Shows
The Pastor's TableThe Gift of Waiting: Faith Eury Cho on Trust, Provision, and Friendship with God (Part 2) | PT 133What if God’s invitation isn’t to act—but to wait?In this episode, Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with pastor and author Faith Eury Cho. Together they explore how a season of uncertainty, silence, and scarcity became fertile ground for trust, surrender, and a deeper experience of God’s presence. From living without a paycheck to planting a church from her living room, Faith shares how waiting can be both painful and profoundly sacred.🎙️ In This Episode:Learning to “do nothing” and adore God during a season of lossH...2025-07-2827 min
Encounter Faith PodcastPastors Table Rebroadcast: Redeemed Succession - Pastor Greg Wenhold (Part Three)We've been off for a few weeks and today is part three of a conversation we think you'll love from Pastor Tara Beth's podcast, The Pastor's Table. Over the past two weeks you've heard from Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom as they talk to Pastor Greg Wenhold about his journey into ministry, unexpected new beginnings, and how his views on pastoring have shifted over his career. SHOW NOTESThis episode was originally published on the Pastor's Table Podcast on January 20th, 2025.The Encounter Faith Podcast is dedicated to creating space to slow d...2025-07-2332 minEncounter Faith PodcastPastor's Table Rebroadcast: Finding Home - Pastor Greg Wenhold (Part Two)While we take a few weeks off, we wanted to bring you a conversation we think you'll love from Pastor Tara Beth's podcast, The Pastor's Table. Check out Part One in this feed in case you missed it, but this week and next week you'll hear from Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom who talk to Pastor Greg Wenhold' about his journey into ministry, unexpected new beginnings, and how his views on pastoring have shifted over his career. SHOW NOTESThis episode was originally published on the Pastor's Table Podcast on J...2025-07-1631 minEncounter Faith PodcastPastors Table Rebroadcast: Being "Gently Led" Into Ministry - Pastor Greg Wenhold (Part One)We're off for a couple of weeks but wanted to bring you a special conversation that Pastor Tara Beth had on her podcast, "The Pastor's Table" featuring Pastor Greg! Over the next three weeks you'll hear from Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom who talk to Pastor Greg Wenhold' about his journey into ministry, unexpected new beginnings, and how his views on pastoring have shifted over his career. SHOW NOTESThis episode was originally published on the Pastor's Table Podcast on January 6th, 2025.The Encounter Faith Podcast is dedicated to creating sp...2025-07-1035 minThe Pastor's TableWhen Church Growth Breaks Down: Paul Dazet on Cancer, Burnout, and Rethinking Success (Part 1) | PT 126What if success in ministry is what’s breaking you?In Part 1 of this compelling conversation, Paul Dazet joins Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom to reflect on his unexpected path to faith, his climb through the ranks of church leadership, and the moment it all came undone. From a picnic table conversion to the painful fallout of cancer and burnout, Paul shares what it took to stop pretending—and start pastoring with honesty.🎙️ In This Episode:Why Paul faked his first altar call—and what finally made it realThe...2025-06-0933 minThe Pastor's TableHospice, Presence, and Pastoral Tenderness: A Conversation on Sacred Moments | PT 125Read Tara Beth's substack here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-163159975 How do pastors hold space when words fall short?In this deeply personal and reflective episode, Tara Beth Leach reads from her Substack essay, “The Sacred Threshold That is Hospice,” sharing the journey of walking with her mother through dementia and hospice. Joined by co-host Mark Quanstrom, they unpack the theology of presence, the temptation to “preach things pretty,” and the grace found in simply showing up when life unravels.🎙️ In This Episode:Tara Beth reads her powerful essay on hospice and her mothe...2025-06-0432 minThe Pastor's TableSacred Rest: Why Pastors Feel Empty After Easter and Why That’s Okay | PT 119
Why do pastors feel so disoriented the day after Easter? In this honest, unscripted conversation, Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom reflect on the emotional and spiritual aftermath of Holy Week. From packed services and buffet lunches to depression dips and pastoral guilt, they name what many church leaders feel—but rarely say out loud.🎙️ In This Episode:
Why post-Easter exhaustion is real and normal
The difference between burnout and sacred rest
How “preacher crowds” reveal spiritual hunger
What happens when Scripture is read aloud—even...2025-04-2232 minThe Pastor's TableConviction Without Mimicry: Church, Politics, and the Power of Particular Places (Part 2) | PT 118
What does it mean to lead with conviction—without copying someone else’s model? In Part 2 of their candid host recap, Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom reflect on the pressures pastors face to mimic big-box ministry models or speak out on every cultural issue. From franchise churches to the idolization of family and politics, they unpack the theological convictions that keep them grounded—and pastoral.🎙️ In This Episode:
Why mimicking other churches misses the heart of incarnational ministry
How to lead without getting hijacked by political pressure
Ch...2025-04-1435 minThe Pastor's TableWhy We’re Still Here: Redemption, Resilience, and the Heart Behind the Podcast (Part 1) | PT 117
Why do pastors keep showing up when ministry gets hard? In this honest and vulnerable host recap, Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom revisit the origins of The Pastor’s Table and unpack the convictions that continue to drive the show. From painful memories to surprising grace, this episode explores why the Church is still worth loving—and leading.🎙️ In This Episode:
How the podcast began in a conversation over coffee
Redeeming painful ministry memories through time and forgiveness
The importance of talking theology in real-life spaces
Why the C...2025-04-0731 minThe Pastor's TableWhen a Pastor Gets Cancer: Jason Micheli on Suffering, Storytelling, and Trusting the Church (Part 1) | PT 115
What happens when the preacher becomes the patient? In this vulnerable and deeply pastoral episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom welcome Jason Micheli, United Methodist pastor, author, and writer of The Tamed Cynic. Jason shares his unexpected call to ministry, his battle with mantle cell lymphoma, and how cancer has shaped both his preaching and his relationship with his congregation.🎙️ In This Episode:
Jason’s unconventional call to ministry and how “permission” became a form of calling
What it’s like to pastor while actively undergoing ch...2025-03-2433 minThe Pastor's TableA Theology of Place: Ryan & Danny Quanstrom on Pastoring with Presence (Part 2) | PT 114
What does it mean to pastor with presence in a world that prioritizes efficiency, technology, and disconnection? In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with Ryan & Danny Quanstrom, digging into the theological convictions that shape their ministries.From embodying the gospel in a rural town to creating third spaces for belonging, this episode explores how place matters in pastoring—and why the church must resist the forces that isolate and fragment communities.🎙️ In This Episode:
Why ministr...2025-03-1739 minThe Pastor's TableFaith, Family, and Calling: Ryan & Danny Quanstrom on Pastoral Ministry (Part 1) | PT 113
What’s it like growing up in a pastor’s home—and then becoming a pastor yourself?In this special family edition of The Pastor’s Table, Rev. Tara Beth Leach takes the lead, sitting down with Ryan & Danny Quanstrom, both senior pastors in Michigan and the sons of co-host Dr. Mark Quanstrom.This conversation explores how faith is formed in the home, the unexpected twists in their calls to ministry, and what shaped their theological vision for pastoring today. It’s an inside look at the joys, struggles, and surprises of answering the call—especially w...2025-03-1031 minThe Pastor's TableShaping Culture in Churches with Randy Frazee (Part 2) | PT 112
What makes a church healthy—not just successful? In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with Randy Frazee, exploring how culture—not just strategy—determines a church’s future.Randy shares how his leadership philosophy has shifted over the years—from top-down leadership models to team-based collaboration, from focusing on numbers to prioritizing engagement. His wisdom is a must-hear for pastors wrestling with staff culture, leadership expectations, and burnout.🎙️ In This Episode:
Why culture eats strategy for breakfast—and how to shape it well.
How collaborative lead...2025-03-0332 minThe Pastor's TableWisdom in Transition: Randy Frazee on Succession, Identity, and Leaving Well (Part 1) | PT 111
What does it take to leave well as a pastor? In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Randy Frazee, Pastor Emeritus of Westside Family Church, to talk about his intentional journey of succession, the emotional weight of stepping away, and what it means to let go with grace.With over 36 years in ministry, Randy reflects on the wisdom, courage, and planning that made his transition smooth—and why every pastor should be thinking about succession, legacy, and identity beyond the pulpit.🎙️ In This Episode:
Why Randy s...2025-02-2533 minThe Pastor's TableEmbracing Mystery and Sacramental Transformation with Derek Vreeland (Part 1) | PT 109
What if following Jesus meant rethinking everything you were taught—without ever walking away? In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Derek Vreeland, discipleship pastor at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Derek shares his journey from a Southern Baptist upbringing to the charismatic movement and, eventually, a sacramental, ecumenical faith—all while remaining deeply rooted in the Church.🎙️ In This Episode:
The pivotal moment as a teenager when Derek first encountered Jesus.
How studying scripture led him away from rigid formulas and into t...2025-02-1030 minThe Pastor's TableFrom Donuts to Discipleship: Laura Tarro on Church Planting and Trusting God (Part 2) | PT 108
What if success in ministry isn’t about speed, numbers, or strategy—but about trusting God’s timing? In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom continue their conversation with pastor and church planter Laura Tarro, exploring how patience, trust, and a few unconventional worship spaces (yes, a donut shop and a brewery) have shaped her ministry.🎙️ In This Episode:
The unexpected church visit that finally affirmed Laura’s pastoral call.
Why embracing the title of “pastor” was harder than expected.
How planting a church in a donut shop (and later, a...2025-02-0330 minThe Pastor's TablePatient Obedience: Laura Tarro’s Journey to Church Planting (Part 1) | PT 107
What does it look like to follow God’s call when the journey feels unclear or even obstructed? In this compelling episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom welcome church planter, pastor, and theologian Laura Tarro to share her inspiring story of waiting, persistence, and faithfulness. Laura opens up about her unconventional call to ministry, the barriers she faced, and how God led her to steward her gifts for the church.🎙️ In This Episode:
Laurra’s early sense of calling and how it clashed with her conservative upbringing.
Navigating spaces that questi...2025-01-2835 minThe Pastor's TableRedeemed Succession: Trusting God’s Plan with Greg Wenhold (Part 3) | PT 107
How does God redeem a church's past while preparing it for a flourishing future? In the final part of this compelling conversation, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Pastor Greg Wenhold to discuss the unique dynamics of pastoral succession, the power of trust in leadership, and the ongoing work of transformation at Good Shepherd Church.🎙️ In This Episode:
How a “redeemed succession plan” brought Greg and Tara Beth together in ministry.
The delicate balance of leadership and humility in a thriving church community.
Lessons on honoring a church’s past while c...2025-01-2031 minThe Pastor's TableFinding Home: Navigating Transitions with Greg Wenhold (Part 2) | PT 105
The journey of ministry often includes twists, turns, and unexpected moments of grace. In this second part of their conversation with Pastor Greg Wenhold, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom explore the challenges and growth that come with navigating transitions, including stepping away from—and returning to—a beloved church community.🎙️ In This Episode:
Lessons from an unconventional call to ministry.
The hard conversations and deep growth during seasons of leadership change.
Embracing God’s timing in moments of uncertainty and transition.
A pastor’s wisdom on leading with humility and trusting God’s sovereig...2025-01-1332 minThe Pastor's TableThe Winding Journey of Ministry with Greg Wenhold (Part 1) | PT 104
What happens when the path God calls you to takes unexpected turns?In this episode, Tara Beth Leach and Mark Quanstrom sit down with Pastor Greg Wenhold to explore his unconventional and inspiring pastoral story. From being "gently led" into ministry to navigating unexpected transitions, Greg’s journey is filled with honesty, resilience, and grace.🎙️ In This Episode:
How Greg’s unique call to ministry unfolded over time.
The role of faithful mentors and unexpected opportunities in shaping a pastor.
Navigating transitions—including leaving and returning to the same church.
Wisdom for young pastors feeling the...2025-01-0636 minThe Pastor's TableLeading from Weakness in Ministry with Mandy Smith | PT 101
What if embracing our limitations could actually make us better leaders? In this heartfelt conversation, Reverend Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Mandy Smith to uncover the transformative power of vulnerability in ministry. Instead of feeling pressured to have every answer or maintain a polished facade, discover how owning our weaknesses allows God’s strength to shine through.Mandy shares her personal journey—moments of crisis, the temptation of the “perfect leader” lie, and the profound relief in letting go. Together, they explore how gender dynamics influence leadership, the importance of truthful...2024-12-1633 minThe Pastor's TableJustifying the Church's Existence with David Bunce | PT 97
If your church closed its doors would your community notice? Join Reverend Tara Beth Leach, Dr. Mark Quanstrom, and guest David Bunce from Bad Ishel, Austria, as they explore the theological and existential challenges of justifying a church's existence in modern society. Dive into deep conversations about community, cultural pressures, and the essence of the church's mission while understanding diverse perspectives from both the U.S. and Austria.Timestamps01:25 The Mission and Justification of the Church02:21 Theological Reflections on Church Identity03:32 Challenges of S...2024-11-1832 minThe Pastor's TableFaithful Leadership Amid Political and Theological Tensions | Politics & The Kingdom (Part 8) | PT 93
In this episode of 'The Pastor's Table,' Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom conclude the series on the intricate relationship between church leadership, political engagement, and theology. Over the past six weeks, their conversations with local pastors have illuminated the pressing need for consistent Christian values in the political arena beyond election seasons. The dialogue emphasizes addressing privilege, especially white privilege, in political contexts and voting behaviors. The hosts discuss the balance required between secular and divine responsibilities, stressing authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. They invite listeners to reflect on personal a...2024-10-2132 minThe Pastor's TableExploring the Personal, Social & Cosmic Emergence of Sin with Dr. Matthew Croasmun | PT 81
Sin is a big deal. In this episode of The Pastor's Table, hosts Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Matthew Croasmun about the multifaceted nature of sin. Drawing from his book, "The Emergence of Sin," Dr. Croasmun discusses sin from personal, social, and cosmic perspectives, challenging the conventional view that sin is merely individual misdeeds or social ills. He shares his journey from the Midwest to Yale, his accidental church planting experience, and the significance of embracing a comprehensive understanding of sin as a cosmic force that constrains our m...2024-07-2935 minThe Pastor's TableBalancing Life and Ministry: Ordinary Rhythms with Tara Beth & Mark
Having a “balanced” life is challenging when serving in ministry. In this episode of the Pastor's Table, hosts Reverend Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom candidly discuss the challenges pastors face in balancing their professional and personal lives. They share personal anecdotes about their own struggles and strategies for maintaining well-being, such as embracing hobbies and setting boundaries. Tara Beth highlights her therapeutic connection with horses, while Mark reflects on the sanctity of family time and his passion for sailing. Together, they offer an encouraging message for pastors to embrace the everyday gifts and rhythms...2024-07-0131 minThe Pastor's TableNavigating Conflict, Antagonism & Power as Pastors | The Pastor’s Table | Rev. Tara Beth Leach & Mark Quanstrom
Listen to Theology on Mission Podcast on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/999549544 Pastors face unexpected challenges all the time. Tara Beth and Mark talk with David Fitch and Mark Quanstrom from Theology on Mission Podcast about the many active struggles of ministry. Antagonism and all sorts of sources have created a polarized world. Often this blows up in the church. Mark and Tara Beth share their insights from mediating conflicts, understanding underlying issues, and knowing when it might be time to move on from a pastoral role. 2024-06-1043 min
Theology on MissionS9: E16 Navigating Conflict, Antagonism & Power as Pastors | The Pastor’s Table | Rev. Tara Beth Leach & Mark Quanstrom
Pastors face unexpected challenges all the time. Tara Beth and Mark talk about the many active struggles of ministry. Antagonism and all sorts of sources have created a polarized world. Often this blows up in the church. Mark and Tara Beth share their insights from mediating conflicts, understanding underlying issues, and knowing when it might be time to move on from a pastoral role. Pastors foster a reconciling presence as Christ was a reconciling force through his ministry. Listen to The Pastor’s Table on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/1661366136 2024-06-0842 minThe Pastor's TableThe Toll of Pastoring | Life in The Church
Pastoring can be a pure gift and extremely challenging at the same time. Dr. Mark Quanstrom has been the Sr. Pastor for just over 10 years. There have been a tremendous number of really good things that have happened but despite all the good, Mark shares how he also has never mourned as much over the challenges of pastoring in 2023. Discussion Questions:
Mark shares how the best of times and hardest of times are happening simultaneously in the life of College Church. Describe a time when things have been both good and challenging.
Tara Beth and Mar...2024-02-0524 minThe Pastor's TableNever Lower Expectations | Life in The Church
Is it possible for a honeymoon season never to end? Mark & Tara Beth continue to discuss all the ups and downs of ministry. There has been no hiding the tumultuous season that Northern Seminary has navigated. In this episode shares about the leadership transitions, systemic challenges, and a commitment to redemption still present at Northern.Sin has a destructive and pervasive presence in the life of every organization. Northern Seminary has been no exception and yet a vision to embrace an unwavering commitment to God’s Kingdom still persists. Discussion Questions:
How would y...2024-01-2932 min
Kingdom RootsHosting The Pastor's Table
Can ministry really be a gift?We know that ministry can be riddled with challenges and filled with difficulty. In this new podcast, Mark and Tara Beth share their stories of finding hope in ministry. The Pastor's Table podcast is designed to help you embrace your ministry as a gift!In this episode, Mark and Tara Beth talk about each of their own journeys in ministry and they discuss why pastors need opportunities to gather and discuss the importance of theological integrity. Check out Dr. Mark Quanstrom’s new course on Seminary Now: Past...2023-01-1933 min
The Alabaster JarS3 E29 | The Pastors Table (Special Episode)Even though ministry is riddled with challenges and filled with difficulty, Mark and Tara Beth share their stories of finding hope in ministry. The Pastor's Table helps you embrace your ministry as a gift!In the 1st episode, Mark and Tara Beth talk about their journeys in ministry and why pastors need to gather and discuss the importance of theological integrity! Check out Dr. Mark Quanstrom’s new course on Seminary Now: Pastoral Ministry: Calling and Resilience. SeminaryNow.com is a streaming video platform with short courses from leading authors and professors. The Pastor’s Table listeners can get 25% off full...2023-01-1733 min