Our Christian mission won't be completed until Jesus returns, so we need ways to stay inspired while we're only halfway up the mountain.

Most problems actually contain seeds of opportunity within them. To find the opportunities, reframe the situation from a problem to an opportunity.

Episode 69 - STEP EIGHT | Owning the Damage I’ve Done + Original Song "The Bubbleator" In this episode, we step into one of the most challenging and freeing moments of recovery: learning to own the damage we’ve caused. For many pastors, it’s easier to talk about what happened to us than to look honestly at what has happened through us. Step Eight calls us to step out of our self-protective bubble, stop justifying our patterns, and let God show us the people we’ve hurt along the way. We talk about: • How pride and unconfessed sin build a “Bubblelator” around our hearts • Why Step Four is necessary before Step Eight • How patterns form—and why we can’t heal what we keep defending • What David teaches us when he finally said, “I have sinned against the Lord” • Two stories of pastors who discovered freedom by seeing the truth • Why this step is not about shame, but about clarity and healing This episode is an invitation to step into the light, experience the grace of honesty, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you toward real amends, real healing, and real change.

When ministry is too hard to bear and pastors are losing heart, that is when they are most likely to accept and make the most of God's help.

Episode 58 - Criticism Without Crumbling In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, I share what may be one of the most Spirit-stirring messages I’ve ever felt led to record. Criticism can sting, and for many of us, it sticks—echoing in our hearts for years. As pastors and people in recovery, it’s easy to let harsh words define us, but Christ calls us to something greater. We’ll look at how Jesus Himself faced constant criticism without letting it derail His mission, how leaders today wrestle with the weight of public opposition, and how everyday criticism—from friends, family, or church members—can cut deeply. I share a personal story of how memory struggles and fibro fog have brought painful criticism from those I love, and how God used even that to teach me not to run from hurt, but to anchor my identity in Him. Together we’ll dive into Proverbs 27:6, Isaiah 51:7, and Romans 8:1, unpacking how to tell the difference between helpful wounds and toxic words, how to root our confidence in God’s presence, and how to remember that in Christ there is no condemnation. If you’ve ever carried the sting of unfair words, if you’ve ever been tempted to let criticism define you or derail your calling, this episode is for you. 🔗 Links 📧 Email:  ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery

Episode 53 – Feeling Like a Victim: When It’s Not Abuse (Part 1) Have you ever felt overlooked, passed over, or rejected — certain you were the right one for the opportunity, but someone else got it? In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond shares four personal stories of moments he felt like a victim… only to realize later that God had a different race marked out for him. From faking a fall in a junior high cross-country race to being passed over for ministry roles and church jobs, Jon explores what’s really going on inside our hearts when we feel “not chosen.” These moments often trace back to childhood hurts, old rejections, and the insecurities that still whisper to us today. You’ll learn how to recognize the victim mindset, replace it with God’s truth, and run your race — not for the applause of people, but for the glory of God. Plus, Jon teases next week’s episode, where he’ll tackle the difficult but necessary topic of spiritual abuse — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to begin healing. Scriptures Referenced: Proverbs 19:3, Ecclesiastes 11:4, Philippians 2:3-4, Psalm 75:6-7, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Luke 16:10, Hebrews 12:1-2 Links: 📧 pastorsinrecovery@gmail.com 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 🎧 Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify

Episode 48 - When You Feel Rejected - You Only Heal What You Reveal Feeling rejected by your church, your mission field, or the people you’ve poured your heart into can leave deep wounds. In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon shares stories, scriptures, and practical steps to help pastors and missionaries navigate the pain of rejection and discover hope, identity, and healing in Christ. We’ll explore what Christian therapists say about rejection, what Celebrate Recovery teaches about rejection in the 12 Steps and 8 Principles, and why “you only heal what you reveal.” If you’re feeling unseen, undervalued, or alone in ministry, this episode is for you. Take it one day at a time. God sees you, loves you, and has not forgotten you. 🔗 Links: 📧 Email:  ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 🌐 Website/Forum: http://www.pastorsinrecovery.com

Episode 46 - Legacy Over Ego - A Weekend with the Motodudes In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond reflects on a soul-refreshing weekend with his lifelong friends—Tom, Chuck, and Andy—(and Scott who could'nt make it) known collectively as the Moto Dudes. What starts as a getaway to Lincoln City becomes a powerful look at shifting ambitions, family legacy, and the unshakable bonds of brotherhood. From walking the beach at dawn to rediscovering purpose through fatherhood, Jon shares how surrender, presence, and Scripture weave together in this season of life. Along the way, you’ll hear real stories, real faith, and real encouragement for pastors learning to let go of ego and lean into what matters most. 👉 Connect with Pastors in Recovery: 📧 Email: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery

Episode 43 - Forgiven by God...But Not By Me Even when we believe God has forgiven us, many of us still wrestle with guilt, shame, and the struggle to forgive ourselves. In this powerful episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon shares four real-life stories of pastors—including his own—who faced emotional, moral, or relational struggles that left deep scars. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and honesty, this episode invites you to experience the grace of God in a way that frees you from self-condemnation.  Whether you're in ministry, recovery, or just human—you are not alone, and your story is not over. Let go of the weight you were never meant to carry. You are already forgiven. Now it’s time to learn to forgive yourself. 🔗 Connect + Resources: 📧 Email: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 🎵 Music: https://www.youtube.com/@crashinglyrics 🌐 Website: http://www.pastorsinrecovery.com

YouTube video by Victory in Yeshua Ministry