Hi Reader,
If you’ve been in ministry for more than five minutes, you know this: people are amazing…and people can break your heart.
Today on the podcast, I sit down with my friend Sharon Hodde Miller for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had in a long time about resilience, disappointment, and the quiet wounds that come with leadership.
Sharon leads Bright City Church in Durham and has been doing deep work on pastoral resilience. She shares openly about relational loss, consumerism in the church, escapism, cynicism, and why so many leaders feel increasingly fragile.
More importantly, she offers a lifeline 👉 practices like solitude, forgiveness, and wise vulnerability that keep your heart open rather than hardened.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay tender-hearted without being crushed, or how to keep leading when trust has been broken, this episode is for you.
I think you’re really going to resonate with Sharon’s honesty and her hard-won wisdom.
🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward healthier leadership. Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.
This episode is brought to you by...
Igniter Media
Let’s be honest: Keeping your church’s visuals and communication fresh week after week is tough. Igniter has a robust library of ready-made church media that works seamlessly with all church presentation software.
For my listeners, Igniter is offering an exclusive discount on any of their memberships. Plus, they're giving you a FREE exclusive sermon series package valued at $330. Check it out at IgniterMedia.com/carey.
2026 Church Trends
As you head into 2026, what cultural shifts do you need to keep an eye on as a church leader?
Every year, I release my Annual Church Trends Report — to help you see what’s next and lead with clarity.
This year, I’m doing something new — premiering all trends LIVE inside The Art of Leadership Academy. You’ll get the full 2026 church trends report and leader guide, but also a live, interactive Q&A and a podcast series. All launching in January.
If you want to be the first to access it all, head to 2026churchtrends.com for free access. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be in the loop for everything related to my 2026 church trends report.
