Embracing Change: Navigating Pastoral and Marketplace Transitions with Eric Hoke

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Are you a pastor feeling the weight of vocational ministry in an ever-changing world? In this episode of Seek Go Create, host Tim Winders has a candid conversation with Eric Hoke, a specialist in guiding church leaders through career transitions, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing pastors today. From bi-vocational roles to the tumultuous journey of redefining identity post-ministry, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the intersection of faith, work, and calling. If you're curious to explore the evolving landscape of church leadership and hear personal stories of transition and growth, this episode is a must-listen.

"The decline in young people pursuing full-time church ministry and reluctance of older pastors to retire poses challenges for the future of churches." - Eric Hoke

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Eric Hoke is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in both ministry and corporate training. He has specialized in guiding pastors and church leaders through successful transitions into the business world, helping them sustain their ministries. With a background as a co-vocational church planter in New York City and later transitioning to a leadership role at a nonprofit in Pennsylvania, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge in career transitioning and navigating the intersection of faith and professional life.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Gain insight into the evolving landscape of church ministry from a seasoned pastor who successfully transitioned to a bi-vocational role, offering valuable wisdom for both church leaders and aspiring pastors.

2. Discover the complexities of identity and humility in ministry as Eric Hoke shares his personal challenges and the need for transparency and open communication in navigating career transitions.

3. Explore the intersection of faith and the marketplace, as Eric Hoke discusses the innovative approach of creating healthy communities through marketplace jobs and its impact on church sustainability.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

1. Eric Hoke's website: ihelppathwaysgetjobs.com

2.Twitter/X (for following Eric Hoke and Seek Go Create for updates)

Action Steps:

1. Pastors should onnect with professionals outside of the church world, such as taking a business person out for lunch to learn about their work and what they're working on.

2. Evaluate your current roles and activities to determine what gives you life and enjoyment, and use this insight to guide your next professional steps.

3. Consider exploring Eric Hoke's website for free job tips and tricks or to inquire about their services if needed.

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

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• 🎙 Coaching with Tim: Elevate your leadership and align your work with your faith. Learn More
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• 📝 Faith Driven Leader Quiz: Discover how well you're aligning faith and work with our quick quiz. Take the Quiz

Key Lessons:

1. The urgency for pastors to consider transitioning to a bi-vocational model due to future church challenges and the importance of open communication in the transition process.

2. The need for pastoral leaders to discuss their concerns with their senior pastors before seeking new positions, and the critical aspect of humility and identity in ministry.

3. The opportunity for young Christians to pursue marketplace jobs to impact communities and the necessity for older pastors to transition to facilitate smooth successions in leadership.

4. The psychological and lifestyle adjustments that accompany transitions from full-time ministry to other vocations, including redefining success and identity.

5. The importance of serving in obscurity in the kingdom of God, critiquing the desire for recognition and fame in vocational ministry and secular professions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Church merger in 2023 led to changes.

06:20 Discussing mental and emotional impacts of transition.

07:52 Shifting perspective leads to limitless opportunities.

13:34 Admire those doing God's work in obscurity.

16:37 Youth pastor advised to communicate before seeking help.

19:38 Entrepreneur proposes global greenhouse business for missionaries.

21:07 Young leaders seek glory without hard work.

24:50 Many pastors concerned about future of ministry.

29:19 Challenges in church ministry; promoting marketable skills.

33:38 Moved to a church, welcomed with families.

35:34 Demographic aging poses challenge for churches.

38:20 Pastor starts marketplace ministry, exceeds expectations.

42:07 Request for success stories; mention gender bias.

46:37 Inquiring about break from Twitter due to toxicity.

47:20 Transitioning B2C to B2B resume business intentionality.

51:53 First, identify your unique strengths and passions.

54:06 Encourage pastors to be curious and ask questions.

Thank you for listening to Seek Go Create!

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