Hey everyone, welcome to the very first episode of The PK’s Podcast! I’m so excited to finally launch this space—raw, unfiltered, and real. Today’s episode is an introduction, a deep dive into the heart behind this podcast, and a glimpse into my personal journey. We’ll be exploring what it means to lead while bleeding—to carry responsibility while still healing, and to live authentically in the tension of both.
Vision & Mission of The PK’s Pulpit
The PK’s Pulpit was created as a safe space for church leaders—especially those who grew up in ministry—to process real struggles, rediscover their identity, and be restored through honest, grace-filled conversations.
This is a community where vulnerability is not weakness, but a doorway to healing.
Our mission is to empower a generation of faith leaders—pastors, preachers’ kids, ministry builders—by fostering a culture of authenticity, healing, and legacy through powerful storytelling and Spirit-led insight. The PK’s Pulpit exists to be a trusted voice for leaders who feel isolated, reminding them that their highest calling isn’t to the pulpit, but to the people—starting with their own families.
My Story: From PK to Pastor to PTSD Survivor
I’m a third-generation preacher’s kid—my grandfather, my father, and now myself. I’ve experienced what it’s like to grow up under a microscope, living in a fishbowl where perfection was often expected. Yes, there were perks, but mostly, I just wanted to be a normal kid.
My journey has taken me through ministry, the military, depression, healing, and restoration. I’ve served as a youth pastor in multiple churches, worked as an aircraft mechanic, served in Desert Storm, and now, I’m building something new—right here, with you.
After serving in the Army and navigating life post-service, I battled PTSD and depression. I didn’t even know what was wrong at first. An injury at work led to an unexpected emotional breakdown that became the turning point in my healing journey. That experience led me to therapy, to the VA, and eventually to understanding the depth of trauma I’d been carrying.
When Ministry Became My Identity
At one point, ministry was my identity. Preaching became my Bible study. Leading worship became my prayer time. I wasn’t being with God—I was just doing things for Him. That realization was painful, but it brought me back to the basics. I started learning true discipleship for the first time—how to study the Bible, how to pray, how to journal, how to sit with God.
I began reading Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero, and it hit me—my emotions were missing. Numb from medication and burnout, I realized I needed to reconnect with my feelings to hear from God again. Slowly, I weaned off the meds and started to feel again—really feel. Anger. Joy. Compassion. Empathy. It was life-changing.
“This podcast isn’t about doing church—it’s about being with God, healing out loud, and leading others even when you’re still bleeding.”
Reconnecting with Purpose Through Family & Home Church
After retiring from the VA and dealing with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, I leaned into digital media. I learned SEO, built websites, and found a creative outlet. But most importantly, I reconnected with purpose.
A pivotal moment happened when I visited The Citadel church with my dad. Though I’d originally said no to helping start it, walking in that Sunday felt like coming home. I jumped in fully, serving, supporting, and rediscovering my spiritual walk.
We’ve even started doing “Church at 5” in our home on Mondays—a simple gathering in our living room for conversation, devotion, and fellowship. It’s not “doing church”—it’s being with God and my family, and that’s what matters most.
Leading While Bleeding
This podcast is about leading while healing. I’ve led with open wounds—through depression, rejection, betrayal, burnout. Whether in church, in the Army, or in my family, I’ve had to keep leading. But now, I’m doing it differently. I’m doing it with awareness, honesty, and emotional health.
So if you’re a leader who’s hurting, you’re not alone. If you’re navigating trauma, burnout, or loss, there’s still purpose in you. You can lead and bleed—but you don’t have to bleed alone.
If You Don’t Know Jesus Yet…
If you’ve made it this far and you don’t yet know Jesus personally, I invite you to pray this simple prayer with me:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You now as a sinner. I repent of all my sins and ask You to come into my heart. I believe that Jesus died on the cross, rose from the grave, and is alive today. I receive Him as my Savior. Thank You for saving my soul and changing my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you prayed that prayer, please reach out. I’d love to know your name so I can pray for you—because this isn’t about numbers. It’s about people. It’s about you.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for sticking with me. I know this episode was a bit heavy, but this is the foundation. This is what The PK’s Podcast is all about—truth, vulnerability, hope, healing. Next week might be lighter, but it’ll always be real.
Please like, subscribe, share, or leave a comment. I want to hear your story too.
Until next time, remember: your calling isn’t just the pulpit—it’s the people God’s entrusted to you.
Resilient. Authentic. Faith-driven. Leader
I’m a third-generation pastor, veteran, and storyteller who speaks from the heart—sharing raw, real stories of faith, healing, and leading while bleeding. If you’re looking for a voice that brings authenticity, hope, and Spirit-led insight, I’d be honored to come speak at your event, church, or gathering.
