Real people. Real breakthroughs. Real change. These are the stories of leaders, parents, and students who chose to do the inner work—and discovered their best selves in the process.
Pastors and ministry leaders who found wholeness while serving others
Lead Pastor, Multi-Site Church
I was leading a growing church but felt increasingly disconnected from my own soul. I was performing well externally while dying internally. The pressure to maintain the image was crushing me.
Through the Individual Formation process, I learned to differentiate between my calling and my compulsions. I discovered I had been using ministry success to avoid dealing with my father wounds.
Now I lead from a place of wholeness rather than woundedness. My preaching has more depth, my marriage is healthier, and I've learned to say no without guilt. The church is still growing, but I'm no longer sacrificing my soul for it.
Associate Pastor & Worship Leader
I was burned out and questioning my calling. Every Sunday felt like I was performing rather than leading worship. I couldn't tell where my identity ended and my role began.
The Leadership Cohort helped me see how I'd been using people-pleasing to avoid conflict. Learning about self-differentiation changed everything—I realized I could be faithful without being everyone's savior.
I've set healthy boundaries with my congregation and leadership team. I'm leading worship from overflow rather than obligation. My creativity has returned, and I'm excited about ministry again.
Youth & Young Adult Pastor
I was trying to be the "cool pastor" while secretly feeling inadequate. I was overworking to prove my worth and neglecting my own family in the process.
At the retreat intensive, I had a breakthrough moment where I realized I'd been seeking validation from teenagers because I never got it from my own father. That awareness changed my entire approach to ministry.
I'm now ministering from a secure identity rather than a desperate need for approval. My relationships with students are healthier because I'm not using them to fill my emptiness. My wife says she has her husband back.
Business leaders who discovered that success without wholeness is hollow
VP of Operations, Tech Company
I was climbing the corporate ladder but losing myself in the process. I was successful by every external measure but felt empty inside. My relationships were transactional, and I couldn't turn off "work mode."
Through executive coaching, I discovered I'd been using achievement to avoid intimacy. The attachment style work helped me understand why I kept people at arm's length—even my own family.
I've learned to lead with both strength and vulnerability. My team says I'm more approachable and effective. Most importantly, I'm present with my kids now instead of just providing for them.
CEO, Nonprofit Organization
I was leading a mission-driven organization but felt like a fraud. I was great at casting vision but terrible at self-care. I was heading toward burnout and taking my team with me.
The Best Self Assessment revealed I was neglecting four out of six life dimensions. The coaching helped me see that sustainable leadership requires wholeness, not just hustle.
I've implemented rhythms of rest and renewal—not just for me, but for our entire organization. Our impact has actually increased since I stopped trying to do everything myself. I'm leading from abundance now.
Parents who learned to love from wholeness rather than woundedness
Parents of Three Teenagers
Our marriage was functional but not flourishing. We were great co-parents but had lost connection as a couple. We were avoiding conflict to keep the peace, but the distance between us was growing.
The love languages and attachment style work helped us understand our different ways of connecting. We realized we'd been speaking different languages for 20 years. Learning about codependency vs. self-differentiation transformed how we relate.
We're not just staying together—we're thriving together. We've learned to have healthy conflict instead of avoiding it. Our kids are noticing the difference, and we're modeling what a healthy marriage looks like.
Single Mom, Teacher
I was exhausted from trying to be both mom and dad. I felt guilty for every boundary I set and was burning out trying to be everything to everyone. My kids were struggling, and I felt like I was failing.
The coaching helped me see that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. I learned that I can't pour from an empty cup. The work on healthy guilt vs. toxic shame was life-changing.
I've learned to parent from wholeness rather than guilt. I set boundaries without apologizing. My kids are more secure because I'm more grounded. I'm not perfect, but I'm present—and that's what matters.
Young leaders who chose authenticity over performance
College Senior, Campus Ministry Leader
I was leading Bible studies and campus events while secretly struggling with anxiety and perfectionism. I felt like I had to have it all together because I was a "leader." The pressure was crushing.
At the student retreat, I learned that vulnerability isn't weakness—it's strength. I realized I'd been performing Christianity rather than living it. The work on identity vs. image changed everything.
I'm leading from authenticity now instead of perfection. I'm honest about my struggles, and it's actually made me a better leader. My relationships are deeper because I'm not hiding anymore.
Graduate Student, Future Pastor
I was preparing for ministry but carrying unresolved wounds from my past. I was afraid I'd repeat the mistakes of leaders who hurt me. I didn't know if I was called or just trying to fix my own pain.
The discernment work helped me separate my calling from my wounds. I learned that healing my past doesn't disqualify me from ministry—it actually equips me to help others with compassion.
I'm entering ministry with my eyes open and my heart whole. I've done the inner work so I won't use people to heal my wounds. I'm excited about my calling without being naive about the challenges.
These transformations didn't happen overnight—but they did happen. If you're ready to do the inner work and discover your best self, let's start the conversation.