266: Scott Distler and Creating Space to Listen

Scott Distler is an author and the lead pastor of an Evangelical Free church in Northern Michigan. Today, Scott shares about the mentors who shaped him, how a betrayal sent him into a dark time, and the steps he took to get out of it. Scott learned to slow down and make space for his relationship with God in the difficult season and he shares those lessons. Scott’s story reminds us that our identity must come from who Jesus says we are not our accomplishments.

Listen to Scott’s story now!

Stories Scott shared:

Pastoring a church in Northern Michigan
Spending his childhood in church
Feeling called to become a pastor as a junior in high school
Going to Bible school to learn Scripture
His mentor’s advice about how to pray specifically
The moment that he knew the Lord answered his prayer
How is pastor mentored him and his best advice
Becoming spiritually arrogant before his “cave experience”
When his main supporter turned against him at church
Learning that his source of significance is in the Lord
Starting to journal as a spiritual practice
Realizing that Jesus understands betrayal
The practice of gratitude he kept with his wife
Why he decided to write The Cave

Great quotes from Scott:

Even though my greatest hurts in life have come from the church, I still believe in the local church.

Everything that happens to you makes you bitter or better. The choice is yours.

My source of significance has to be Jesus.

Resources we mentioned:

Scott’s church website
The Cave: When Ministry Becomes Misery by Scott Distler
Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons by Marshall Shelley

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