The Care Ministry Podcast

Data can feel overwhelming and cumbersome in a church context…until you realize: “Every number has a name. Every name has a story. And every story is for God’s glory.” Today we hear from Ronee De Leon, Director of Innovative Ministries at Grace Fellowship in Ohio and President of Path, a program that transforms your church data into discipleship.   This conversation will help you discover the...

If you were to list the ways your care ministry might benefit from improvements, it could get overwhelming quickly. There is always room to get better! Today, we’re encouraging you to focus on one of three main care ministry protocols. Laura sets up a systematic approach to improving how you receive, respond, or record. Learn how to minimize feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and stress as yo...

“ God made us in community for community.” As a society, we don’t always experience the kind of community God intended. This is why we need to be aware of the ways in which we can cultivate a safe and deep community with others! Today, David Kim, discipleship and formation pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley, California, and author of Made To Belong gives us five practices to build this ki...

Today, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Jackie Perry to the podcast! Dr. Perry is a seasoned Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, a Counseling Professor, and the Founder and President of The SoulWell Center, a non-profit organization in Western North Carolina. She shares valuable insights into honing the essential skill of listening. Discover how lay leaders can provide supportive and eve...

The show today is a flashback to one of the amazing sessions at our 2023 Church Mental Health Summit with Kristen Humiston. Kristen and her family know what it’s like to be blindsided by an elder board and congregation’s decision to end their ministry as pastor. She knows firsthand the feeling of pouring your heart and soul into a community only to be met with abuse and malice. Church hurt isn’t o...

In one of our most-viewed sessions from the 2023 Church Mental Health Summit, Debra Fileta, a Licensed Professional Counselor, relationship expert, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselor’s Network, talks about the progression from thoughts to feelings to behaviors. As we take inventory of our thoughts, understand our emotions, and then trust what is true about God, we can expe...

Today, you’re getting access to one of our most-viewed sessions from the 2023 Church Mental Health Summit. Dr. David Anderson is the Founder and President of Gracism Global, host of "Real Talk with Dr. David Anderson," and Founder/Lead Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Maryland. He is also an author and speaker. His session, called “I Will Heal With You,” gives us helpful ways to practice em...

As we do our best to navigate the ups and downs of those dealing with mental health struggles, it’s always good to be reminded that your church is already the best place to offer three core needs: belonging, purpose, and hope. Today, we’re specifically hearing how the local church can offer hope in three ways. We’re discovering why the ministry of your church cannot be replaced by any other organi...

Belonging, purpose, and hope. These are the three core needs every person brings with them when they enter the doors of your church. Are we meeting these needs? Today, Laura encourages us to ask the question, How does my church help people feel valuable? Listen in for three ways your church can practically support people and intentionally help them feel purpose.   Quotes We are hardwired to h...

Your church is equipped to be a place of belonging for those in your community. Before people believe in Jesus, they often experience belonging within a church family. And like the innkeeper in the story of the Good Samaritan, we have the opportunity in our churches to create a space where people can heal, regardless of their status. Today, we’re talking about three ways to create a culture of bel...

“I can’t change what has happened to me…but I can use it to help somebody else.” Today’s guest, Ike Miller, is an author and pastor who shares his experience of the impacts of growing up with a parent with an addiction to alcohol. As he unpacks his story, we discover the beauty of God’s redemption, using our hurts and struggles for His glory. Now, Ike encourages others through his book, Good Bagga...

The church has a choice to make on how to support those struggling with mental health, depression, suicidal thoughts, and more. Today’s interview with Fred Eaton is incredibly helpful to gain perspective on how to do this well. Listen in for insights on Fred’s dynamic story and how the church can get better at caring for those struggling. There is freedom and hope on the other side of caring well....

“My power is made perfect in weakness…” This reminder in 2 Corinthians 12:9 of God’s ability to use us in our weakness is on full display in today’s episode. We get to hear from Tony Roberts who shares his powerful story of a flourishing ministry life while struggling with a diagnosis of Bipolar 1 with psychotic features. Listen in for debunking a few myths about these diagnoses. And be encouraged...

“If I had to guess…I’m not alone here in my struggle.” One of the ways our guest on today’s episode, Boston Bachert, connects with his audience is through his juggling, circus, illusion, and comedy performances. But another way is through sharing his story of being diagnosed with Tourettes at the age of seven. People who walk away from Boston’s performances feel seen, heard, and not alone. Listen...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Tiffany Burns, a Certified Financial Coach dedicated to reshaping your financial narrative! With an impressive track record of paying off $91,000 in debt within three years, elevating her credit score from poor to excellent, and diligently saving and investing for her children's futures while still savoring life's pleasures, Tiffany unveils stra...

Robert Crosby, PhD and Rev. Kayla Smith join us on today’s episode. As Executive Director and Associate Director, respectively, for Reach Hurting Kids Institute, Dr. Crosby and Pastor Kayla give insight into the power of trauma-informed care for children in churches.    With a blend of three lenses–pastoral, research, and therapy–Reach Hurting Kids Institute provides helpful resources fo...

There’s a recipe for burnout: It includes hopelessness, helplessness, and stress. Today, we’re digging into the nuances of each of these burnout signs, but we’re also discussing the keys to help along with resources to point you back in the right direction. Learn about the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout plus steps to take when you’re experiencing mild, moderate, or severe stages...

Jamie Aten, Ph. D. and Kent Annan, M.Div. join us on today’s episode to share about the ways Spiritual First Aid is making an impact around the world. The combined research and real-world experience from these two have allowed for a course that is both rich in content and accessible to those who wouldn’t consider themselves professionals in mental health. With a curriculum that is biblically infor...

With a wide range of mental health issues affecting our communities, it can be challenging to know what your role is as a peer. If you don’t have a clinical degree, should you be a part of the equation of care? YES! Peer support amplifies the effect of healing, and today, we are helping you understand the distinctions of professional roles so you can best offer care with the tools you do have.&nbs...

Today, we welcome Dr. Jackie Perry to the podcast! Dr. Perry is a seasoned Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Supervisor, a Counseling Professor, and the Founder/President of The SoulWell Center, a non-profit organization based in Western North Carolina. She brings helpful insight into developing the skill of listening. Learn how lay leaders can offer helpful and even preventative care through l...

“Peer support feels like a hidden superpower of the church.” Today, we are exploring three roles of support you can offer your congregation. The best part is, those with lived experiences who attend and make up a large portion of your church are often your best resource for creating a culture of care. Find out why in today’s episode!     Quotes The character of religious leaders [in...

“God has a good comeback story for everyone.” Dr. Karl Benzio joins us on the podcast today with amazing insight into the “essence space” in the decision-making process. His unique integration of faith and science helps unpack behavioral issues that can be difficult to navigate, bringing the wisdom of God’s meticulous design to help inform us of our complex neurological systems.    ...

With 9 follow-up options that you can offer after Hosting a Mental Health Sunday, today we’re equipping churches for more than a Mental Health Sunday. Because care shouldn’t just happen in one message or one morning. It should be woven into the culture of your church. Today, we’re sharing ways to do that well!    Quotes Your church is a safe place for people to work through life’s challe...

“ The ultimate fulfillment, or the ultimate flourishing, happens only as we are really connecting with God.” Today, we welcome Michael Bräutigam, author and Director of the Melbourne Center for Theology and Psychology. While it’s common to find professionals within the realm of psychology or theology, Michael Bräutigam’s expertise spans both fields. Our conversation today gives helpful insight int...

“We all have mental health.” With the unique vantage point of the church, what if we set up a space where mental health was talked about? What if we made space to bring the realities of our struggles to a loving God and a grace-filled community? What better place than church to be a safe place for this conversation? Today’s episode highlights the best tips for you to do this with excellence at you...