Pastors in Recovery Podcast
pastorsinrecovery.bsky.social
Pastors in Recovery Podcast
@pastorsinrecovery.bsky.social
21 followers 1 following 26 posts
A safe place for pastors to get real. Stories of hope, healing, and honest faith from those walking through addiction, burnout, and brokenness. His power is made perfect in our weakness.
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Episode 62 - STEP 1 | Facing the Mirror
Episode 62 - STEP 1 | Facing the Mirror In this first episode of our 12-Step Series for Pastors in Recovery, we begin with Step One: Facing the Mirror. Jon Hammond opens up about what it means to be honest before God — to stop pretending, stop performing, and start admitting what’s really going on inside. As pastors and leaders, our closeness with God often mirrors the closeness of our relationships with those we love most. When that connection weakens, everything else follows. Jon shares a personal story about a barista who reminded him what genuine love in Christ looks like — the kind of love we can’t manufacture on our own. Through this story, we’re reminded that God sometimes uses unexpected people and moments to wake us up and draw us back to Himself. This episode challenges us to stop running from the truth, face our pain, and invite Jesus back to the center of our ministry and marriage. Because without Him, it’s all performance — but through Him, it becomes transformation. 📖 Key Scripture: “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18 🎵 Song Featured: "Face the Mirror (See Jesus in Me)"  🧭 Series Roadmap: Episode 62 begins our 12-Step Series for Pastors in Recovery: - Facing the Mirror - Letting God Be God Again - Laying Down Control - Taking Honest Inventory - Confessing, Not Preaching - Being Willing to Change - Heal the Pastor, Not the Performer - Owning the Fallout - Making It Right - Honest Awareness - Staying Close to the Source - Leading from the Overflow 🎙️ Next Week: Episode 63 – Letting God Be God Again We’ll talk about what it really means to trust Him to restore what’s broken — in our hearts, our marriages, and our ministries.
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Episode 59 - Food Feelings and Finding Balance
Episode 59 - Food Feelings and Finding Balance Food is one of the most socially acceptable ways pastors medicate their pain. Nobody questions you when you go back for another plate at the potluck, but for many of us, food has become the comfort we reach for instead of God. In this episode, I open up about my own story of gaining weight later in life, battling cravings for ice cream and baked goods, and struggling to keep consistent with exercise. We’ll talk about why food is such a powerful temptation, how stress and medication can add to the struggle, and why food addiction is uniquely difficult in recovery circles. You’ll also hear relatable stories about pastors: - A potluck that turns into pressure to overeat. - A late-night drive-thru run after a stressful meeting. - A traveling pastor hiding behind “conference calories don’t count.” - And a young pastor using Pop-Tarts and sugar as a substitute for deeper temptations. But more importantly, we’ll look to God’s Word for hope. Scriptures remind us that the Holy Spirit is our true Comforter (John 14:16–17), that God always provides a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). This isn’t about perfection or six-pack abs. It’s about honesty, progress, and surrender. If you’ve ever used food as medication, you’re not alone — and God has a plan for your body, your health, and your recovery. 👉 Reflection Question: What role does food play in your recovery story — and what step could you take this week to invite God into it?  🔗 Links - Email: - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
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Episode 58 - Criticism Without Crumbling
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
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Episode 57 – Shame - Part 2 - Shame, Sin, and the Way Out
Episode 57 – Shame - Part 2 - Shame, Sin, and the Way Out In this continuation of our series on shame, Jon addresses one of the most difficult and secret struggles pastors face: masturbation. This episode explores: - Why masturbation often becomes a form of self-medication for anxiety, loneliness, or boredom. - How dopamine, secrecy, and the cycle of shame entangle leaders and believers alike. - Why this sin produces such deep shame — from breaking God’s design for intimacy, to grieving the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. - Six example stories (pastor, missionary, teenager, husband, pastor’s wife, and leader) that illustrate the real-world struggles many face. - The dangerous escalation from hidden habits into affairs — and how sin can spiral out of control. - A reference to Jon’s Crashing Lyrics song “Song For All Time” — which illustrates the theme of infidelity across decades — and the upcoming song on faithfulness. - Most importantly: how to stop in the “heat of the moment,” and why the path back to grace is the same for every believer — whether you’ve been free for a day or a thousand days. Masturbation promises rest but delivers shame. Jesus promises rest and delivers peace. You don’t need a secret elevator. You need the same Savior. 🔗 Links 📧 Email: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 🎶 Crashing Lyrics – “Song For All Time”: https://www.youtube.com/@crashinglyrics
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📣 New Podcast! "Episode 55 - Feeling Like A Victim (Part 3) - What Safe Leadership Looks Like" on @Spreaker #churchhurt #faith #healing #jesus #ministry #pastorsinrecovery #podcast #recovery #safeleadership #spiritualabuse #victimtovictory
Episode 55 - Feeling Like A Victim (Part 3) - What Safe Leadership Looks Like
Episode 55 - Feeling Like A Victim (Part 3) - What Safe Leadership Looks Like In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon continues the trilogy on victimhood, spiritual abuse, and safe leadership. - Episode 53 explored the victim mentality—feeling like a victim when it’s not really abuse. - Episode 54 addressed spiritual abuse—what it looks like and how it harms pastors and church members. - And now, in Episode 55, Jon shares stories and reflections on safe leadership: how to recognize it, how to become it, and how to rebuild trust among God’s people. Jon recalls the influence of his youth pastor, Bones, who modeled Christlike safety through presence, consistency, and love. He also shares a recent story from leading a family memorial service, where the Holy Spirit reminded him that safe leadership is not about performance but about pointing people to Jesus. Note: This episode was recorded while traveling, so you may hear some natural airport background noise during the recording. Safe leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about being trustworthy, humble, and consistent, just like Jesus.  Connect with Jon: 📧 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery?utm_source=chatgpt.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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📣 New Podcast! "Episode 54 - Feeling Like a victim (Part 2) When you are experiencing Spiritual Abuse" on @Spreaker #abuse_church #alpha_ministry #care_assemblies #challenge_chi #for #god_teen #hurt_recovery #in #leadership_christian #of #pastors_missionary #pastors_pastors #pastors_wounded
Episode 54 - Feeling Like a victim (Part 2) When you are experiencing Spiritual Abuse
Episode 54 - Feeling Like a victim (Part 2) When you are experiencing Spiritual Abuse Spiritual abuse is one of the deepest wounds a pastor or church member can carry—because it comes wrapped in the name of God. In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond shares hard truths, survivor stories, statistics, and his own personal experience of being verbally and physically mistreated by a senior pastor. This is not about attacking organizations. Jon makes it clear—he has loved and served alongside many good people in ministries like Teen Challenge and the Assemblies of God. But within even good organizations, abuse can and does happen. And it must be named. With Scripture as our foundation, we’ll look at what spiritual abuse is, why it hurts so deeply, how widespread it really is, and why healing—not revenge—is the pathway forward. For pastors who’ve been hurt, and for leaders who may need to blow the whistle, this is a call to face the truth, seek counseling, connect with recovery ministries, and rediscover the heart of the Good Shepherd who never abuses His sheep. 📧 Email: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
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Episode 53 – Feeling Like a Victim: When It’s Not Abuse (Part 1)
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: 📧 [email protected] 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 🎧 Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Listen on Spotify
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Episode 52 - The Cycle of Pursuit (Mini-series Part 3)
Episode 52 - The Cycle of Pursuit I didn’t mean to make a series… but God had other plans. This is part three of an unexpected journey that started on a beach in San Diego and led straight into the heart of striving, identity, and grace.  In this episode, I open up about a powerful realization I’ve been working through in therapy—the fantasy of the “perfect girl.” From sitcoms like Love, American Style, Happy Days, The Wonder Years, and Family Ties, to my own childhood crushes on Marcia Brady and Mallory Keaton, I share how media shaped my ideas about love, marriage, and myself. We explore how these expectations became a cycle of pursuit: Chasing the ideal. Getting let down. Chasing harder. Missing what’s right in front of us. With stories, scripture, and three fictional-but-relatable scenarios, this episode invites you to surrender the fantasy and embrace real grace. The kind that doesn’t wait for perfection—just presence. This is Episode 3 in the mini-series: - The Cost of the Tower - Passion vs Obsession in Ministry - The Cycle of Pursuit Thanks for walking with me through this season of honesty and healing. 🔗 Links - 📧 Email: [email protected] - 🎧 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery - 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery - 🎙️ Spotify: Listen on Spotify - 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple
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Episode 49 - The Covering We Never Got—But Still Need
Episode 49 - The Covering We Never Got—But Still Need In this powerful and honest episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon explores the deep theme of coverings—what it means to live under the shelter of God when you’ve grown up uncovered. So many pastors and ministry leaders were never fathered themselves. Some grew up with abusive dads, emotionally absent parents, or no example of love at all. And now, as fathers and shepherds, they’re trying to lead others with wounds they’ve never been taught to heal. Jon unpacks the biblical meaning of being covered—by the blood of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the father-heart of God—and shares real-life scenarios that show how unhealed wounds can sabotage our parenting, our leadership, and our sense of worth. This episode includes: - Biblical truths about spiritual covering - The emotional cost of growing up without a loving father - How unaddressed trauma shows up in ministry - A special original song titled “Father Me Now” that captures the heart of the message If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it behind the pulpit or falling apart as a dad, this one’s for you.  📩 Connect or share your story: 📺 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 🌐 Website & Forum: http://www.pastorsinrecovery.com
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📣 New Podcast! "Episode 47 - Finding Freedom From Porn - Identifying Your Triggers - Those 2 AM Binges and Gods Plan for Victory" on @Spreaker #accountability #addictionrecovery #celebraterecovery #christianmen #christianpodcast #faith #freedominchrist #jesusheals #marriage #mensrecovery
Episode 47 - Finding Freedom From Porn - Identifying Your Triggers - Those 2 AM Binges and Gods Plan for Victory
Episode 47 - Finding Freedom From Porn - Identifying Your Triggers - Those 2 AM Binges and Gods Plan for Victory Are you a pastor struggling with porn, sexual temptation, 2 AM binges, or dry seasons in your marriage? You are not alone, and you are not disqualified. In this practical, and gospel-centered episode, Jon Hammond from Pastors in Recovery helps you walk toward freedom step by step. We unpack: ✅ Why sexual temptation feels like your “favorite cake” and why ignoring it isn’t enough. ✅ What the Bible says about sexual sin—and God’s grace. ✅ What to do when you’re triggered in public or online. ✅ Why bouncing your eyes is hard—and what to do if you don’t want to. ✅ When you think another woman would fulfill you more than your wife. ✅ How to handle the shame spiral after 2 AM binges. ✅ How your mind and heart can heal with God’s better feast. 10 Practical Steps Toward Freedom: 1️⃣ Admit it’s a problem. (Psalm 32:3-5) 2️⃣ Believe God can help you change. (Philippians 1:6) 3️⃣ Surrender daily. (Romans 12:1) 4️⃣ Identify your triggers. (1 Peter 5:8) 5️⃣ Tell someone you trust. (James 5:16) 6️⃣ Remove easy access. (Matthew 5:29) 7️⃣ Ask God to renew your mind. (Romans 12:2) 8️⃣ Be honest with those close to you. (Ephesians 4:25) 9️⃣ Check in regularly. (Hebrews 10:24-25) 🔟 Seek God, not just sobriety. (Matthew 5:6) If you’re tired of falling and ready to take your first—or next—step toward freedom, this episode is for you. 🎹 Includes a musical reflection moment for you to pause and let God speak. Resources: 👉 Download our free “10 Steps to Freedom” infographic PDF: https://pastorsinrecovery.com/board/28/podcast-resources 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 👉 Join our Facebook community:https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery 👉 Email Jon: [email protected] 🙏 You don’t have to fight this battle alone. Let’s walk toward freedom together.
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Episode 44 - Confessions of a Pastor Who Didn’t Think He Needed Recovery
Episode 44 - Confessions of a Pastor Who Didn’t Think He Needed Recovery In this vulnerable and powerful episode, Jon shares his personal journey as a pastor who once believed recovery was for everyone else—but not for him. Through raw reflection, biblical truth, and a beautiful piano analogy, this episode explores the three stages many pastors face: denial, impatience, and relapse. You’ll hear the challenge to humble yourself before the crash, the grace of discovering your “Middle C,” and the sobering reminder that even when you've done the work, you still need to pick up the tools again when life hits hard. Slow down and listen intentionally as Jon invites you into a custom piano piece created just for this message—a musical journey that mirrors the ups, downs, and redemption of recovery. This one’s for the pastor who thinks he’s fine, the one who’s desperate for breakthrough, and the one who quietly relapsed but still believes God isn’t done. Let the music play… and let the Spirit speak. 🔗 Contact + Community Links 🌐Forum: http://www.pastorsinrecovery.com 📧 Email: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
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📣 New Podcast! "Episode 41 - When Hope Feels Gone — A Word to the Pastor Who’s Hurting" on @Spreaker #biblicalrecovery #breakthesilence #christianpodcast #clergysupport #depressionhelp #faithhopelove #faithindarkness #holdonpastor #hopeforpastors #loveisgreater #mentalhealthmatters
Episode 41 - When Hope Feels Gone — A Word to the Pastor Who’s Hurting
Episode 41 - When Hope Feels Gone — A Word to the Pastor Who’s Hurting In this deeply personal episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon shares the heartbreaking loss of a woman his wife once mentored—someone she had loved through the darkest seasons of depression, who tragically ended her life. This episode isn't about having the perfect answers—it's a call to the pastor who feels invisible, exhausted, and alone. If you’ve lost your faith, your hope, or your will to keep going, this message is for you. Jon breaks down the truth in 1 Corinthians 13:13—faith, hope, and love—and explains why love is the greatest. Because it’s love that shows up. Love that restores hope. And hope that allows faith to rise again. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let this episode be the voice that reaches into your darkness and reminds you: you still matter. And you're not alone. 📧 Need support? Email Jon at: ▶️ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery
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