“Out of this experience, it’s become clear to me that I have developed a heart for my fellow pastors, and especially former pastors who find themselves in a similar unknown space. “

Our Story

Having grown up in Southern California within the Christian faith tradition, I began to follow Jesus in a personal way when I was 19-years-old. Shortly after, I responded to an inner pull to pursue a vocation in pastoral ministry. That response led to earning my bachelor’s degree at Hope International University in Fullerton, California, and eventually my master’s degree at Northwest Graduate School of the Ministry in Seattle, Washington (now Bakke Graduate University). It also led me, along with my wife Cindy, to have the privilege of serving a variety of local churches in several capacities, including Young Adults Pastor, Associate Pastor, Church Planter, and Lead Pastor.

Having raised our three kids primarily in the Seattle area, our life took an unexpected turn when they each graduated from college and began to settle in Northern Colorado. As they started new jobs and began families of their own, something inside Cindy and me knew it was time to relocate so we could be available to them in their launching out years. So we did something we never expected to do… resign from our positions and move across the country to start a new chapter of our journey.

At first, I thought my employment would be a lateral shift from one church job to another. When that didn’t happen, I began exploring other employment options. I eventually went into business for myself as an independent contractor with the intent that it would only be temporary. After three decades of pastoring, I knew my journey wasn’t over; I just didn’t know what shape it would take going forward.

It’s now been almost 7 years since we relocated, and being near our family has been priceless. We’ve seen two of our kids get married to wonderful humans (I performed their ceremonies), and we’ve watched our three grandchildren grow from infants to amazing kids with their own distinct personalities. Cindy is now on staff as a Field Shepherd with Standing Stone, a ministry providing care to pastors and ministry leaders. And I continue to run my contracting business. While I am thankful for this provision and have discovered a love for making homes beautiful, it’s not how I expected things to unfold. These last several years have included times of confusion, loneliness, a sense of abandonment, and even a miss-fired attempt at being on staff part-time at another church. But, it has also been a season of reflection, personal development, clarity and refinement. Some would call this “a dark night of the soul.”

This season of transition is what led me to coaching. In 2022, I earned my certification as a life and leader development coach from Leader Breakthru. I also co-founded Bridge & Rhino Professional Services for Healthy Leadership, which I find to be very purposeful and fulfilling. While it has taken time and patience, it would seem I have made the transition from ministry to meaning.

As I reflect back on this experience, it’s become clear to me that I have developed along the way a heart for my fellow pastors, and especially former pastors who find themselves in a similar unknown space. That’s why I started Faithful Journey Coaching… to walk alongside pastors in transition as they seek to navigate this significant life change. Whether you’re between ministries, making a career shift, traversing emotional healing, or rediscovering a sense of purpose and vision, I’m here to offer the support and tools needed to help you move forward in this new phase of life. I do hope you reach out; I’d love to connect soon.

With you in the Journey,

Kirk (and Cindy) Romberg