The Hidden Life (Featuring Gemma Ryan)

The Hidden Life (Featuring Gemma Ryan)

From The Contemplative Pastor by Practicing the Way

May 28, 2026 · 37 min

About this episode

Gemma Ryan discusses the hidden life beneath ministry and leadership, exploring the gap between public and private personas.

Is there a gap between our public and private life? In this episode, Gemma Ryan invites us to consider the hidden life beneath our ministry and leadership. Through the practices of solitude, secrecy, and confession, she explores the narrowing gap between who we are in public and who we are when no one is watching. With honesty and tenderness, she shares deeper questions about our work and activities, calling us away from performance and towards a quieter, humbler life lived before God alone. This session was held at the Practicing the Way Pastor Conference in Los Angeles, California, in 2026. To find more resources and experiences tailored just for you—the pastor—visit practicingtheway.org/pastor. This podcast and its episodes are free, thanks to the generosity of The Circle and other givers. You can learn more about The Circle or contribute toward future resources like this podcast at practicingtheway.org/give.

People in this episode

Host: Practicing the Way

Guest: Gemma Ryan

Topics covered

  • hidden life
  • ministry
  • leadership
  • solitude
  • confession
  • public vs private life

Keywords

  • hidden life
  • ministry
  • leadership
  • solitude
  • confession
  • public life
  • private life

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Practicing the Way

Places: Los Angeles, California

More episodes of The Contemplative Pastor

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Contemplative Pastor podcast page.