Clergy Wellbeing Down Under

Dr. Victor Counted discusses the integration of positive psychology and Christian theology to understand and promote human flourishing from a faith-based perspective. Topics include Christian flourishing, spiritual maturity, attachment theory, and the importance of empirical research in faith 

Dr. Victor Counted is an Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at Regent University and the Lead for Abundant Life Flourishing Lab. Counted is a Faculty Affiliate of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program and a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion.  In this episode, Victor discusses the integration of positive psychology and Christian theology to understand and promote human flourishing from a faith-based perspective. Topics include Christian flourishing, spiritual maturity, attachment theory, and the importance of empirical research in faith communities.

 keywords

Christian flourishing, faith and psychology, spiritual maturity, attachment theory, research in faith communities, abundant life, psychological science, church growth, spiritual vitality


 key  topics

Christian flourishing framework
Relationship between faith and psychological well-being
Attachment theory and faith development


 guest  name

Dr. Victor Counted


Titles

The Science of Christian Flourishing: A New Framework
Bonding with God: Unlocking Spiritual Maturity


 sound bites

"Flourishing is a journey, not just outcomes."
"Love, passion, and commitment shape our faith."
"God is the ultimate attachment figure."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:23 The Abundant Life Flourishing Initiative
02:28 Studying Christian Flourishing Scientifically
04:55 Developing a Framework for Christian Flourishing
07:43 Christian Flourishing vs. Spiritual Maturity
10:55 Relationship with Christ as the Foundation of Flourishing
15:38 The Role of Behavior in Faith and Flourishing
20:55 Love, Commitment, and Passion in Faith
25:57 Attachment Theory and Relationship with God
33:54 Moving from Attachment to Flourishing
44:38 Empirical Research and the Public Good
52:41 Rootedness and Resilience in Flourishing Life
55:46 Final Reflections and Encouragements


Links:

Global Flourishing Study - https://globalflourishing.org/
Bonding with God (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Bonding-God-Dr-Victor-Counted
Abundant Life Flourishing Lab - https://regent.edu/research/abundant-life-flourishing
Harvard Human Flourishing Program - https://hfh.harvard.edu/


 guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/victorcounted
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/victorcounted
Website - https://victorcounted.com

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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 David Eagle is an Associate Research Professor of Global Health and Sociology. He leads the Religion and Social Change Lab (RaSCL) RaSCL. RaSCL is a team of researchers and practitioners who use the tools of social science to deepen understanding, spark conversations, and develop resources for the training and formation of faith leaders and their communities. They work collaboratively with the Duke Clergy Health Initiative (CHI) to promote clergy well-being across the lifecycle and shifting cultural landscapes.

He is an expert on the health of religious clergy, the changing role of churches in North American society and the implications of these trends for the professional training of ministers. He has done significant work on burnout, depression and social support. 

He is the Principal Investigator of The Seminary to Early Ministry Study, a multi-year, multi-cohort study seeking to understand how seminary impacts the health, occupational wellbeing, theology, and career trajectories of students.  In this episode, Dr. David Eagle discusses this particular research.

Season 3 of the Clergy Wellbeing Down Under Podcast brings you into the rich conversations shared at the Common Table Global Gathering in Houston earlier in 2026, a collaborative meeting of leading scholars and practitioners committed to clergy and congregational wellbeing. At this interdenominational table, leaders from many christian faith traditions chose to set aside what divides their beliefs and lean into what they hold in common, seeking the common good not only of the church, but of the world—and this season, we’re inviting our guests to continue that same hopeful, cross-tradition dialogue with you. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. David Eagle and His Work
03:09 The Clergy Health Initiative: Understanding Clergy Wellbeing
06:39 The Seminary to Early Ministry Study: Insights and Findings
10:31 Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impact on Seminarians
13:21 Navigating Vulnerabilities: The Role of Community in Seminary
16:49 Political Polarization and Its Effects on Ministry
20:12 The Importance of Identity and Belonging in Ministry
23:35 Protective Factors for Seminarians: Strengths and Support
26:31 The Role of Beliefs and Community in Seminary Experience
30:09 Building Human Capacity in Pastoral Leadership
33:34 Advice for Early Career Pastors and Ministry Workers
37:03 Recommendations for Seminaries and Churches Supporting New Leaders

 

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!

Colin Buchanan ministers directly to our ministry kids addressing 7 of the top themes that came up from our survey.  Honestly - this one is best seen on the video version because - well - Colin is in full view with all of the expressions, animations, and actions that is truly Colin.  The link for the video version can be found here.

It's a bit of a long episode - skip to the sections if that makes it easier:

4:06 Playing the Google AutoComplete Challenge with Colin

12:02 Playing Vague Seven Questions and a Tree!

13:37 My friends call me weird and think what my parents do is weird

19:14 Being busy as a ministry family there's a lot on

22:20 I feel like I have to behave better than other kids

26:46 I miss out on fun things and hanging out with friends becasue I have to go to church stuff

30:43 What can I do when I don't feel like I belong anywhere?

35:11 I get lonely sometimes - do you Colin?

39:09 What can I pray when things gets hard?

42:20 A question about ...a tree....

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!

Anna Cox who serves with Reach Australia and Michael Jensen (podcast co-host of With All Due Respect) are siblings who share their perspective growing up within the evangelical Christian Anglican community in Sydney.  While Anna and Michael shared the same upbringing, they reflect on how differing personalities can shape one’s response to the ministry family experience. They also share what it was like to grow up surrounded by theological students, their fondest memories of faith communities, and some of the formative experiences growing up in the "fishbowl".

Get the full report of our survey findings here

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!

Join me, Valerie Ling, for part 2, as I sit down with Barnabas Piper, author, pastor and son of theologian John Piper, for a candid and helpful conversation about being a pastor's kid. Barnabas shares his personal story of navigating life as a pastor's kid, where the blend of public scrutiny and private faith creates a unique tension of identity and independence.

Get the full report of our survey findings here

"Pastors' kids are often burdened by others' expectations, but there is a wonderful solution, both at home and in the church: grace. In this revised, refreshed version of Barnabas Piper's best-known book, the author candidly shares his own experiences as son of pastor and bestselling author John Piper, offering a challenge to our churches and to the families at their very heart: how to care for pastors' kids and allow them to find their own faith and identity. Foreword by John Piper."  Quoted from The Wandering Bookseller where you can get the copy of Barnabas Piper's book - The Pastor's Kid: What it's like and how to help.

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!

Join me, Valerie Ling, as I sit down with Barnabas Piper, author, pastor and son of theologian John Piper, for a candid and helpful conversation about being a pastor's kid. Barnabas shares his personal story of navigating life as a pastor's kid, where the blend of public scrutiny and private faith creates a unique tension of identity and independence. 

Get the full report of our survey findings here

"Pastors' kids are often burdened by others' expectations, but there is a wonderful solution, both at home and in the church: grace. In this revised, refreshed version of Barnabas Piper's best-known book, the author candidly shares his own experiences as son of pastor and bestselling author John Piper, offering a challenge to our churches and to the families at their very heart: how to care for pastors' kids and allow them to find their own faith and identity. Foreword by John Piper."  Quoted from The Wandering Bookseller where you can get the copy of Barnabas Piper's book - The Pastor's Kid: What it's like and how to help.

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!

In this conversation, Collett Smart discuss the challenges and nuances of parenting in ministry, particularly focusing on the unique struggles faced by ministry kids. We explore themes of faith, identity, the importance of open communication, and the need for space and privacy for children. The discussion looks at the significance of relationships, understanding, and grace in navigating the complexities of raising children in a ministry context.

Get the full report of our survey findings here

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!

In this conversation, I speak with Collett Smart - psychologist, author and speaker in child and adoelscent mental health. Collett hosts the Raising Teens Podcast and is the author of "They'll be okay. 15 Conversations To Help Your Child Through troubled Times "

We delve into the complexities of adolescent mental health, particularly within the context of ministry families. We discuss the importance of understanding the adolescent brain, the impact of technology on mental health, and how parents can connect with their children. The conversation looks at ways we can share empathy, effective communication, and parenting support for the challenges faced by ministry kids. Collett shares insights on how parents can support their children through their mental health struggles while navigating their faith journey. The discussion also touches on the importance of creating space for individual needs and the dynamics of family decisions in ministry.

To download our full results head here

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!

Growing up in the unique world of ministry life can shapes a child's perspective in unique ways. Marsden Sampson knows this journey intimately, being both a pastor's kid and a missionary kid. He recounts his story of traversing cultural landscapes from Australia to Kenya and back, and how these transitions shaped his understanding of belonging, loneliness, and identity. Marsden's candid reflections illuminate the less-discussed emotional landscape faced by children in ministry settings.

To download our full results head here

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!

How can you make church environments inclusive for neurodivergent children, especially those in ministry families serving abroad? Tanya Crossman brings part 2 to her interview with me and shares her lived, and expert insights on this critical topic.

Creating a welcoming space for all children in church is more than just a nicety—it's a necessity. Listen as we explore the importance of recognizing each child's individuality, from addressing them by name to understanding their unique interests. We also tackle the formidable challenges faced by ministry families in cross-cultural contexts, particularly in regions with limited support systems.

Finally, we delve into the complexities of seeking diagnosis and support for children in international settings. Tanya emphasizes the importance of advanced planning and consistent health assessments for families abroad. We discuss best practices for tracking child development, advocating for access to counselling and training, and the significance of supporting parents. With hope, direction, and gratitude, we aim to foster a supportive environment for families and the gospel. Listen in for a conversation that promises to equip you with the tools and insights needed to support neurodivergent children in ministry families.

Resources for ND kids/families:

Link to the upcoming workshop we talked about

Spark Life Psychology

Senia

For a copy of our survey results head here 

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!