Building a Kingdom, Not a Castle: Lessons from Jen Smale

Building a Kingdom, Not a Castle

Hey everyone, Andrea Olson here! I’m thrilled to bring you a special episode of the Overflow Worship Podcast. Today, we have a guest who has an incredible story and a wealth of wisdom to share. Jen Smale, a seasoned worship leader and co-host of the Worship Probs Podcast, joins us to talk about her journey, the importance of rest, and her new project, "Castles and Kingdoms." Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

Jen's Journey and Background

Let’s start with a bit about Jen’s background. Jen grew up as a church kid with her mom as the worship leader. From an early age, she felt a calling towards worship ministry, and by 16, she knew this was her path. Over the years, Jen has served in various capacities, from leading worship to mentoring and participating in different ministries. Her heart for worship and songwriting has remained a constant, guiding her through the challenges and transitions of life.

Jen’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. Growing up under the pews, as she fondly recalls, Jen was immersed in ministry life. Her mother’s influence and her own experiences in youth worship teams laid the foundation for her future. Despite the humble beginnings, including some less-than-stellar rehearsals, Jen’s passion for worship only grew stronger.

The Call to Rest

In early 2022, Jen found herself on the brink of burnout and exhaustion. The aftermath of 2020 had taken its toll, and health issues further complicated her situation. Recognizing the need for a break, Jen took a sabbatical, fully supported by her pastor and team. This time of rest was transformative, allowing her to reconnect with God and gain a fresh perspective on her ministry and life.

Jen’s sabbatical wasn’t just about physical rest; it was a deep, spiritual reset. She delved into the Bible, particularly the stories of the Israelites in the Old Testament. These stories, especially those in Ezra and Nehemiah, resonated with her. She saw parallels between their struggles and her own, realizing that just like the Israelites, she had sometimes placed the work of ministry above her relationship with God.

Lessons from the Old Testament

During her sabbatical, Jen was drawn to the experiences of the Israelites in exile. These stories highlighted the consequences of idolatry and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. Jen realized the parallels in her own life, where the busyness of ministry had sometimes taken precedence over her relationship with God.

Reading about Nehemiah’s prayer of repentance was a turning point for Jen. It reminded her of the importance of focusing on building God’s kingdom rather than her own “castle.” This realization was a catalyst for a profound shift in her approach to life and ministry. Jen began to see her ministry through a new lens, one that prioritized God’s presence and purpose above all else.

Castles and Kingdoms: The Birth of a New Project

Inspired by her reflections, Jen felt compelled to create a new project: an EP titled "Castles and Kingdoms." This project was born from the lessons she learned during her sabbatical. The title track, a lament, emerged as a raw expression of her heart's cry to God. Jen’s journey through this creative process was both challenging and rewarding, pushing her out of her comfort zone and into deeper obedience.

The process of creating "Castles and Kingdoms" was a journey of faith for Jen. She describes it as an act of obedience, one that required her to step out of her comfort zone and trust God’s leading. Writing the title track was a cathartic experience, allowing her to pour out her heart and express the lessons she had learned. Each song on the EP reflects a piece of her journey, from lamenting over misplaced priorities to embracing a renewed focus on God’s kingdom.

The Importance of Obedience and Surrender

Jen's story is a testament to the power of obedience and surrender. She shares how difficult it was to let go of certain roles and responsibilities, but through it all, she remained committed to following God's leading. This obedience brought about a profound shift in her perspective, helping her focus on building God's kingdom rather than her own castle.

Obedience and surrender are central themes in Jen’s story. She emphasizes the importance of being willing to let go of our own plans and trust God’s timing. For Jen, this meant stepping down from roles she loved and moving to new places without knowing what lay ahead. It was a journey of trust, one that required her to rely on God’s faithfulness and provision.

Encouragement for Leaders

For leaders who are not yet at the point of burnout but are feeling the pressures of ministry, Jen offers practical advice. She emphasizes the importance of intentional rest and creating a sustainable rhythm in life. Simple practices like using the "Do Not Disturb" feature on your phone or carving out time for personal worship can make a significant difference. Jen reminds us that rest is not just a recommendation from God; it is a command designed to keep us connected to Him and to remind us of our dependence on His strength.

Jen’s advice for leaders is both practical and profound. She encourages leaders to be intentional about rest, reminding them that it is a command from God, not just a suggestion. Simple changes, like setting boundaries with technology or carving out time for personal worship, can help create a more sustainable rhythm of life. Jen’s own journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of rest and reliance on God.

Final Thoughts: Walking in Trust and Faith

Jen's journey is an inspiring example of what it means to walk in trust and faith. She encourages leaders to have honest conversations with their pastors and with God, seeking guidance and clarity in times of transition and uncertainty. Ultimately, the goal is to prioritize a relationship with God above all else, trusting that He will guide and provide in every season.

Walking in trust and faith is not always easy, but Jen’s story shows us the rewards of surrendering to God’s plan. She encourages leaders to seek honest conversations with their pastors and with God, asking for guidance and clarity. By prioritizing a relationship with God above all else, we can navigate transitions and uncertainties with confidence, knowing that He is in control.

Connect with Jen Smale

Jen’s new album, "Castles and Kingdoms," is available on all major music platforms. To connect with Jen and learn more about her ministry, visit her website at  www.jensmale.com or follow her on Instagram @jensmale. You can find direct links to her music and social media in the show notes.

We hope Jen’s story and insights have inspired and encouraged you. Remember, building a kingdom requires prioritizing our relationship with God above the busyness of life and ministry. Until next time, keep seeking His presence and leading from the overflow.