In this episode of 12-Minute Convos with Jesus Believers, Engel Jones connects with Dustin Kleinschmidt from Dallas, Texas. Originally from Los Angeles, Dustin discusses his family's transition into the "Bible Belt" and why he deeply values raw authenticity over the "performative niceness" sometimes found in Christian culture. Growing up as an 80s latchkey kid in a broken home, he learned the vital importance of owning your mistakes and being honest about life's messiness a lesson that profoundly shaped his walk with Jesus. 

Listen in as Dustin opens up about experiencing severe pastoral burnout, leading to his resignation as a lead pastor after 25 years, and the inspiration behind his book, The Wilderness Way of Finding Freedom in Life's Fractures. He also shares a fascinating, biblically rooted perspective on why he is highly uncomfortable with the title of "Pastor," choosing instead to view himself simply as a servant helping others follow Christ. If you are exhausted by trying to paint a perfect picture of your life, Dustin’s profound reminder to embrace the wilderness and trust the Lord will deeply refresh your soul!

Engel Jones
Podcast Host

Guest's Bio

Dustin Kleinschmidt grew up outside the faith in a home shaped by instability and trauma, met Jesus in high school, and fell forward into ministry. Over 25 years he served in nearly every pastoral role student ministry, worship, lead pastor, church planter before stepping away after a long season of burnout.

Out of that wilderness came The Wilderness Way a book built on a single honest discovery: this life between rescue and full restoration is the wilderness. Not a season to escape. The permanent terrain where beauty and brokenness coexist, and where God is present and forming us all along.

He now writes, and coaches ministry leaders

• Website: dustinkleinschmidt.com

• Book: The Wilderness Way: Finding Freedom in Life's Fractures : https://a.co/d/iXX78qP

• Substack: dustinkleinschmidt.substack.com

• Instagram: instagram.com/dustinkschmidt

• Facebook: http://facebook.com/dustin.kleinschmidt