March 11, 2026 · 86 min

Is The Pastoral Pipeline Is Breaking?

Why are so many pastors leaving ministry, and why are so few stepping in to replace them? In this episode, Scott, Jary, and Zach react to the growing pastoral shortage, talk through the collapse of the traditional pastoral pipeline, and wrestle with what seminaries, churches, and local leaders need to do differently. From seminary debt and burnout to mentoring, church culture, and leadership development, this conversation gets honest about the challenges pastors face—and hopeful about how healthier leaders can still be raised up. - Timestamps: 7:42 – The pastoral vacancy crisis and shrinking pipeline 11:15 – Video reaction: why pastors are leaving 15:42 – Is seminary preparing people for the wrong job? 20:59 – Zach’s take and resilience in ministry 29:37 – Case study: a young pastor burns out and leaves 36:20 – What actually helped Scott stay in ministry 42:01 – Zach on leaving pastoral ministry and finding his way back 51:16 – What churches can do to raise up healthier leaders 1:12:55 – Should some pastors step away for a season? 1:24:21 – Final encouragement: why there is still hope - https://disciplestandard.com/ Support the Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/c/DiscipleStandardPodcast Visit our church - https://sunlightchurch.com/ Connect with us - https://multiply222.com