In this episode of Pause/Play, we’re diving deep into the world of sensory rest and overload with our special guest, Jessica Nichols—a Kansas City-based therapist with a spiritual approach to self-care and boundaries. Jessica, a virtual sensation and a dear friend of our host Amy, shares her expert insights on balancing sensory input in a chaotic, tech-filled world. Join us as we explore how pastors and healers manage the overwhelming demands of today’s digital age. From zoning out to managing noise sensitivity, Jessica reveals her favorite techniques for sensory survival and introduces us to her radical REST and PAUSE acronyms—designed to help you prune and unplug for real rest. We’ll reminisce about the simpler pre-tech era, tackle stories of sensory overload from our listener pastors, and give you permission to restructure your life to reduce the chaos. Plus, we’ve got some spooky season surprises in store as we wrap things up! Tune in for soothing anecdotes, practical tips, and a nostalgic journey through the intersections of somatics, sensory rest, and spiritual life. This description highlights the episode’s themes and offers listeners a clear idea of what to expect! Jessica's Website | www.complexhumxncounseling.com Jessica's Instagram | @ complexhumxn _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

This Pause/Play conversation delves into the emotional labor that pastors undertake, emphasizing the importance of emotional rest and the need for safe spaces where they can express their feelings. It discusses the challenges of maintaining boundaries, the impact of emotional exhaustion, and the significance of authenticity in preaching. The dialogue encourages pastors to embrace their emotions and highlights the necessity of self-care practices that allow for emotional awareness and rest. _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

Welcome to our conversation from the very first Pause/Play Gathering! We explore themes of play, pause, and the integration of these concepts into worship and daily life. Marcia McFee joins to express the importance of play in finding joy, healing, and connection, emphasizing the need to let go of expectations and embrace the freedom of improvisation. They also highlight the role of play in shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation touches on the significance of tradition and the importance of passing it on while allowing for evolution and the perspectives of the next generation. https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

Welcome to our Series on ~Rest~ Where does Rest fit into our roles as preachers? To kick off this ~rest~ series, we’re covering the full spectrum of rejuvenation. Many pastors juggle endless to-dos, feeling pressured to stay busy. The church often treats busyness as a badge of honor, overshadowing the magic of stillness. It fuels our well-being and spiritual growth, making us the best versions of ourselves. Let’s joyfully embrace rest, weaving delightful pauses into our daily rhythms and worship practices. Join us as we explore the whimsical wonders of rest and how it can transform our lives! Types of Rest we'll cover in this series! Physical Emotional Creative Spiritual Mental Sensory Social Van McCoy's - "The Hustle" Saundra Dalton-Smith's TEDxTalk on Rest Teresa Stewart's Book | The Small Church Advantage _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

It's time to ~PLAY~ In this episode, Casey and Amy talk about the importance of free play for adults and how societal norms impact our playfulness as we age. From solo imaginative play to team sports, we explore the different experiences of play within the Pause/Play community and their impact on our mental and physical health. We wrap up with a practical exercise you can integrate into your daily life. ________________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

Join us at our very first Annual Gathering! https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/conference Join us for the first-ever Pause/Play Annual Gathering in Kansas City, Missouri, from July 18th to 20th. Hosted at the stunning Crossroads Hotel, this unique event offers a blend of relaxation, creativity, and community for preachers looking to rejuvenate their ministry through the art of play. This gathering isn’t your typical conference—it's a space to pause, play, and reconnect with fellow preachers in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. With a focus on cross-training for preaching through playful activities and fellowship, it's the perfect retreat for those seeking inspiration and renewal. Register by June 15th to secure your spot. For more details and to sign up, visit pauseplaycenter.com/conference. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to recharge in Kansas City this July! 🌟

What’s the buzz around the metaphorical water coolers where pastors gather? ~Burnout~ In this episode, Casey, Amy, Colleen, and some clergy friends share experiences of burnout and its impact on preaching. The Pause/Play Center seeks to hold space for preachers to tell their stories and be heard into healing so our sacred imaginations can run wild again! RESOURCES LINKS: Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year, Barna, The Resilient Pastor Initiative (April 27, 2022)- https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-quitting-ministry/  Why Pastors are Burning Out, an opinion piece by Tish Harrison Warren for the New York Times (April 28, 2022)- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/28/opinion/pastor-burnout-pandemic.html  What happened and What Didn’t at General Conference, by Joe Iovino, UMC.org - https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-happened-and-what-didnt-at-general-conference-2019 5 Shocking Realities About the Real State of Pastor Burnout, Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC (April 12, 2023)- https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/5-shocking-realities-about-the-real-state-of-pastor-burnout-17392915 ________________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Applications are open for the first preaching cohort! On Instagram and Threads @pauseplaycenter On Facebook Pause/Play Center for Preachers Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Link to Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com