is a rich reminder that the Christian life is not about outward performance but about staying rooted in Christ. We hope Mark’s insights will encourage you to pursue a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, and to love Jesus more with each year of ministry.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
How to stay rooted in Christ amidst the demands of ministry
The danger of relying on gifting over-dependence on God
The call to grow deep in faith over chasing quick success
The power of storytelling to shape our spiritual lives
How to navigate the tension between preaching and personal discipleship
Join us for an inspiring conversation that encourages reflection and invites you to cultivate a deeper love for Jesus in your ministry journey.
Mark Buchanan
Mark is an author, Associate Professor of Theology at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, and former pastor. His books include “God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul” and the ever-popular “The Rest of God.” He regularly contributes to the Leadership Journal and Christianity Today.