YouTube video by Cumberland Heights Foundation

TikTok video by Chad Sabora❌

YouTube video by Recovery Daily Podcast

Episode 76 - The Serenity Prayer | Part 2 + Original Song "When God is First" What happens when God is first… but nothing changes? In Week 2 of our Serenity Prayer series, we slow down and sit with one of the hardest realities of faith and recovery: accepting what we cannot change. Many of us were formed to believe that obedience should be rewarded—and that if we’re doing the right things, life should get easier. But what happens when it doesn’t? This episode explores the quiet disappointment pastors often carry when surrender doesn’t lead to relief, and how the Serenity Prayer invites us into a deeper reframe—not changing reality, but changing our relationship to it. Drawing from Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” we reflect on faithfulness without resolution, obedience without relief, and peace that doesn’t depend on outcomes. Acceptance is not giving up—it’s learning how to trust God inside what remains. If you’ve ever prayed, surrendered, and still found yourself standing in the same pain, this episode is for you. “This week on Pastors in Recovery, we stayed with the Serenity Prayer and sat with what it means to accept what we cannot change—and still find peace.”

Episode 75 - The Serenity Prayer | Part 1 + Featuring the song "The Serenity Prayer" In this episode, we begin a new short series by slowing down and looking closer at the Serenity Prayer—starting with the very first word: God. Before we ask for serenity, courage, or wisdom, we acknowledge who God is. This prayer begins by placing God at the center, not as a vending machine or last resort, but as the greatest and highest power—worthy of our trust, our surrender, and our praise. We talk honestly about control, pride, and the tension between the things we desperately want to fix and the things we simply cannot change. From chronic illness to other people’s choices, from global problems to personal limits, this prayer invites us into a posture of humility and dependence on God. This episode sets the foundation for the weeks ahead, where we’ll break the Serenity Prayer into four clear sections—one piece at a time—so it stays practical, meaningful, and livable, not overwhelming.  If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to control what was never yours to carry, this episode is for you.

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

Episode 56 – Shame - The Weight We Shouldn’t Carry Shame is one of the heaviest burdens pastors and people in recovery carry. It whispers lies that we are our weakness, our mistakes, or our past. In this episode, Jon shares a very personal story about feeling shame while taking his medication — and how those feelings connect back to childhood wounds and moments of being belittled. Through Scripture, reflection, and honest testimony, this episode reminds us that shame is not from God. Jesus not only carried our sin to the cross, but also our shame. You are not your weakness, you are not your burnout, and you are not your relapse. You are loved, forgiven, and free in Christ. 👉 Connect with Pastors in Recovery: - 📧 Email: - 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery?utm_source=chatgpt.com - 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Episode 51 - When Passion Becomes Obsession - Discerning the Fire God Gave Us In this episode of Pastors in Recovery, Jon Hammond shares a deeply personal story about chasing the dream of a finished backyard — and how even good desires can quietly become obsessions. Drawing from his own recovery and pastoral experience, Jon explores the difference between passion and obsession, what happens when our identity gets tied to getting things done, and how God invites us to rest, surrender, and rediscover that our worth isn’t in our work. With Scripture, reflection questions, and a vulnerable moment about health limitations, Jon invites pastors and ministry leaders to pause, breathe, and remember: 🔥 “The job won’t love you back. But God will.” Whether you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or simply caught up in all the doing… this episode is for you. 🔗 Links 📧 Contact:  🎧 Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pastorsinrecovery 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorsinrecovery