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In this edition of the Ministry Minded Podcast, I share some thoughts I am still chewing on from my sermons on Sunday, August 16, which were taken from Ecclesiastes and Colossians. I also talk about “ministerial second-hand smoke” and why we should be talking about pastoral depression. A stigma exists whenever the topics ‘anxiety’ or ‘depression’ are brought up in conversation, doubly-so, I think, if that conversation is involving pastors (and their families). Having endured the “second-hand smoke” of depression, I can say with all sincerity that that stigma is one I pray to whittle down. I think that can happen with honesty, trust, and grace — and a heavy dose of the Holy Spirit. If you or someone you know is enduring a season of discouragement or depression, please feel free to reach out to my mom or my dad or even myself. We are more than willing to lend a sympathetic ear to your plight. God bless you.

Resources.

Stonington Baptist Church sermons

“Preaching Guide: Jude,” Jared Bumpers 

Efficient Pastor

“Too many pastors are falling on their own swords,” Jakob Topper 

“On depression, being a pastor’s wife, and ministerial second-hand smoke with Kellie Gray,” podcast by yours truly 

“Marilane Carter News Report,” Makenzie Koch

Grace: So Much More Than You Know and So Much Better Than You Think, Brad J. Gray

Sponsor.

Fresh Roasted Coffee: a locally owned and operated coffee house in the heart of Central Pennsylvania that produces the freshest coffee and delivers it at peak drinkability. Use offer code “GRACE10” at checkout to get a discount off your next order.

Buy Some Coffee!

Notes.

I’m Brad Gray and I serve as the Senior Pastor of Stonington Baptist Church in Paxinos, Pennsylvania, where I live with my wife Natalie, daughter Lydia, and son Braxton. Besides pastoring, I spend most of my time writing, reading, and ministering in many more ways. I am resolved to faithfully and fervently propagate the gospel of “grace upon grace” for the weary and the worn out. It is my sincerest desire to live and minister all “for the sake of the Name.” (3 Jn 1:7) So long as Christ is exalted, that is enough.

Credits.

Intro music: “Explorers (Instrumental Version)” by The Midnight, The Midnight Music LLC, 2018.

Ad music: “Coffee Stains” by Finley, licensed under CC BY 4.0.