Holding Gratitude & Grief (featuring Dennis Atwood)

<p>Most ministry leaders expect to decide when they step away. Dennis Atwood never had that opportunity.</p><p></p><p>After serving churches for nearly three decades, Dennis was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease. He quietly carried the diagnosis for years before the progression of the disease forced him to step away from the pastorate he loved. </p><p></p><p>In this deeply honest conversation, Dennis reflects on grief, identity, suffering, and why choosing gratitude isn't about denying pain but discovering God's faithfulness in the middle of it.</p><h2><b>Key Takeaways</b></h2><ul><li>Unexpected health challenges can reshape both ministry and identity.</li><li>Grief is a natural part of leaving a calling you deeply love.</li><li>Gratitude isn't the absence of suffering but a response to God's faithfulness within it.</li><li>Ministry leaders need purpose beyond the title they hold.</li><li>God often brings deep spiritual formation through seasons we would never choose.</li></ul><h2><b>Chapter Markers</b></h2><p><b>00:00</b> Dennis' pastoral journey and ministry background</p><p><b>01:45</b> An early Parkinson's diagnosis changes everything</p><p><b>03:30</b> Why Dennis kept his diagnosis private for years</p><p><b>07:45</b> Telling the church and preparing for transition</p><p><b>11:00</b> Missing ministry more than expected</p><p><b>13:15</b> Becoming a caregiver and navigating family transition</p><p><b>14:30</b> Holy discontent and living with purpose</p><p><b>16:20</b> Choosing gratitude through suffering</p><p><b>20:00</b> The dark night of the soul and spiritual formation</p><p><b>25:30</b> Encouragement for leaders whose ministry ended unexpectedly</p><p></p><p>If you're facing a ministry transition or unexpected life change, start a conversation with a specialist at<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ministrytransitions.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank"> Ministry Transitions</a>. Learn more about Dennis and his book <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/0fcck31K" target="_blank"><i>Choosing Gratitude</i></a> at Market Square Books.</p>