Clergy Wellbeing Down Under

The Common Table Colaborative Story

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey behind the Common Table, a groundbreaking ecumenical initiative fostering collaboration across Christian denominations. Our guests, Dr. Thad Austin and Kashmiri Schmookler, delve into how trust, shared practices, and diverse spiritual traditions are transforming leadership support and community health within the church.

Main Topics:

• Origins and evolution of the Common Table since 2013
• The role of relational and spiritual capital across faith traditions
• Insights from empirical research on clergy health and wellbeing
• Strategies for ecumenical collaboration and breaking theological barriers
• Future gatherings and envisioning a resilient, supportive church community

In this episode:

• Thad shares how initial concerns about pastors’ wellbeing led to the creation of a support network
• Kashmiri explains the significance of spiritual accompaniment across diverse faith backgrounds
• Insights into how trust acts as the currency for collaborative success in ministry
• Practical tips for fostering ecumenical dialogue and shared practices
• Announcements about the 2027 Common Table gathering in Boston focusing on resilience and suffering

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guests
 00:27 - Thad's background and work with the Common Table
 01:34 - Kashmiri’s journey from multi-faith upbringing to spiritual accompaniment
 02:59 - Defining spiritual accompaniment and its importance in transition and crisis
 04:14 - Heritage and faith background of Kashmiri
 06:11 - The roots of the Common Table and its foundational research efforts
 07:55 - Connecting support networks for pastors and church leaders
 09:33 - The systemic analysis of pastoral wellbeing challenges
 11:56 - The influence of empirical research and funding in clergy health initiatives
 13:39 - Personal stories of burnout and resilience within church leadership
 17:27 - The vision of unity and the Body of Christ working together
 18:24 - The role of relational and spiritual capital across traditions
 19:43 - Culture of ecumenical openness and shared prayer practices
 21:43 - The logo and name of the Common Table - symbolizing inclusion and open seats
 23:54 - The power of imagination in church innovation and collaboration
 24:53 - Kashmiri’s upcoming spiritual care initiatives
 27:58 - The role of pastors’ past experiences in shaping support services
 30:33 - Addressing brokenness and promoting healthy leadership
 32:16 - Challenges with funding and ecumenical barriers in collaborative efforts
 34:22 - Building bridges between different church traditions
 36:07 - The importance of trust and practical engagement strategies
 38:15 - Guidelines for respectful and effective group participation
 41:39 - Key outcomes from past gatherings and cross-sector collaboration
 44:28 - Christian practices and spiritual community development
 46:07 - Announcing the 2027 Boston gathering focused on resilience and crisis response

Resources & Links:

• Common Table Network

Upcoming:

2027 Common Table Gathering in Boston, focusing on resilience and suffering in the church, bringing together scholars and faith leaders from diverse traditions to foster healing and collaboration.

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Most pastors carry a heavier burden than many realize. After a near-breaking point during a Sunday service—overwhelmed by grief, exhaustion, and loneliness—Reverend Dr. Todd Adams openly shares how he hit rock bottom and found renewal. This episode reveals the often invisible emotional toll of ministry and the vital importance of self-care, community, and tailored support systems for faith leaders.Todd’s raw story uncovers the high-stakes silent struggles that pastors face—the grief of congregants, financial stress, burnout, and the deep desire to serve without losing themselves. In candid detail, he walks us through the pivotal moment that made him realize he couldn’t continue on the destructive pace he was set on. As the President and CEO of a major pension fund, Todd now champions programs addressing clergy wellness, including the innovative Cornerstones project.

You'll discover: how pastors’ emotional wounds go unnoticed and untreated, the critical role of peer support groups in overcoming isolation, and the groundbreaking strategies behind Cornerstones—a spiritual and practical wellness initiative. We break down the power of feeling safe and seen in groups that honor diversity, affinity, and vulnerability, emphasizing that authentic engagement leads to transformation.This episode emphasizes why neglecting pastors’ mental, emotional, and social health risks losing the very leaders who nurture communities of faith. Todd reveals how comprehensive support can restore resilience, elevate well-being, and ensure pastors not only survive but thrive—mentally, physically, and spiritually. For church leaders, ministry workers, or anyone committed to supporting faith communities, this is a blueprint for meaningful change.

Join us for insights rooted in firsthand experience, inspiring hope, and practical wisdom to combat the silent epidemic of ministry burnout. If you believe pastors deserve more support and genuine well-being, you’ll want to hear Todd’s powerful story and the impactful solutions reshaping ministry care.

Main Topics:

• The toll of pastoral ministry and recognizing burnout (00:02 - 07:25)

• Personal journey of breakdown and recovery (01:42 - 17:37)

• The role and mission of Pension Fund of the Christian Church (17:45 - 20:20)

• Financial struggles faced by ministers, including debt and retirement concerns (20:39 - 26:51)

• Introduction to the Cornerstones program: design and impact (27:04 - 31:47)

• The importance of cohort flexibility, peer support, and diversity (30:34 - 39:20)

• Measuring outcomes and future directions for pastor support (39:50 - 44:53)

• Personal reflections on leadership, honesty, and hope for the future (44:53 - 50:04)

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

In this episode, Kristen Hydinger, a researcher at Boston University's Danielson Institute, shares insights into the unique mental health challenges faced by clergy and chaplains, emphasizing trauma, moral injury, and resilience factors. She discusses innovative support programs and highlights the importance of systemic change and community in fostering spiritual caregivers' wellbeing.

Main Topics:

• Definitions and distinctions among trauma, moral injury, and burnout in religious leaders
• Unique risk factors and traumatic exposures faced by clergy and chaplains
• Differences in workplace environments between congregational clergy and chaplains
• The impact of organizational policies, expectations, and external stressors like COVID-19
• The Chrysalis program: a holistic, online support initiative for clergy wellbeing
• Preparing seminary students for the realities of ministry and crisis response
• The importance of community and systemic support structures for sustainable ministry

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Kristen Hydinger and her research background
 01:01 - Overview of the Danielson Institute and its interdisciplinary focus
 02:20 - Defining trauma in clergy and chaplains—clinical distinctions
 03:01 - The concept of vicarious trauma and moral injury in spiritual caregivers
 04:27 - Burnout: overlapping but distinct from trauma and moral injury
 05:33 - PTSD prevalence among clergy and how it relates to trauma levels
 07:14 - Exploring the roles of clergy vs. chaplains and their workplace differences
 08:12 - How COVID-19 intensified stressors for religious leaders and support responses
 09:30 - Empirical research on trauma exposure and wellbeing of clergy and chaplains
 11:03 - The unique spiritual and existential trauma experienced by clergy
 12:19 - Physical risks and safety concerns for clergy in pastoral work
 13:07 - Organizational, theological, and community pressures contributing to trauma
 15:14 - Specific scenarios leading to traumatic exposure in ministry
 16:25 - Organizational conflicts, community expectations, and decline pressures
 18:12 - The surge of conflict during crises like COVID-19 and their traumatic impacts
 19:31 - Case examples of acute traumatic exposures and moral dilemmas
 20:06 - Power dynamics, forced departures, and organizational stressors
 21:05 - The latent profile analysis: resilience, flourishing, and risk categories
 22:24 - Study demographics and percentages across resilience spectra
 23:44 - Implications of the high prevalence of burnout and trauma markers
 24:46 - Personal reflections as a researcher and clergy about sustainability in ministry
 25:10 - The role of systemic support—or lack thereof—in clergy wellbeing
 26:03 - Moral injury examples involving organizational mandates and ethical conflicts
 27:04 - Impact of organizational pressures on pastoral decision-making and relationships
 29:18 - The challenge of limited mental health care referral options in ministry
 30:35 - The ripple effects of ministry stress on family and personal life
 32:27 - Practical scenarios involving moral injury in community and rural settings
 34:03 - Gaps in seminary training regarding crisis response and trauma preparedness
 35:18 - The importance of equipping clergy with mental health first aid skills
 36:01 - The Chrysalis program: an innovative online resilience and self-care initiative
 37:27 - Program content: processing work-related residue and external resources
 38:36 - Holistic approaches to sustainment, including internal and external supports
 40:16 - Final thoughts: community, systemic change, and shared wellbeing in ministry

To enquire about the CH

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

 Scaling Mental Health Support through Faith Communities: Insights from Dr. John Naslund

Discover how faith-based initiatives and community-led programs are transforming mental health outreach across diverse cultural settings, from India to Texas. Dr. John Naslund shares innovative strategies for leveraging existing community structures, digital tools, and evidence-based therapies to expand access and reduce stigma.  Find a sense of purpose and meaning 

In this episode:

• The origins and evolution of the Empower program for global mental health

• How faith communities serve as vital partners in mental health intervention and support

• The role of culturally adapted behavioral activation in resource-limited settings

• The launch and growth of the Congregational Collective in Texas

• Practical steps for integrating mental health training in churches and other faith groups

• Differences in scaling approaches between India and the US under health policy and community needs

• The importance of ongoing support, supervision, and community ownership in mental health initiatives

• Opportunities for Australia to adopt and adapt similar community-based mental health strategies

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Dr. John Naslund and his work in global mental health
01:20 - How community and faith sectors can help address mental health gaps
03:00 - The background and motivation behind the Empower psychosocial intervention
05:18 - Evidence base for psychosocial treatments and strategies for low-resource settings
07:06 - Digital tools supporting scalable mental health training
09:21 - The emergence and role of the Congregational Collective in Texas
11:15 - How behavioral activation fits into faith communities
13:05 - Training and deploying local church community members as mental health navigators
16:59 - Delivering brief behavioral activation sessions within faith settings
18:26 - Screenings, referrals, and managing serious cases in faith community programs
22:56 - The evolving perception and engagement with mental health in faith communities
27:32 - Feedback and shifts in faith community responses to mental health needs
30:30 - Cross-cultural origins and adaptations of behavioral activation programs
34:17 - The success of scaling mental health in India and implications for other countries
38:26 - Community-driven demand for mental health support in the US and beyond
41:14 - Final insights on expanding access through non-traditional settings
43:58 - Closing remarks and invitations for collaborations in Australia

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Brian Foreman, with three decades of experience related to congregations as staff and support, he combines his theological, leadership and community engagement education with the practical experience of serving congregations, and he is most passionate about seeing individuals and congregations transform their communities through the invitation God has given them to join in God’s work. A key way Brian serves churches is through a ministry that builds a platform for congregations to equip one another for the unique challenges and opportunities of being church in their respective contexts.

Brian received his BA in Religion and Christian Ministries from Campbell University, a Master of Religious Education from Duke University Divinity School and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte.

Key topics

• The development and purpose of the Thriving Traits Assessment, including five key traits: compelling clarity, dynamic collaboration, rooted relationships, faithful agility, and holy tenacity.

• The importance of perception gaps between clergy and congregants, and how the assessment helps bridge those perceptions.

• How the assessment uses self-evaluation by both leaders and members, fostering honest dialogue.

• The role of stories and community narratives in strengthening congregational identity.

• Challenges pastors face with political and social issues, and how the assessment can unify diverse church personalities.

• The transformative potential of the assessment to shift organizational culture from program-driven to relationally connected.

• The analogy between church health metrics and personal accountability measures like Bible reading and prayer.

• The significant impact of understanding perception gaps, especially in areas like clarity and collaboration, leading to more aligned ministry efforts.

• The influence of societal changes and social media on youth ministry and congregational engagement strategies.

• The importance of curiosity, openness, and storytelling in church leadership and community development.

TIMESTAMPS

00:01 - Introduction to Brian Foreman and his work with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
 00:32 - Brian's recent holiday experience in Curacao and insights into social media influence
 01:22 - Observations on beach culture and social media influencers
 01:45 - Conversations about local coffee and its significance to travel experience
 02:24 - The challenge of finding coffee at events and its symbolism in community engagement
 02:52 - Overview of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship: mission and diversity
 04:02 - Explanation of church autonomy within Baptist tradition and ecumenical collaborations
 04:58 - The concept and evolution of the Fellowship over 35 years
 05:47 - Brian’s background in youth ministry and theological reflection with teens
 06:11 - Transition from youth minister to educator and organizational leadership lessons
 08:42 - Current challenges in youth ministry, social media impact, and adolescent development
 10:00 - Shifts in youth engagement, service motivations, and pandemic effects
 12:20 - Metrics in youth ministry: relational and storytelling approaches over attendance or activities
 14:41 - Introduction to the Thriving Traits project and its core traits
 16:25 - How the traits emerged from community listening sessions and focus groups
 17:25 - Description of the Thriving Traits Assessment and its design
 18:49 - The importance of self-assessment, perception gaps, and honest reflection in ch

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Dr. Allison Norton is Associate Professor of Migration Studies and Congregational Life at Hartford International University, where she directs the Pastoral Innovation Network of New England and co-directs the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. She teaches courses in sociology of religion, immigration, and multicultural and intergenerational ministry. Her research and publications explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. congregations, the rise of megachurches in West Africa, the transnational dimension of African Pentecostalism, the role of migration on the worldwide expansion of the Christian faith, and the religious identities of the “new” second generation.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating intersection of migration, religious identity, and the evolving landscape of church engagement with Dr. Alison Norton, an expert in migration studies and religious research. Discover insights on how digital spaces, demographic shifts, and multicultural dynamics are reshaping communities of faith in the post-pandemic world.

Key Topics:

• The religious identities of second-generation migrants, especially Ghanaian Americans
• How churches serve as homes and communities for diaspora populations
• Trends in religious participation among youth and the impact of globalization
• Virtual church: engagement, multitasking, and participation metrics
• The rise of "multiple belongings" and congregational shopping
• The impact of demographics on mega church growth in Africa
• Clergy mental health and wellness during and after COVID-19
• The significance of trauma, loneliness, and relational health in pastoral life
• Practical implications of online worship, accessibility, and hybrid models
• Trends in clergy part-time vs. full-time wellness and city-wide church collaborations

In this episode:

• Dr. Norton discusses her research on the religious motivations and identities of second-generation Ghanaians in the U.S.
• The role of church as a community hub for migrants displaced from ancestral contexts
• How digital worship participation is measured and understood, with surprising findings on multitasking
• The concept of "multiple belongings" and how church shopping can foster ecumenical relationships
• Demographic influences on the growth and decline of religious groups globally
• The evolving mental health landscape among clergy, including burnout and relational loneliness
• The enduring impact of virtual worship on church life and future considerations for ecclesiology
• Encouragement for communities to foster mutual care, connection, and flexible belonging

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dr. Allison Norton
 02:45 - Understanding the religious identities of second-generation migrants
 05:11 - How church serves as a place of belonging for diaspora communities
 08:20 - African megachurches: demographics and growth trends
 11:42 - Research insights on virtual worship participation and multitasking
 16:57 - Online engagement, distraction, and theological implications
 21:56 - Accessibility and convenience in digital church models
 26:31 - Multiple belongings and church shopping: ecumenical opportunities
 33:43 - The impact of trauma, mental health, and pastor wellness during COVID
 41:33 - Clergy loneliness, relational health, and support systems
 45:01 - The role of fear and trauma in post-pandemic church communities
 50:29 - Hope, resilience, and the future of community belonging

Resources & Links:

• COVID Religion & Society Research
• Hartford Institute for Religion Research

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Dr Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, PhD, is a Professor of Global Health at Duke University and Director of the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, for which she has been the lead researcher since its inception in 2007. She is an expert in conducting clinical trials of behavioral interventions that integrate physical and mental health. She has designed and rigorously tested two interventions for United Methodist clergy: Spirited Life, which promoted holistic health and reduced metabolic syndrome, and Selah, which tested stress management practices and reduced stress and anxiety symptoms while enhancing positive mental health. 

In this episode Rae Jean  shares insights from extensive research on mental health, stress management, and the importance of positive emotions within clergy and their families. Main topics:

• Impact of clergy well-being initiatives over 19 years
• Physical health disparities and cultural factors affecting clergy health
• The role of positive mental health: emotions, social, and psychological functioning
• Interventions like mindfulness, prayer practices, and structured programs
• Practical tools: daily wellbeing practices and the profiling of clergy health
• Family and community influence on clergy well-being and resilience

Resources & Links:

• Duke Clergy Health Initiative
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program - Duke
• Centre For Effective Serving Emotional Health Screen

Additional resources:

• Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness Meditation Resources
• https://www.drkatherine.com.au/christ-centred-mindfulness.html

Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Dr Matt Edwards has been a Doctor in the UK for over twenty years before transitioning to work with Thrive Worldwide with a vision to helping people and organisations to thrive. His role with Thrive has developed from Medical Director, Director of Individual Thriving and now Chief Clinical Officer. This role involves overseeing the multi-disciplinary clinical team of Medical, Psychosocial and Occupational Health clinicians. He is on the executive team helping the oversight of the organisation. He is passionate about promoting health and wellbeing in the whole-person context.

Dr. Matt Edwards discusses the physical and psychosocial health challenges faced by ministry workers, the importance of physical health, and strategies for thriving in ministry and retirement. 
 



"Chronic stress damages the body over time."
"Plan your transition to retirement carefully."
"Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thrive Worldwide and Dr. Matt Edwards
02:08 Understanding Thrive's Mission and Services
04:16 Psychosocial Support in Ministry
07:34 Resilience and Self-Awareness in Ministry Candidates
09:49 Medical Observations of Clergy Health
13:35 The Impact of Ministry on Physical Health
20:00 Chronic Stress and Its Effects on Clergy
22:25 Aging and Health in Ministry
23:23 The Unique Challenges of Pastoral Care
26:09 Understanding Loneliness in Ministry
31:11 Physical Health Concerns for Ministry Workers
34:53 Navigating Retirement in Ministry
39:05 Honoring Ministry Workers in Transition

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

The Flourishing in Ministry project began over ten years ago at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Matt Bloom, whose wife is a pastor, led a team of researchers (including Dr. Chris Adams, Executive Director) to develop insights about clergy well-being. 

Dr. Adams now leads the Flourishing in Ministry project at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, as part of the Mental Health and the Church Initiative. The research study currently includes over 20,000 clergy surveys and several hundred in-depth interviews with a diverse group of clergy. 

In this conversation we learn about the key practices and implementable strategies that this research has found to make the difference in a flourishing ministry.

In this episode:

• The complex, multi-faceted role of pastors and how it differs from other helping professions

• The mental health challenges clergy face, including burnout rates comparable to teachers and social workers

• The impact of leadership styles—healthy versus pathological—and their effects on congregations

• The Five Dimensions of Flourishing: daily well-being, resilience, authenticity, social ecosystem, and how these interrelate

• Practical strategies for pastors to sustain daily well-being, including spiritual practices, boundary-setting, and community support

• The importance of organizational and community-level support for long-term health

• Unique challenges faced by pastors' families and the concept of front stage/backstage in ministry

• The role of relational ecosystems—mentors, friends, church community—in fostering resilience and authenticity

Take the free Flourishing in Ministry Assessment and get access to resources and tips that will help you: https://www.flourishinginministry.org/

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Chris Adams and his work on clergy well-being
 02:13 - The influence of family history and pastoral lineage
 03:28 - Challenges of clergy killing congregations
 04:55 - How past experiences shape current research interests
 06:14 - Dual focus of the Mental Health and the Church Initiative
 07:44 - Differentiating ministry from other helping professions
 08:13 - Unique relational demands of pastors
 10:06 - The toll of role immersion and 24/7 responsibilities
 11:21 - The complexity of being a pastor: job analysis insights
 13:39 - Burnout rates among clergy in comparison to other helping professions
 15:05 - Addressing the myth that pastors should work as hard as their congregation members
 16:48 - How pastors can understand and manage their work hours
 18:58 - The flourishing model: origins, survey, and key constructs
 20:55 - The five dimensions of flourishing and the free assessment tool
 22:45 - Insights from the large clergy dataset and the importance of cultural adaptation
 24:28 - Longitudinal research findings: positive spirals and downward trends
 26:09 - Building daily well-being through spiritual practices and rhythms
 27:54 - Small, consistent practices that promote resilience and joy
 30:24 - The role of emotion regulation, assertiveness, and role crafting
 31:55 - The organizational and relational factors influencing long-term flourishing
 33:16 - Societal and occupational health parallels across professions
 34:54 - Organizational influences from denominational policies to community support
 37:41 - The impact of work-family interference on pastors’ well-being
 41:03 - Practical daily routines for managing unpredictability and maintaining joy
 44:04 - The importance of perspecti

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Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!

Looking for gumption to persevere in ministry? Looking for spectacular evidence for the case of religion? Interested in what makes death row inmates flourish more than the global population? Debunking the Gallup Happiness report with the #1 countries that flourish *hint* it speaks to suffering NOT GDP or education.  You will want to catch this one.

Dr Byron Johnson is Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University. He is the founding director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) as well as director of the Program on Prosocial Behavior. Johnson is a faculty affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, and is Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. He is a leading authority on the scientific study of religion, human flourishing, the efficacy of faith-based organizations, and criminal justice. He has been the principal investigator on grants from private foundations as well as the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of Defense,
National Institutes of Health, and the United States Institute for Peace. His newest books are The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Rethinking Evidence, Practice, and Policy (2026), and The Death of Religion: Nones, Others, and the Flourishing of Faith.

Key Topics:

• The groundbreaking scope and scope of the Global Flourishing Study, measuring over 200,000 participants across 20 countries

• How religious participation, particularly faith-based activities, correlates strongly with multiple domains of flourishing

• The surprising resilience and flourishing among prisoners, including those on death row

• The significance of community, relationships, and spiritual capital in societal well-being

• The role of suffering, trauma, and trauma recovery in fostering resilience and spiritual growth

• Findings indicating that GDP and material wealth are inversely related to flourishing, emphasizing mental and relational health

• Practical implications for churches, congregations, and faith communities in fostering holistic well-being

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introduction to Dr Byron Johnson and his credentials

• (01:02) - The cross-centered approach to research and its significance

• (02:30) - Landmark status of the Global Flourishing Study

• (03:30) - The biblical concept of abundant life and human flourishing

• (04:27) - Shift from predicting wrongdoing to understanding positive human behaviors

• (05:27) - The importance of recovery, rebuilding, and pro-social behaviors

• (06:55) - The study’s scope: over 20 countries, 200,000 participants, 100 researchers

• (08:19) - Origins of the study and the importance of spontaneous collaboration

• (10:09) - Challenges in translation and implementing the study internationally

• (12:24) - How the study showcases God's goodness through high-quality research

• (13:20) - The importance of causal inference and longitudinal studies

• (15:15) - Key findings on well-being across diverse cultures and nations

• (16:43) - The global challenge of youth struggles and disparities between developed and developing nations

• (17:42) - The pivotal role community plays in holistic flourishing

• (18:39) - The six domains of flourishing and the limitations of GDP as a sole indicator

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Send us Fan Mail

Podcast Disclaimer:

Please be aware that the opinions and viewpoints shared on this podcast are personal to me and my guests, and do not represent the stance of any institution.  This podcast aims to present findings for open discussion and dialogue, inviting listeners to engage critically and draw their own conclusions. While the content serves informational purposes, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and conversation!