208. Letting Go in Leadership to Move Forward in Life, with Adam McHugh, author of Blood From a Stone

In this conversation, Adam McHugh, the author of Blood From a Stone, opens up about his transition from ministry as a hospice chaplain to the world of wine, becoming a wine tour guide and sommelier.  Adam shares about the emotional rollercoaster that goes along with redefining one's identity and faith outside of traditionally established ministry roles.

For pastors and ministry leaders struggling with letting go of their church-centered identities, or struggling with transitioning in the way they are called to lead in a constantly changing world, this conversation will encourage you to lean into the patience and the inner transformation needed to live and lead in new ways.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Adam McHugh shares his journey from ministry to a new career path, reflecting on the difficulty and fear associated with such a transition.
• Markus Watson and Adam McHugh explore the prevalence of compassion fatigue among pastors and chaplains, acknowledging the personal toll it takes.
• The conversation touches on the struggle to redefine personal identity and faith when moving beyond traditional pastoral roles.
• Adam McHugh recounts his impactful experiences as a hospice chaplain and how they shaped his sense of self and faith.
• Adam and Markus delve into the "dark night of the soul," discussing the profound search for authenticity amidst life's challenges.
• Adam McHugh describes his transition from being a pastor and chaplain to a sommelier and wine tour guide, revealing a new chapter of his life.
• Adam McHugh articulates the struggle of identity and the transformation he underwent from Reverend to sommelier, framing it as an evolution of his humanity.
• Adam McHugh and Markus Watson emphasize the necessity of acknowledging the end of one life phase before embracing a new one, underscoring the importance of the internal transition process.
• Markus Watson adds insight into the stress associated with pastoral duties and the importance of embracing one's humanity over a clerical role.
• Adam McHugh advises pastors grappling with identity transitions to be patient and considerate of the internal processes involved.
• The discussion reveals Adam McHugh's tumultuous shift from a pastoral identity to embracing a new community and profession.
• Markus Watson speaks to the ongoing journey of transformation, underscoring the significance of patience and being shaped by God's hand.
• Adam McHugh advises embracing patience during the difficult process of identity transition, recognizing that it is a part of the continual path of transformation.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Adam McHugh:
  • Email – adammchugh@gmail.com
  • Instagram - @adammchughwine
  • InterVarsity Press bio
• Books mentioned:
  • Blood From a Stone, by Adam McHugh
  • Powers and Thrones, by Dan Jones
  • Managing Transitions, by William Bridges
• Related Episodes:
  • Ep. 142: Navigating the 7 Stages of Transition, with D. Michael Lindsay
  • Ep. 194: Saudade, Leadership, and Nurturing the Inner Life, with Jeff Crosby

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!