He Burned Out as a Pastor (Then Discovered this…) w/Mark Buchanan

He Burned Out as a Pastor (Then Discovered this…) w/Mark Buchanan

Author: Bob Lotich, Linda Lotich May 1, 2026 Duration: 56:54

Most of us have quietly convinced ourselves that busy-ness is a badge of honor.

Mark Buchanan believed the same thing — until it almost cost him his health, his marriage, and his connection with God. And what he found on the other side of that is something the modern church has almost entirely stopped talking about.

In this conversation, Linda and I sit down with Mark Buchanan — author of The Rest of God, God Walk, and his new historical fiction novel What Is Left of the Night — to talk about why busyness kills the heart, what Sabbath really means as more than a day, how walking is a deeply spiritual practice woven all through Scripture.

His book The Rest of God is what started our practice of monthly sabbaticals 13 years ago, and this conversation took us somewhere we didn't expect.

 

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE

Here's a little of what we cover in this episode:

  • Why Mark nearly burned out as a pastor — and how discovering Sabbath saved his marriage and his ministry
  • Why Sabbath isn't just about a day of the week — it's an attitude and a way of seeing everything
  • The phrase "busyness kills the heart" and what it actually looks like in your everyday life
  • How Bob and Linda's 13-year practice of monthly sabbaticals grew out of one book — and led to a full year off
  • The spiritual practice of walking, and the surprising number of times it shows up in Scripture
  • Mark's new historical fiction novel about a French village that protected 2,500 Jews during WWII with zero casualties
  • What connects Sabbath, walking, and a village that simply refused to live by the world's rules

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Mark Buchanan's Books:

 

DISCLAIMER

Obligatory legal disclaimer: I'm a financial educator, not your financial advisor, investment advisor, tax pro, or lawyer. This channel is for general education, not personalized advice, and nothing here should be taken as a recommendation to buy, sell, or use any specific investment, account, or financial product. I'm just sharing what I'm doing, what I'm learning, and what I find interesting.

Markets can be humbling. Investing involves risk, including the risk of losing money, and my results are personal, may not be typical, and are not guaranteed. Do your own research, use wisdom, and talk with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Some links are to our resources and some are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That helps keep the lights on around here, so thanks for the support.

 


What does it look like to manage money well when your faith is the foundation of your life? That’s the central question explored in SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich. This isn't just another financial advice show; it's a conversation about integrating biblical principles with the practical realities of budgeting, investing, and building a secure future. Bob and Linda approach finances from a unique perspective, one that challenges conventional wisdom by framing stewardship as a spiritual practice. Their discussions move beyond spreadsheets to consider how financial health directly impacts your marriage, your sense of purpose, and your ability to live generously. Each episode aims to provide actionable steps to simplify your finances, eliminate debt, and cultivate a sense of peace and control over the resources you've been given. The goal is to shift your focus from anxiety about money towards freedom, allowing you to invest your time and energy into what truly matters. If you've ever felt that typical money advice misses the heart of the matter, this podcast offers a different path-one where faith and finances are seamlessly connected. Tune in for honest conversations that blend personal experience with practical strategy, all centered on building a life of purpose and provision.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich
Podcast Episodes
Why you can't actually "get rich quick" (with Mark Batterson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:25
Pastor and bestselling author Mark Batterson joins Bob to unpack one of the most misunderstood principles of growth: the way breakthroughs actually happen—gradually, then suddenly. From Warren Buffett's compounding to Ji…
What EVERY Christian Parent Wishes They Could Do One More Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:30
In this tender, emotional episode, Bob and Linda open up about a simple idea that completely reframed how they parent: the "$50,000 Moment." It started with a story Bob read — one so moving he couldn't finish it without…
5 keys to being a good steward with PJ Vescovi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:07
In this episode, I sat down with PJ Vescovi — financial advisor, pastor, and author of The Great Money Reform — and this one's going to challenge you in the best way possible. We dove deep into the 5 keys to being a trul…
Jesus doesn't normalize money stress... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:35
71% of Americans admit they're losing sleep over money—but Jesus already gave us the cure in the most famous sermon ever preached. In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack the surprising connection between mammon, anxiety,…
The #1 Mistake Christians Make When it Comes to Giving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:52
What if the greatest danger in our giving isn't how much we give—but why we give? In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack one of the most shocking stories in Acts 5: the tale of Ananias and Sapphira. Why did God respond so…
Teaching teens about money (here's what you need to know) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:22
If your teen is starting to earn money—or even just asking bigger financial questions—this episode will give you the tools to start them off on the right foot. Bob & Linda share how they're teaching their own kids about…
10 Millionaire Patterns the Wealthy Follow (and Broke People Don't) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:50
Most people think wealth is about earning more. The truth? It's about the patterns you repeat every day. In this episode, we break down 10 specific patterns that predict whether you'll be broke or wealthy 10–20 years fro…