The Pastor's Table - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Patient Obedience: Laura Tarro’s Journey to Church Planting (Part 1) | PT 107 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

What does it look like to follow God’s call when the journey feels unclear or even obstructed?

In this compelling episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom welcome church planter, pastor, and theologian Laura Tarro to share her inspiring story of waiting, persistence, and faithfulness.

Laura opens up about her unconventional call to ministry, the barriers she faced, and how God led her to steward her gifts for the church.

🎙️ In This Episode:

Laurra’s early sense of calling and how it clashed with her conservative upbringing.
Navigating spaces that questioned women’s leadership in ministry.
Hearing God’s call to “something more” and the surprising ways it unfolded.
The tension of loving the church while waiting for it to make space for her gifts.

📌 Highlights:

[01:15] Meet Laura Tarro: Pastor, Scholar, and Church Planter
[02:10] Laura's Unconventional Journey to Ministry
[04:18] Challenges and Barriers in Ministry
[12:40] A Turning Point: Embracing the Call
[16:35] Starting a New Chapter: Church Planting
[21:58] Navigating Church Dynamics and Finding a New Path
[30:26] Theological Convictions and Final Thoughts

💡 Takeaway:

Laura’s story reminds us that God’s timing is often slower than ours, but His faithfulness is steadfast. Even when the road to ministry seems blocked, God prepares the way for those He calls.

📖 Next Week:

Join us for Part 2 as Laura dives deeper into her journey, sharing the theological convictions that have shaped her ministry and how they continue to guide her today.

Redeemed Succession: Trusting God’s Plan with Greg Wenhold (Part 3) | PT 107 Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

How does God redeem a church's past while preparing it for a flourishing future?

In the final part of this compelling conversation, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Pastor Greg Wenhold to discuss the unique dynamics of pastoral succession, the power of trust in leadership, and the ongoing work of transformation at Good Shepherd Church.

🎙️ In This Episode:

How a “redeemed succession plan” brought Greg and Tara Beth together in ministry.
The delicate balance of leadership and humility in a thriving church community.
Lessons on honoring a church’s past while calling it forward into God’s future.
Practical insights on co-leading, mutual respect, and modeling healthy transitions.

📌 Highlights:

01:26 Pastoral Challenges and Anxieties
02:15 The Journey Back to Good Shepherd
03:46 The Fear of Failure
08:49 The Decision to Return
10:13 Navigating Leadership Dynamics
12:18 Reflections on Pastoral Leadership
14:30 Navigating Funeral Requests
15:30 Mutual Respect and Trust in Leadership
17:07 Honoring Past Leadership
20:26 Practical Roles and Responsibilities
24:56 Challenges and Anomalies in Church Leadership
29:55 Calling the Church Forward

💡 Takeaway:

This episode is a testament to God’s ability to work through unconventional paths, weaving redemption into every stage of ministry. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, supporting a leader, or transitioning out, trust that God’s plans are always for the good of His church.

📖 Additional Reflection:

How can your leadership amplify the mission of others and build trust in your community? Share your thoughts with us!

Finding Home: Navigating Transitions with Greg Wenhold (Part 2) | PT 105 Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

The journey of ministry often includes twists, turns, and unexpected moments of grace.

In this second part of their conversation with Pastor Greg Wenhold, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom explore the challenges and growth that come with navigating transitions, including stepping away from—and returning to—a beloved church community.

🎙️ In This Episode:

Lessons from an unconventional call to ministry.
The hard conversations and deep growth during seasons of leadership change.
Embracing God’s timing in moments of uncertainty and transition.
A pastor’s wisdom on leading with humility and trusting God’s sovereignty.

📌 Highlights:

00:32 Unconventional Paths in Ministry
02:16 Challenges and Growth at Good Shepherd
03:50 Embezzlement Revelation
05:21 Leadership Transitions and Reflections
10:17 Retirement and New Beginnings
14:34 Navigating Church Leadership During COVID
18:03 Mass Exodus and Church Challenges
20:25 The Glass Cliff Dilemma
21:49 A Divine Calling and Guest Preaching
24:43 Holy Mischief and Acceptance
27:31 Facing Congregational Expectations
31:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

💡 Takeaway:

Greg’s story serves as a reminder that God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect. Trusting His timing, staying humble, and keeping Christ as the center of ministry allow us to navigate even the hardest transitions with grace and hope.

The Winding Journey of Ministry with Greg Wenhold (Part 1) | PT 104 Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the path God calls you to takes unexpected turns?

In this episode, Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom sit down with Pastor Greg Wenhold to explore his unconventional and inspiring pastoral story. From being "gently led" into ministry to navigating unexpected transitions, Greg’s journey is filled with honesty, resilience, and grace.

🎙️ In This Episode:

How Greg’s unique call to ministry unfolded over time.
The role of faithful mentors and unexpected opportunities in shaping a pastor.
Navigating transitions—including leaving and returning to the same church.
Wisdom for young pastors feeling the weight of uncertainty in their calling.

📌 Highlights:

01:09 Introducing Special Guest: Pastor Greg Wenhold
02:08 Pastor Greg's Journey and Mentorship
04:38 The Unique Path to Ministry
05:36 Early Ministry Experiences
08:05 Finding a Calling in Seminary
14:46 Innovative Worship in the Lutheran Church
18:03 A Call to Sioux Falls
19:08 The Unexpected Envelope
21:25 A New Beginning at Good Shepherd
21:55 Challenges and Burnout
24:23 A Mentor's Call
25:15 Returning Home
26:23 The Struggle for Leadership
27:48 Missionary Journey
28:44 Co-Senior Leadership
34:06 Final Reflections and Advice

💡 Takeaway:

Your pastoral journey doesn’t need to fit a template. Greg’s story is a reminder that God works through every twist and turn, equipping us for the work He calls us to do.

The Sacred and Ordinary Rhythms of Pastoral Life | Mark & Tara Beth (Part 2) | PT 103 Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

How do pastors navigate the complexities of ministry without losing themselves—or their families?

In this heartfelt continuation, Tara Beth and Mark share honest reflections on their daily rhythms, the grace required for pastoral work, and the joy found in staying grounded amidst the demands.

🎙️ In This Episode:

Living within the boundaries of God’s grace for the calling.
The quiet work of sermon preparation: listening for the Spirit and discerning the needs of the congregation.
Balancing ministry and family life through intentional rhythms and heartfelt priorities.
Moments of levity—from pre-writing jitters to creative hideouts for getting the work done.

💡 Takeaway:

In the midst of long hours and deep responsibility, the work of pastoring is filled with grace. This episode invites you into the heart of the pastoral vocation, reminding us all of the beauty and challenge of answering God’s call.

📌 Highlights:

00:32 Balancing Pastoral Duties and Personal Life
04:58 The Concept of Sabbath for Pastors
07:56 Sermon Preparation Strategies
14:27 The Importance of Research in Sermon Writing
17:50 A Young Pastor's Early Challenges
18:50 Weekly Sermon Struggles
22:14 The Importance of Staff Connection
26:18 Balancing Ministry and Family
31:16 Reflecting on Pastoral Work
32:17 Looking Ahead to 2025

A Day in the Life of a Pastor | Mark & Tara Beth (Part 1) | PT 102 Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

What does a week in the life of a pastor really look like?

In this candid and lighthearted episode, Tara Beth and Mark pull back the curtain on their daily routines, juggling ministry, family, and their own spiritual practices.

🎙️ In This Episode:

The unique rhythms of pastoral life: from Sunday sermons to late-night small groups.
Hilarious and humbling moments, including DoorDash mishaps and the reality of managing schedules.
Insight into the pressures of ministry, including the differences in expectations for male and female pastors.
How these two leaders balance preaching, leadership, and their personal lives.

📌 Highlights:

00:59 Reflecting on Past Guests and Personal Pastoring Experiences
02:11 Managing Pastoral Schedules
04:25 The Challenges of Calendar Management
07:04 Embarrassing Stories and DoorDash Adventures
11:06 Sunday Morning Routines
14:08 Early Morning Routine and Church Preparation
14:30 Support from Jeff: Breakfast and Sermon Prep
17:37 Sunday Services: The Pastor Scramble
20:35 Balancing Church Duties and Family Time
21:36 Monday Meetings and Small Group Fellowship
22:56 Teaching and Administrative Responsibilities
24:07 Weekly Prayer and Staff Meetings
29:42 Reflecting on Pastoral Life and Future Topics

Leading from Weakness in Ministry with Mandy Smith | PT 101 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

What if embracing our limitations could actually make us better leaders?

In this heartfelt conversation, Reverend Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Mandy Smith to uncover the transformative power of vulnerability in ministry. Instead of feeling pressured to have every answer or maintain a polished facade, discover how owning our weaknesses allows God’s strength to shine through.

Mandy shares her personal journey—moments of crisis, the temptation of the “perfect leader” lie, and the profound relief in letting go. Together, they explore how gender dynamics influence leadership, the importance of truthful self-reflection, and why authentic shepherding resonates more deeply than scripted competence.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of needing to appear flawless in pastoral work, this episode offers encouragement to lead boldly from a place of honesty and trust.

Timestamps:

00:46 Continuing the Conversation on Vulnerability

02:37 Mandy’s Crisis and Revelation

04:24 The Lie of the Perfect Leader

07:46 The Role of Gender in Ministry

09:16 The Burden of Leadership

10:46 God’s Strength in Our Weakness

14:12 The Call to Authentic Leadership

28:31 The Journey of Redemption

31:51 Closing Thoughts and Book Recommendations

The Vulnerable Pastor with Mandy Smith | PT 100 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Often as pastors we feel like we need to project strength and competency in order to minister effectively. That's why we go to conferences and emulate the latest superstars. But we know we can never live up to those images. Deep down, we know our own limitations, our weaknesses, our faults.

We fear that if people knew who we really are, we'd be disqualified from ministry.Not so. Mandy Smith unpacks the biblical paradox that God's strength is revealed through our human weakness.

Transparently describing her pastoral journey, Smith shows how vulnerability shapes ministry, through our spiritual practices and relationships, influencing our preaching, teaching and even the nuts and bolts of the daily schedule. Understanding our human constraints makes our ministry more sustainable and guards us against disillusionment and burnout.

Timestamp:

00:36 Celebrating Milestones and Special Guests

01:40 Mandy Smith's Journey to Pastorship

03:44 Challenges and Triumphs in Ministry

21:21 Leading with Vulnerability and Faith

32:24 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Personal Loss in Ministry with Vicki Copp | PT 99 Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Vicki journeyed into full-time ministry later in her life.

In this episode, Pastor Vicki Kopp discusses her journey into ministry later in life, her challenges following her husband's death from pancreatic cancer, and the unwavering strength provided by her faith and congregation.

Personal suffering informs and often deepens pastoral care for others.

Timestamp:

00:47 Vicki's Call to Ministry

01:34 Challenges and Triumphs in Ministry

02:42 Dan's Illness and Community Support

05:40 Life After Dan's Passing

12:17 The Healing Power of Ministry

18:14 Empathy Through Shared Suffering

26:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

How Vicki Found Her Voice as a Pastor with Vicki Copp | PT 98 Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Vicki had been called to ministry when she was a teenager. It wasn’t till years later that she took the role of a vocational minister.

They explore the dynamics of church leadership, gender challenges, and her personal experiences, including the profound loss of her husband and the ongoing mission to serve her congregation.

Timestamps:

00:35 Meet Reverend Vicki Kopp

02:36 Vicki's Journey to Ministry

05:43 Challenges and Triumphs in Ministry

09:40 Becoming a Pastor in Cameron, Missouri

12:51 Navigating Pastoral Roles and Responsibilities

18:15 Personal and Professional Struggles

25:41 Conclusion and Reflections