Mental Health and Ministry

Austin and Tim are joined by Justin and J.L. Gerhardt, who share their journey in life and ministry as it has been shaped by profound loss. Find more from Justin and J.L.: 🎙️ Holy Ghost Stories Podcast 🎙️ The Happiest Saddest People Podcast — Apple Podcasts | Spotify Books by J.L.: 📖 Look to Love: A Better Way to Read the Bible 📖 A Grief Received: What to Do When Loss Leaves You Empty-Handed ©20...

In this episode, Austin and Tim talk with Dr. Jeff Forrey about how Church Initiative is equipping churches to respond to traumatic experiences with the hope of the gospel. Drawing on his personal experience and his background in helping others, Dr. Forrey offers insight into how the church can walk alongside people in seasons of pain and loss. Dr. Forrey serves as the Senior Writer and Content De...

In this episode, we sit down with Anne Rana, licensed professional counselor and co-director of The Joshua Center, a non-profit counseling organization with five locations across Arkansas. Together, we explore the topic of forgiveness—what it truly means, how we can extend it to others, offer it to ourselves, and walk alongside those navigating their own forgiveness journey.   ©2025 Identity and P...

*Please note: the trauma of childhood sexual abuse is discussed in this interview Transforming Pain: Facing Trauma on the Journey to Healing In this episode, we talk with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author and Professor of New Testament & Its Origins at Ozark Christian College. Shane shares his personal journey through trauma and the healing process—one that calls for moving toward the very pain it cre...

In this episode, we talk with Lindsey Mason—a counselor and former global worker—about the unique mental and emotional challenges faced by missionaries serving over seas. Drawing from her personal experience and current counseling work, Lindsey shares common struggles global workers often face unprepared, and offers insight into how the how churches can become safer, more supportive communities fo...

Austin and Tim welcome back Debbie Pridemore, a counselor and spiritual director, to talk about how we can often conflate our identity with our ministry role. They discuss the consequences of misplaced identity, how to recognize and respond to the warning signs. Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT  Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology, and is also a Certified Spiri...

In this episode, we sit down with Rodney Holmstrom for an honest conversation about how to address—and prevent—moral failure in ministry. Rodney brings a wealth of insight from his experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a campus recovery pastor with a local church, and Global Field Director for Celebrate Recovery.  You can hear more from Rodney on the Celebrate Recovery Official Podcast...

Season Premiere: Casualties of Ministry In this 2nd season kickoff episode, hosts Tim Stoner and Austin Brown introduce the new season and unpack what they mean by “Casualties of Ministry.” They share honest reflections and personal stories about stepping away from traditional vocational ministry—and the mental, emotional, and spiritual weight that came with it. https://www.identitypurpose.org/pod...

Austin and Tim answer a few listener questions about using the Enneagram, caring for EGRs ("extra-grace-required") in the church, and provide a few reading recommendations. In this episode: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile   Love Thy Neighborhood podcast (episode #74)   Tim's recommendations: The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James, Russell Friedman  The Anxious Gen...

Emotions 101 Interview with Dr. James Hawkins, LPC (aka Doc Hawk) https://www.dochawklpc.com/ https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Depression 101 Interview with Carol Dutton, LPC-S, LMFT-S https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Addiction 101 - Part 2 of 2 Interview with Dr. Chad and Angela Imhoff Dr. Chad Imhoff is an Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Angela Imhoff is a Certified Life Coach and Celebrate Recovery ministry leader. Connecting Couples Podcast: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/resources/ For info about Take My Hand premarital program: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/workshops/ C...

Addiction 101 - Part 1 of 2 Interview with Dr. Chad and Angela Imhoff Dr. Chad Imhoff is an Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Angela Imhoff is a Certified Life Coach and Celebrate Recovery ministry leader. Connecting Couples Podcast: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/resources/ For info about Take My Hand premarital program: https://www.therealimhoffs.com/workshops/ C...

An interview with Pastor Brian Bishop, who shares about his journey with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Grief101, Part 2 of 2  Interview with Ginny Herman, LPC, LMFT Ginny is the owner of Maple Hills Counseling and has advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).   https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Grief101, Part 1 of 2  Interview with Ginny Herman, LPC, LMFT Ginny is the owner of Maple Hills Counseling and has advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).   https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Anxiety 101, Part 2 of 2  Interview with Heidi Dennis, LPC  Heidi is a Mental Health counselor, author and speaker.  You can find her book on Amazon:  Hello, Anxiety: How to Find Peace by Changing Your Response to Anxiety   Learn more at: https://www.heididennislpc.com/   https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Anxiety 101, Part 1 of 2  Interview with Heidi Dennis, LPC  Heidi is a Mental Health counselor, author and speaker.  You can find her book on Amazon:  Hello, Anxiety: How to Find Peace by Changing Your Response to Anxiety   Learn more at: https://www.heididennislpc.com/   https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org © Identity and Purpose, PLLC

Trauma 101 Part 2 of 2 Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT  Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology. She is trained in EMDR for trauma and is a Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Debbie is also a Certified Spiritual Director and works with pastors and church staff teams. You can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debbiepridemorelmftlpc   https:/...

Trauma 101 Part 1 of 2 Interview with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT  Debbie is a Mental Health counselor with a Masters in Theology. She is trained in EMDR for trauma and is a Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Debbie is also a Certified Spiritual Director and works with pastors and church staff teams. You can find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/debbiepridemorelmftlpc   https:/...

Introducing The Mental Health and Ministry Podcast   Hosted by Austin Brown, LPC and Tim Stoner, LAC - mental health professionals with a background in ministry.   We'll explain what this podcast is and what to expect in future episodes.   TLDR: Start with this episode https://www.identitypurpose.org/podcast contact: podcast@identitypurpose.org