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In this powerful first installment of a two-part conversation, Robby Bolden sits down with Sam Jolman, author of The Sex Talk You Never Got, to address one of the most silent and misunderstood struggles in ministry: sexual brokenness and shame.

For many pastors and their spouses, sexuality has been reduced to one primary question: “Am I behaving or not?” But what if that framework is far too shallow? What if sexual struggles are not just about behavior—but about formation, trauma, shame, and story?

This episode moves beyond condemnation and into curiosity. Beyond secrecy and toward healing.

🔎 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why sexual formation is often neglected in spiritual formation conversations
• The difference between sexual sin and sexual wounding
• How shame fuels isolation—and why isolation keeps the cycle alive
• The connection between abuse, early exposure to pornography, and later struggles
• Why many pastors feel they have nowhere safe to turn
• The difference between conviction and toxic shame
• How self-hatred masquerades as repentance
• Why kindness—not self-punishment—leads to real change
• What it means to recover sexual “awe” and innocence

💡 Key Takeaways

• Sexuality is not a curse to be managed but a gift to be sanctified.
• Shame is not from God; conviction draws us toward Him, shame drives us away.
• Isolation is the enemy’s playground. Healing happens in courageous community.
• You cannot hate yourself out of sin—but you can move toward grace and truth.
• There is hope for restoration, even if you feel “too far gone.”

❤️ For Pastors and Ministry Leaders

If you’ve felt trapped between leadership expectations and private struggles…
 If you’ve believed that coming forward would cost you everything…
 If you’ve wondered whether healing is even possible for you…

This conversation is for you.

You are not alone. And shame does not get the final word.

🎧 Next Week (Part 2):
We move from diagnosis to direction. Sam shares practical steps toward reclaiming sexual health, rebuilding trust in marriage, and creating a pathway toward lasting healing for you and your family.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss Part Two.

Care for Pastors Podcast — Because those who shepherd others need care too.