The Contemplative Pastor

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Spiritual Formation in the Life of the Leader (Featuring John Ortberg)

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Feb 2, 2026

Guest

John Ortberg

John Ortberg, pastor and author who teaches spiritual formation, offers a concise vision for leaders’ inner life. He discusses leading with soul-level formation, resisting pastoral pressures that warp character, and cultivating practices that bring daily joy, resilience, and authenticity. Short talks on solitude, honest friendships, restorative hobbies, and living the life you invite others into.

01:19:16

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Crisis Reveals Inner Formation

Crises push leaders inward to their inner life because the outer world can collapse.
John Ortberg says the inner life is where you find God and resilience to lead well.

insights

INSIGHT

Formation Is Always Happening

Spiritual formation shapes your inner character continuously, whether intentionally or not.
Ortberg warns it happens "like it or not, on purpose or by accident, for better or worse."

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ADVICE

Arrange Your Life For Daily Communion

Train to draw power from God daily so grace fuels your life.
Follow Dallas Willard's idea: arrange life to experience deep contentment, joy, and confidence with God.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Ministry in a Cracked Cultural Moment

Made to Reign and the Gift of Leadership

05:40 • 5min

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Pastor Prestige Has Changed

Formation Is Not Just Techniques

14:59 • 2min

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Life as Inner Power to Relate

17:20 • 4min

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Are You Living the Life You Invite Others To?

21:03 • 2min

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Know Jesus, Not Just Know About Him

23:05 • 2min

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Go Downstairs: Presence Over Performance

25:12 • 1min

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Ministry's Malforming Pressures

26:24 • 3min

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Four Indicators of Flourishing Ministry

29:06 • 52sec

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Daily Well‑Being: Joy and Contentment

29:58 • 12min

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Soul Friends and Honest Accountability

41:31 • 2min

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Restorative Niche as Spiritual Discipline

43:46 • 3min

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Unhurried, Surrendered, Free

46:40 • 43sec

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Resilience and Burnout Insights

47:23 • 4min

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Solitude and Freedom from Outcomes

51:41 • 3min

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Authenticity: Courage to Be Real

54:17 • 4min

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Thriving: Meaning Through Pain and Hope

• Mentioned in 39 episodes

Celebration of discipline

the path to spiritual growth

Richard Foster

Celebration of Discipline explores the central spiritual practices of the Christian faith, dividing them into three categories: inward disciplines (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward disciplines (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service), and corporate disciplines (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Foster argues that these disciplines are essential for spiritual growth and a balanced spiritual life. He provides practical insights and examples on how these disciplines can be integrated into daily life to bring about personal transformation and a deeper connection with God and others.

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• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Yes to Life

Viktor E. Frankl

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• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Gratitude

Oliver Sacks

In 'Gratitude', Oliver Sacks writes a deeply moving and personal set of essays that explore his feelings about life, death, and the uniqueness of every human being. The essays, written as he faced his own mortality, are a testament to his gratitude for the life he lived, the people he loved, and the experiences he had. Sacks reflects on his regrets, triumphs, and hopes, and offers insights into what it means to live a good and worthwhile life. The book is an ode to the gift of life and the importance of gratitude in the face of mortality.

#41785

Glittering Images

Susan Howich

Susan Howich's "Glittering Images" is a compelling novel set in the Church of England, exploring the struggles of a minister, Charles Ashcroft, to maintain a perfect public image while battling inner turmoil. The story delves into the destructive nature of self-righteousness and the liberating power of embracing vulnerability. Ashcroft's journey highlights the conflict between outward appearances and inner reality, ultimately leading to spiritual and emotional healing. The novel's exploration of faith, shame, and authentic relationships resonates with readers seeking genuine connection and spiritual growth. It's a powerful reminder that true strength lies in embracing our weaknesses.

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• Mentioned in 59 episodes

Orthodoxy

G.K. Chesterton

In 'Orthodoxy,' G.K. Chesterton presents a compelling defense of Christianity, arguing that it is the most rational and fulfilling worldview. The book is a personal and philosophical journey where Chesterton explains how he came to embrace traditional Christianity after exploring various heresies and philosophies. He compares Christianity with other worldviews, highlighting its unique ability to balance paradoxes and provide a coherent explanation of human nature and the world. Chesterton's writing is characterized by his wit, humor, and profound insights, making the book both intellectually stimulating and engagingly readable.

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A Failure of Nerve

Friedman

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• Mentioned in 14 episodes

Managing Leadership Anxiety

Yours and Theirs

Steve Cuss

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• Mentioned in 2 episodes

My God and I

Lou Smeeds

Is your life as a pastor arranged in such a way that you are experiencing deep joy, contentment, and freedom in your life with God?

In this episode, join John Ortberg, Bethany Allen, and Bryan Rouanzoin as they explore the vision for building an inner life that can allow you and your ministry to flourish, even amid the unique demands and temptations of pastoring today.

This teaching was delivered by John at the first annual Practicing the Way Pastor Conference in Portland, Oregon, in the fall of 2022.

John Ortberg is a pastor, author, and speaker. He’s been in ministry for over 40 years and teaches around a central theme of spiritual formation. John is a deep believer that the main thing God gets out of your life is the person you become. He desires for people to know God in an interactive, life-transforming way. Presently, John leads the ministry Become New, focused on helping you grow spiritually one day at a time.

To find more resources and experiences tailored just for you—the pastor—visit practicingtheway.org/pastor.

This podcast and its episodes are free, thanks to the generosity of The Circle and other givers. You can learn more about The Circle or contribute toward future resources like this podcast at practicingtheway.org/give.

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