Nobody’s perfect, but we often want our leaders to be. What happens when a pastor reckons with brokenness, wrestles with a mental illness, and then redefines a ministry and calling where lived experience is as valuable and needed as credentials and a lengthy resumé? What if leadership looked like radical honesty and knowing one’s own capacity to serve? Pastor Wally Nickel shares his journey through a mental health crisis, living with anxiety and depression, and how it has shaped his faith and work. A Note of Caution: This episode of The Sanctuary Podcast deals with sensitive subjects such as trauma, abduction, and abuse, so please use your discretion about whether listening feels safe for you at this time. If you’re unsure, consider listening with a trusted friend.