Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we talk with I’m Rev. James Admans (they/them), also known as Rev. Marge (she/her) about their winding journey through spiritual leadership, entrepreneurship, writing, and the creative arts as a preacher and drag artist! Join us for this amazing discussion! Marge's Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/cw/theologyqueen Theologyqueen.com/about _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we talk with DeAnna Skedel, exploring how to create playful and inviting spaces for creativity, the role of community in artistic expression, and the significance of environment in fostering creativity. DeAnna on Instagram | ⁠@Deannaskedel⁠ DeAnna's Artist Page | ⁠Artskcgo.com/artist/deanna-skedel⁠ Chapters 05:28 Exploring the Process Over Product 08:09 Creating Playful Spaces for Creativity 14:13 Teaching Methods and Student Engagement 20:19 Bridging Art and Preaching 26:06 Reflection and Interaction with the Audience _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we're recapping our wonderful 2025 Pause Play Gathering! Stay up to date with next years gathering | Pauseplaycenter.com/conference _______________ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠⁠⁠⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play Podcast!! Today we talk with Chelsea Brooke Yarbrough to explore the intersections of playfulness, creativity, and preaching. Chelsea shares her journey to discovering her calling as a preacher, emphasizing the importance of community, risk, and the transformative power of storytelling. Pre-order Chelsea's Book: Proclamation Beyond the Pulpit: The Expansive Homiletical Practice of Black Women Chelsea's Website: Iamchelseabrooke.com Highlights! 05:36 Exploring Playfulness in Preaching 17:22 Developing Proclamation and Artistic Expression 23:21 The Role of Risk in Preaching 35:04 The Relationship Between Preacher and Listener 41:21 Embodying Playfulness in Life and Ministry _______________ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠⁠⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠⁠⁠   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 2! Lora Andrews joins Casey and Amy in person, sharing the joy of founding Roots Church KC. Lora shares her journey as a queer pastor and her commitment to creating an inclusive church that centers the voices of LGBTQ, BIPOC, and young people. You don't want to miss this one :) Rootschurchkc.org Higlights! 07:06 Laura's Spiritual Journey and Call to Ministry 16:52 Play as a Means of Grace in Ministry 26:02 Creative Worship Practices at Roots Church 45:11 Queerness and the Liberation of Faith 01:06:18 Celebrating Small Churches and Community Engagement _______________ ⁠⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠⁠   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We introduce Season 2 with an excellent conversation with Daniel Hilty, host of the Podcast Play Saves the World. Daniel shares his journey of rediscovering the joy of board games and how it became a powerful ministry tool that brings diverse people together. Tune in to learn how embracing play can foster connections, alleviate loneliness, and restore joy and grace in ministry and personal life. Higlights! 04:30 Daniel's Journey into Board Games 06:45 Defining Play: A Philosophical Perspective 08:30 The Importance of Non-Instrumental Play 12:12 Play in Ministry and Community _______________ ⁠https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/⁠  Compelling Preaching Initiative: ⁠https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/⁠  Saint Paul School of Theology: ⁠https://www.spst.edu/⁠   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come To Our Annual Gathering in Kansas City!! https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/conference Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Spiritual Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationship to spiritual exhaustion and the complexities of preaching in a modern context. We invite all to find what it means to source spiritual rest for themselves. Come along for the journey!* Resources Mentioned: Corinne Ware's Book | Discover Your Spiritual Type Leah D. Schade's Book | Preaching and Social Issues: Tools and Tactics for Empowering Your Prophetic Voice Momwell Article | Embracing the 7 Types of Rest: Why Moms Are Exhausted and What Actually Helps _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Creative Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on the importance of nurturing creativity through practices like creative rest and artist dates, which help replenish the creative reserves necessary for effective preaching. Ultimately, we encouraging preachers to embrace their artistic identities and prioritize their creative well-being. Come to our second Pause Play Annual Gathering | July 30th - August 2nd, 2015!! Pauseplaycenter.com/conference _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Mental Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationship to their mental exhaustion, decision fatigue, and the complexities of preaching in a modern context. We invite all to find what it means to source mental rest for themselves. Come along for the journey! _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Physical Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationship to their body, physicality, and find what it means to source physical rest for themselves. Come along for the journey! Macklen's Website | Macklenmayse.com Macklen on Instagram | @macklenmayse _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pause/Play ~Social Rest~ Episode! We invite listeners to reflect on their relationships and the energy dynamics involved, encouraging authenticity and playfulness in social spaces. Come along for the journey! _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this spontaneous conversation, Casey & Amy explore the emotional toll of the current political climate on clergy and communities, discussing feelings of heaviness, disappointment, and the need for rest and play as vital components of spiritual care. They emphasize the importance of addressing these feelings openly and the role of play and rest in navigating challenging times. _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

In this episode of Pause/Play, we’re diving deep into the world of sensory rest and overload with our special guest, Jessica Nichols—a Kansas City-based therapist with a spiritual approach to self-care and boundaries. Jessica, a virtual sensation and a dear friend of our host Amy, shares her expert insights on balancing sensory input in a chaotic, tech-filled world. Join us as we explore how pastors and healers manage the overwhelming demands of today’s digital age. From zoning out to managing noise sensitivity, Jessica reveals her favorite techniques for sensory survival and introduces us to her radical REST and PAUSE acronyms—designed to help you prune and unplug for real rest. We’ll reminisce about the simpler pre-tech era, tackle stories of sensory overload from our listener pastors, and give you permission to restructure your life to reduce the chaos. Plus, we’ve got some spooky season surprises in store as we wrap things up! Tune in for soothing anecdotes, practical tips, and a nostalgic journey through the intersections of somatics, sensory rest, and spiritual life. This description highlights the episode’s themes and offers listeners a clear idea of what to expect! Jessica's Website | www.complexhumxncounseling.com Jessica's Instagram | @ complexhumxn _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Pause/Play conversation delves into the emotional labor that pastors undertake, emphasizing the importance of emotional rest and the need for safe spaces where they can express their feelings. It discusses the challenges of maintaining boundaries, the impact of emotional exhaustion, and the significance of authenticity in preaching. The dialogue encourages pastors to embrace their emotions and highlights the necessity of self-care practices that allow for emotional awareness and rest. _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our conversation from the very first Pause/Play Gathering! We explore themes of play, pause, and the integration of these concepts into worship and daily life. Marcia McFee joins to express the importance of play in finding joy, healing, and connection, emphasizing the need to let go of expectations and embrace the freedom of improvisation. They also highlight the role of play in shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. The conversation touches on the significance of tradition and the importance of passing it on while allowing for evolution and the perspectives of the next generation. https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com

Welcome to our Series on ~Rest~ Where does Rest fit into our roles as preachers? To kick off this ~rest~ series, we’re covering the full spectrum of rejuvenation. Many pastors juggle endless to-dos, feeling pressured to stay busy. The church often treats busyness as a badge of honor, overshadowing the magic of stillness. It fuels our well-being and spiritual growth, making us the best versions of ourselves. Let’s joyfully embrace rest, weaving delightful pauses into our daily rhythms and worship practices. Join us as we explore the whimsical wonders of rest and how it can transform our lives! Types of Rest we'll cover in this series! Physical Emotional Creative Spiritual Mental Sensory Social Van McCoy's - "The Hustle" Saundra Dalton-Smith's TEDxTalk on Rest Teresa Stewart's Book | The Small Church Advantage _______________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to ~PLAY~ In this episode, Casey and Amy talk about the importance of free play for adults and how societal norms impact our playfulness as we age. From solo imaginative play to team sports, we explore the different experiences of play within the Pause/Play community and their impact on our mental and physical health. We wrap up with a practical exercise you can integrate into your daily life. ________________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us at our very first Annual Gathering! https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/conference Join us for the first-ever Pause/Play Annual Gathering in Kansas City, Missouri, from July 18th to 20th. Hosted at the stunning Crossroads Hotel, this unique event offers a blend of relaxation, creativity, and community for preachers looking to rejuvenate their ministry through the art of play. This gathering isn’t your typical conference—it's a space to pause, play, and reconnect with fellow preachers in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. With a focus on cross-training for preaching through playful activities and fellowship, it's the perfect retreat for those seeking inspiration and renewal. Register by June 15th to secure your spot. For more details and to sign up, visit pauseplaycenter.com/conference. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to recharge in Kansas City this July! 🌟

What’s the buzz around the metaphorical water coolers where pastors gather? ~Burnout~ In this episode, Casey, Amy, Colleen, and some clergy friends share experiences of burnout and its impact on preaching. The Pause/Play Center seeks to hold space for preachers to tell their stories and be heard into healing so our sacred imaginations can run wild again! RESOURCES LINKS: Pastors Share Top Reasons They’ve Considered Quitting Ministry in the Past Year, Barna, The Resilient Pastor Initiative (April 27, 2022)- https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-quitting-ministry/  Why Pastors are Burning Out, an opinion piece by Tish Harrison Warren for the New York Times (April 28, 2022)- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/28/opinion/pastor-burnout-pandemic.html  What happened and What Didn’t at General Conference, by Joe Iovino, UMC.org - https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-happened-and-what-didnt-at-general-conference-2019 5 Shocking Realities About the Real State of Pastor Burnout, Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC (April 12, 2023)- https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/5-shocking-realities-about-the-real-state-of-pastor-burnout-17392915 ________________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Applications are open for the first preaching cohort! On Instagram and Threads @pauseplaycenter On Facebook Pause/Play Center for Preachers Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Link to Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/   Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join your host Rev. Dr. Casey T. Sigmon on a monthly discovery of play and rest as she explores the possibilities of what imaginative preaching can be. Joined by guests from across the country, Casey hosts holy conversations about rest, spiritual direction, art, preaching, and more. ________________ https://www.pauseplaycenter.com/  Applications are open for the first preaching cohort! On Instagram and Threads @pauseplaycenter On Facebook Pause/Play Center for Preachers Compelling Preaching Initiative: https://lillyendowment.org/compelling-preaching/  Link to Saint Paul School of Theology: https://www.spst.edu/  Produced by Josh Gilbert joshgilbertmedia.com