# Walking the Camino and Finding Gratitude: Caring for the Soul in Ministry: Rachel Metheny on Spiritual Practices and Ministry

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/to-be-and-do-with-philip-amerson-7105720/walking-the-camino-and-finding-gratitude-caring-for-the-soul-in-ministry-rachel-metheny-on-spiritual-practices-and-ministry
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Podcast: ["To Be And Do" with Philip Amerson](https://stenobird.com/podcast/to-be-and-do-with-philip-amerson-7105720)
Published: 2026-03-27T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://belonging-exchange.captivate.fm/episode/hiking-joy-and-community-rachel-metheny-on-spiritual-practices-and-ministry
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/12cf8074-99eb-4565-999d-93bee95f3c6a.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1348

## Resource

In this insightful episode of "To Be and Do," host Phil Amerson welcomes Dr. Rachel Metheny, pastor at Meridian Street Church, for an honest and inspiring conversation about soul care, joy, and navigating the complexities of ministry in a modern world. The episode opens with Phil Amerson asking how Rachel Metheny maintains her own spiritual energy amidst the demands of leading a wealthy, vibrant congregation. What follows is a lively exploration of hiking, gratitude, family, and the wider implications of community and belonging. Key Takeaways: Soul Care through Walking and Pilgrimage: Rachel Metheny shares how walking and hiking have become vital practices for her sanity and spiritual renewal. She recounts preparing for a group pilgrimage on the El Camino in Spain, reflecting on previous hiking adventures—from Machu Picchu to a 9-day trek in the Dolomites—emphasizing the restorative power of physical challenge and nature. These activities help her get out of her head, push boundaries, and reflect on life’s beauty. Sports and Joy as Spiritual Practice: Rooted in Indiana culture, sports like IU football and basketball provide Rachel Metheny with a joyful respite from the negativity saturating news cycles. She describes intentionally fostering an environment of joy and gratitude within her church, recognizing the therapeutic impact of focusing on what brings happiness and what can be celebrated, especially in worship. Family and Community as Anchors: When asked about meaningful objects, Rachel Metheny points to her family as her true “totem.” She speaks lovingly of their unwavering support—her parents have attended every church she’s served—and how their lessons in joy and community shaped her spirit. This emphasis on connection highlights the podcast’s central theme of i…

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