In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter shares a personal story about seeking guidance from God and finding clarity through community at church. Dr. Paynter explores the vital role church and fellowship play not only in spiritual health but also in our biological and neurological well-being. She combines insights from scripture, neurochemistry, and research to illustrate why isolation is detrimental and how gathering with others is essential to our overall healing. Listeners are encouraged to examine their relationship with church attendance, explore roadblocks, and take practical steps toward deeper engagement with both faith and community.

Today's Action Steps:

• Prioritize regular church attendance to nurture your faith and support your healing journey.
• Pursue hospitality by sharing meals or coffee with fellow believers to deepen relationships.
• Consider joining a small group or Bible study if traditional church feels overwhelming.
• Reflect on resistance you may have toward church, writing down your thoughts and praying for clarity.
• Pay attention to how God may answer prayers through community and interactions with others.

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Book: Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed. (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2022).
• Study: Julianne Holt‐Lunstad, “Social Connection as a Critical Factor for Mental and Physical Health: Evidence, Trends, Challenges, and Future Implications,” World Psychiatry 23, no. 3 (October 2024): 312–332, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11403199/.
• Early church writings: “Justin_martyr: First Apology - Christian Classics Ethereal Library,” accessed November 13, 2024, https://ccel.org/ccel/justin_martyr/first_apology/anf01.viii.ii.xiii.html.
• Bible verses: Ephesians 4:16, Romans 12:4-5, Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 27:17, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42-46, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, Titus 1:9, James 3:1, Hebrews 13:17, Genesis 2:18, Colossians 3:16

Timestamps:

00:00 – Dr. Paynter's car accident and seeking God's guidance

00:35 – Realizing answers often come through community

01:32 – How church attendance impacts both spiritual and physical health

03:03 – The importance of fellowship after personal experience

05:32 – Scriptural foundation for gathering as the body of Christ

09:00 – The neurological and developmental impact of isolation

12:29 – Depression, physical symptoms, and the chemistry of isolation

13:07 – Biblical calls for fellowship and the early church model

15:57 – The meaning of church (ecclesia) and practical application today

19:39 – The necessity of sound teaching in fellowship settings

20:54 – Spiritual gifts and the need to work together

22:00 – Neurochemistry of shared meals and social bonding

24:25 – Scientific research on social connection and health

25:12 – Reflecting on and overcoming barriers to church attendance

28:13 – Practical steps to increasing community and spotting God's answers

30:42 – The relational nature of God and spiritual growth in community

31:49 – Final encouragements and episode wrap-up

About the Host:

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a board-certified naturopathic physician and the host of The Christian Clinician. She is passionate about integrating faith with evidence-based medicine to help individuals revitalize their health and renew their faith. Through her podcast, she empowers listeners to discover the profound impact of spiritual community on well-being.

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