Episode Details

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we’re joined by Bob Riedy, Senior Pastor of Church of the Open Door in Pennsylvania. After leading one of the fastest-growing churches in the country, Bob found himself facing a personal and professional breakdown. In this deeply transparent episode, he shares his journey through burnout, anxiety, and loss—and how a season of pain became a catalyst for healing, reflection, and renewed leadership.

Feeling overwhelmed by ministry demands? Struggling with unprocessed grief, exhaustion, or the weight of expectations? Listen in as Bob offers honest insights on burnout recovery, emotional health, and the kind of leadership that builds both soul and church.

• Deal with loss to move ahead. // Years of accumulated grief—personal loss, staff transitions, and post-COVID declines—had taken a quiet but devastating toll. Like many pastors, Bob had failed to grieve deeply. He admits, “Ministry is a series of ungrieved losses,” and shares how shame—over not being able to “hold it all together”—compounded the pressure he felt to appear strong and capable.
• Combat shame with grace. // The enemy uses shame to isolate and weaken pastors who feel they should always have the answers. Returning to Scripture reminds us that even biblical heroes experienced loss and hardship. God works through those seasons in new and powerful ways.
• Let the Truth transform you. // Pastors can fall into the trap of preaching truth without letting that truth transform their own hearts. Bob realized he had been carrying more weight than Jesus was asking him to. True rest came when he began allowing the gospel to minister to his soul, not just his sermons.
• Getting help and doing the work. // Bob’s road to recovery began with a doctor’s visit, counseling, and time away from the pulpit. He leaned into scripture, read books on mental health and burnout, and began integrating new rhythms into his life. Practices like contemplative prayer, Sabbath rest, and cultivating deeper friendships helped him reestablish emotional and spiritual health.
• Set boundaries for rest and health. // Create clear limits on your time and energy. Leaders must learn to fully engage in ministry and fully disengage to rest. For Bob, this meant prioritizing his family and carving out time to be with God without guilt.
• Lean on trusted relationships. // Burnout taught Bob the value of authentic friendships. For years, he was surrounded by people who knew “Pastor Bob” but few who really knew him. Through intentional efforts, he built deeper relationships where he could be vulnerable and receive care—not just give it.
• Share the burden. // Appoint someone to step into your leadership role and divide responsibilities among the team to give yourself time to step back and rest. This lightens the load and creates a healthier rhythm for the entire staff. Leadership doesn’t have to mean carrying everything alone.
• Burn Out and Life Lessons. // Today, Church of the Open Door is stronger than ever. Attendance is rebounding, spiritual growth is flourishing, and Bob is leading from a place of authenticity and freedom. His honesty has invited others