S2E4 - This is the Right Way: When a Pastor Comes Forward

In this heartfelt episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast, Rudy Swigart shares a story that stopped him in his tracks—a story of relapse, redemption, and what it looks like when the church truly becomes a safe place for its leaders.

While attending an AA meeting, a friend witnessed a powerful moment: a pastor receiving his 12-month sobriety chip. But even more powerful was the backstory—this pastor had once relapsed after years of sobriety. Instead of hiding it or being disqualified in shame, he came forward, and his church leadership did the unthinkable in today’s cancel culture: they ministered to him.

• A true story of addiction, confession, and grace in church leadership

• Why Rudy believes this is the right way to handle relapse in ministry

• A call to church boards, denominations, and congregations to rethink their response

• The difference between disqualifying a leader vs. walking them through restoration

• A preview of upcoming podcast guests who have lived similar journeys

• A deeper look at what "space for grace" means in leadership culture

“When a pastor comes forward with a struggle, it should not be the end of their story. It should be the beginning of the healing. This is how we ‘do church’ right.”

• Church boards, elders, and decision-makers in ministry

• Pastors secretly struggling with addiction or relapse

• Congregations who want to be part of a restorative, not reactive, faith culture

• Anyone wondering: What would Jesus do when a leader falls?

📬 Connect with Rudy:
🌐 www.substanceoffaithmedia.com
📧 rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com

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