Choosing Discomfort (featuring Dane Sanders)

Summary

Dane Sanders shares his journey from vocational ministry to his current work with Men and Women of Discomfort. He discusses the challenges faced in vocational ministry and the need for better transitions and support within the Christian community.

Dane explains the concept of Men and Women of Discomfort, a program that focuses on intentional discomfort to foster personal growth and strength. The goal is to be strong and awake for love's sake. He emphasizes the importance of community in this process and the power of suffering together.

This conversation explores the power of community and authentic confession in the context of discomfort. It highlights the difference between Men and Women of Discomfort and other programs, emphasizing the focus on wholeheartedness rather than perfection.

The conversation delves into the concept of the Valley of Discomfort and the temptation to return to comfort, using the story of the buffalo as a metaphor for running towards the storm. It emphasizes the importance of perspective and purpose in suffering and encourages individuals to choose to embrace discomfort and not waste the season.

The conversation also discusses shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' and relating to discomfort as building a cathedral. Finally, it offers guidance on taking the next step and getting in touch with Men and Women of Discomfort.

Takeaways

• Vocational ministry often comes with challenges and transitions that can be difficult to navigate.

• The Christian community can struggle with effectively supporting individuals going through these transitions.

• Men and Women of Discomfort is a program that focuses on intentional discomfort to foster personal growth and strength.

• The goal is to be strong and awake for love's sake, living a life that is fully engaged and aligned with one's values.

• Community plays a crucial role in the process of intentional discomfort and personal growth. Community and authentic confession can be a powerful source of support and growth in times of discomfort.

• Men and Women of Discomfort focuses on wholeheartedness rather than perfection, setting it apart from other programs.

• The Valley of Discomfort can be a challenging place, but it is where growth and transformation happen.

• Running towards discomfort, like the buffalo running towards the storm, can lead to finding the 'good stuff' and developing resilience.

• Having the right perspective and purpose in suffering can help individuals navigate and make the most of difficult seasons.

• Choosing to embrace discomfort and seeing it as an opportunity to grow and become stronger can lead to a more fulfilling life.

• Shifting from 'I have to' to 'I get to' can change one's mindset and attitude towards discomfort.

• Relating to discomfort as building a cathedral can help individuals see the value and purpose in their struggles.

• Taking the next step and getting in touch with Men and Women of Discomfort can provide guidance and support for those seeking to navigate discomfort.

• There is life after ministry and opportunities for ministry in different seasons of life.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

07:20 - Challenges in Vocational Ministry

13:08 - Transitioning and the Christian Community

17:25 - Moving Forward After Ministry

20:33 - Men and Women of Discomfort

26:38 - The Goal: Strong and Awake for Love's Sake

36:42 - The Importance of Community

44:38 - The Power of Community and Authentic Confession

45:31 - The Difference Between Men and Women of Discomfort and Other Programs

48:01 - The Valley of Discomfort and the Temptation to Return to Comfort

50:16 - The Story of the Buffalo and Running Towards the Storm

54:25 - The Importance of Perspective and Purpose in Suffering

57:02 - Choosing to Embrace Discomfort and Not Waste the Season

01:01:33 - Shifting from 'I Have to' to 'I Get to'

01:02:16 - Relating to Discomfort as Building a Cathedral

01:05:04 - Taking the Next Step and Getting in Touch

01:06:12 - Life After Ministry and Ministry After Ministry