S1:E25 Caller ID with Miles Larson (Calling in Seasons: Leadership, Identity, and Holy Discontent)

Calling in Seasons: Miles Larson on Leadership, Identity, and Holy Discontent | Caller ID On Caller ID, host Davis Wells talks with Miles Larson, executive director of the Brethren Church, about calling as seasonal rather than permanent and how work matters without defining identity. Miles shares his curiosity-driven hobbies, early leadership lessons managing a catering hall at 14, and an unexpected career path from higher education and career services to pastoral ministry after experiencing “holy discontent.” He describes discernment through community, wise counsel, and practical signs like a seminary scholarship, and explains success as “fruitfulness” rather than metrics. They discuss moving toward new roles versus running away, guarding against titles becoming identity, the need for rest and sabbatical, challenges like cynicism and rigid processes, cultural shifts driving bivocational ministry, and his hoped-for legacy of rebuilding trust, clarifying key terms, and cultivating joy in the church. 00:00 Calling Is Seasonal 00:10 Show Intro And Guest 02:12 Hobbies Outside Work 03:34 Explaining What You Do 04:48 Early Jobs And Lessons 08:39 Career Arc And Small Town 10:29 Stoicism And Odd Plans 12:08 Back To Higher Ed 13:54 Career Services Reality Check 18:10 Holy Discontent Explained 22:26 Called Into Ministry 28:28 Defining Success By Fruit 30:02 Running Toward Not Away 31:01 Longevity Versus Calling 32:24 When Things Click 35:11 Hardest Move Decision 37:26 Title And Identity 42:04 Cynicism And Rigid Process 43:22 What Brings Joy 45:07 Ministry Careers Shifting 48:23 Legacy Of Joy 50:29 Word Association Wrap 54:02 Final Calling Advice