In this kickoff to the Summer Series 2026, Brandon sits down with Rev. Dr. Shawna Gaines to discuss her newly published book, Pastor as Midwife. Drawing from her own experience as a mother and years of pastoring, Dr. Gaines explores what it looks like when pastors and church leaders see themselves not as CEOs or shepherds with a rod, but as midwives - coming alongside, holding up a holy mirror, and trusting that God is already birthing something new.
The conversation covers the tension between waiting and suffering, why male pastors might need this metaphor most, the difference between generative pain and oppression, informed consent in the church, and why “if ministry is your baby, you’ll probably end up killing it.” Whether you’re a pastor, a lay leader, or just someone trying to figure out what it means to be the church, this episode will change how you think about what God is doing in the dark.
Church of the Nazarene Clergy this series has a Lifelong Learning Code: 919014
