About CPDM

The Lead Pastor of our church was gone within thirty days of the announcement that he was leaving...

As I transitioned into the new role as pastor, I tried to pick up the pieces and tend to the myriad of broken hearts (including my own) left in the wake of the transition. Those initial two years were easily the worst years of my life. My church leadership degree and countless pastoral conferences up to that moment did little to insulate me from the onslaught of angry parishioners, hemorrhaging finances, isolation, and abandonment in that season of ministry. As vital as counseling and coaching would become during that challenging season, what really saved me was a handful of relationships with a few trustworthy people who

cared most about me as a person, regardless of my role as a pastor or the ministry's future. They had no agenda or demands except that I lean into their friendship and hold

myself accountable for my own well-being as much as discerning what was best for the church.

Pastoral Direction is the best way I can describe those unhurried, non-transactional, and non-dual relationships that consistently reminded me I was not alone and that God was as interested in my personal health and formation as in ministering to the church community. I want to offer pastoral direction to other pastors and church leaders—whether they are in the midst of burnout, in transition, or simply recognize the value of such a friendship in navigating the unpredictable dynamics and challenges of shepherding people.