In this episode, Kurt is joined by Alan Baughcum, who was the senior pastor at a church where Kurt was interim organist and choir director. Alan graduated from Emory university and started his life as a chartered financial analyst. He was a professional economist for more than 30 years, working as a consultant in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Seattle, dealing with important clients, before becoming the senior pastor of a little country church, after getting his Master of Divinity degree from Wellesley Theological Seminary. Tune in to hear Alan and Kurt discuss trying to deal with discernment, which may come in the middle of your life, and having to make the decision to respond or not to God’s call.

Key Takeaways:

[1:16] Kurt introduces today's guest — Alan Baughcum.

[3:33] What happened in Alan's life, that lead him to leave his successful career? How did he figure out if it was God calling?

[5:30] Alan was moved by a woman who shared her gay son's difficulties growing up, and felt the pastoral sense during that incident.

[7:50] Alan had a moment when God spoke to him about the issue of ordaining gays and lesbians into the Ministry, resulting in a 180 degree change in his point of view.

[9:37] It became clear to Alan that he shouldn't be questioning God's plan for him to be a pastor.

[11:28] Many of us are actively engaged in another career, when we get the urge to go back to school.

[11:59] How did Alan's family deal with the idea of him returning to school?

[13:36] You need to be very cognizant of the impact on your family, as you go on this journey.

[15:19] Communication is key to getting through this process.

[16:03] How did Alan's time as an economist, and working for large organizations, impact his role as a pastor?

[19:26] Being a pastor, you need to be able to listen, and recognize that problems people are facing may not be a logical process, but an emotional or spiritual process instead.

[20:57] Alan shares how deep listening and loving conversation can help a congregation.

[23:10] When Alan started at his first church, did he face any surprises or disappointments?

[26:16] What were some things the consultant worked on with Alan, at his church?

[27:49] No secrets in church — keep everything out in the open!

[32:00] What are some opportunities and concerns for mainstream churches, going forward?

[35:36] Alan leaves us with some words of wisdom. Remember what you're there for, and don't get stuck inside your own doors.

Mentioned in This Episode:

God’s Business

God’s Business on Facebook

God's Business: Making Church Leaders Less Stressed and More Effective by Leveraging the Experience of Others, by Kurt M. Glacy