Clergy Wellbeing Down Under

Discover the hidden challenges and strengths of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), who grow up outside of their passport country, and how their unique experiences shapes their lives in unexpected ways. In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Tanya Crossman, a leading expert on third culture kids (TCKs), who shares her own transformative experiences and groundbreaking research. From her insightful books "Thongs or Flip-Flops" and "Misunderstood" to her pivotal role at TCK Training, Tanya brings a wealth of knowledge and personal stories that will resonate deeply with anyone interested in the complexities of growing up across cultures.

Our conversation uncovers the long-term psychological impacts of being a TCK, spotlighting how parental mental health and resource limitations can strain the parent-child bond. We delve into the prolonged identity issues many TCKs face, often recognizing emotional gaps only in their 30s and 40s.

Amidst these challenges, there is hope and resilience. Explore the intricate dynamics of TCKs' emotional worlds, from early feelings of uncertainty to the unique ways they navigate friendships in constantly changing environments. We emphasize the critical importance of positive childhood experiences and community support, drawing from our own parenting insights to offer practical tools for fostering emotional and physical safety. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable advice for TCK families, underscoring the importance of resilience and integration to help children thrive despite the obstacles they face.

For more on Tanya's work and the wealth of research, resources and upcoming training head over here.

For resources and training options in parenting TCKs head over here

To download our full survey report head over here

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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, we sit down with the psychologists who designed and analyzed the Ministry Kids Wellbeing Survey to uncover the key insights and findings that stood out to them. From surprising trends to eye-opening revelations, they share what the kids themselves told us, and what we discovered about the unique challenges and experiences faced by ministry kids. Whether you're a parent, part of a faith community who wants to support ministry kids, or simply curious about the well-being of children growing up in ministry families, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the data, along with practical takeaways to support these kids in thriving under the public gaze.

To download the full survey report head over 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 kick-off episode, we dive into the heart of the Ministry Kids Wellbeing Survey to explore the main findings and what they reveal about the lives of children in ministry families. We unpack key themes that emerged from the survey, shedding light on the unique experiences and challenges ministry children face. 

To get a copy of the full report 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!

What a joy and privilege to finish our very first season of the podcast with  Christopher Ash -  author of Zeal Without Burnout and The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read But Is Too Embarrassed To Ask. Christopher shares his own journey through burnout and what led to his publications in this area.

Christopher shares his personal pearls of wisdom for pastors: the importance of grounding motivation in the promises of the Lord rather than worldly metrics of success, combatting loneliness with long-term friendships, and cultivating a nourishing relationship with God. So join us, and gain a deeper understanding of the highs and lows of pastoral life and the resilience, faith, and grace required to navigate them.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz 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!

As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work.

Jay Matenga, is Director of the Global Witness Dept. and the Mission Commission for the World Evangelical Alliance and Executive Officer for Missions Interlink NZ.

Jay Matenga, was raised with indigenous values in a predominantly Eurocentric society. Our conversation will explore Jay’s leadership  journey in the missions space, particularly Jay's approach as a narrative leader who underscores the importance of storytelling in spiritual connection and guidance. We look at the aspects of collective leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the adaptability ingrained in indigenous leadership styles.

Leaders today grapple with managing expectations and avoiding burnout, a challenge amplified in Christian leadership where echo chambers can be pervasive. We underscore the necessity of resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to identify when to step back. Jay offers insights into leadership accountability and the shift from performance metrics to a focus on values and overall well-being.

Join us to gain a deeper understanding of leadership, the role of missions, and the journey of self-authenticity amid diverse cultural landscapes.


Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz 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!

As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work.

Marion Knell is a seasoned cross-cultural consultant and trainer with an extensive history spanning nearly three decades. Her expertise stretches across a multitude of sectors, but at its core, Marion's passion lies in fostering resilience and longevity in the lives of cross-cultural workers and their families.

Having worked extensively with families overseas,  Marion has garnered a wealth of experience and understanding in preparing adults and children for international assignments. This preparation is not just about the outward journey but also assisting them in their return, ensuring a smooth transition and debriefing experience.

Currently, Marion's work involves delivering  training to refugee workers in areas of trauma response, the cultural nuances of dislocation, and overall staff care.

Marion is also the author of Burn Up Splash Down and Families On The Move.  She has also been instrumental in establishing the MA in Member Care with Redcliffe College.

In this episode, Marion discusses the complex role of church leadership, burnout and the impact on pastors' children.

If you are a pastor and want to reach our for professional supervision, or counselling for yourself and/or your family, send me an email: [email protected]

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz 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!

As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. 

Dive into the complexities of cross-cultural ministry with our guest, Harry Hoffman, a prominent figure in the Missions Member Care Network. With over two decades of experience in cross-cultural ministry and navigating the profound emotional impact of arrests, interrogation, and personal loss, Harry provides a unique insight into stress management, vulnerability, and resilience in ministry and mission.

Harry elucidates these nuances and underscores the pivotal role of self-awareness, introspection, and the place of scripture and personal beliefs on individual growth. We delve deep into the intricate relationship between emotions and decision-making, addressing the multifaceted leadership approaches essential for guiding cross-cultural teams and understanding diverse spiritual perspectives.

Our exploration further encompasses effective strategies to avert burnout in cross-cultural settings, touching on the significance of peer responsibility. The dialogue transitions to understanding the various dimensions of conflict and the therapeutic value of sharing one's struggles. Join us for a comprehensive episode that seeks to inform, inspire, and navigate the intricate facets of clergy well-being, cross-cultural ministry, international gospel work leadership dynamics, and more.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz 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!

As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work.

Our guest, Timothy Captain from Flourish San Diego, brings his unique insight derived from his PhD thesis, the Holistic Pastoral Well-being Assessment. Timothy provides a comprehensive understanding of pastoral well-being, examining it from spiritual, psychological, physical, social, and economic perspectives.

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!

As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work.

In this episode we are joined by A.J. Mathieu president of The Malphurs Group.
A.J. Mathieu has over 25 years of experience as a business owner, 5 years as an elected official serving local and regional constituencies in north Texas,  and joined The Malphurs Group in 2014.  He co-hosts the Church Revitalization Podcast with Vice-President Scott Ball.   A.J. leads the Strategic Envisioning process in the United States with a limited number of churches each year but spends most of his time on TMG’s international efforts to strengthen churches and build leaders worldwide. He is an international conference speaker and has worked with church leaders in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia.

In this episode, A.J. reflects on my findings, and what he sees in the international church leadership scene.

Download my research report and reflections

Watch the video version of this podcast

Complete a Clergy Wellbeing Quiz 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!

Heads up! We are almost at the end of our season! Having dived in with guests from Australia, I started to think about what the missions and international scene would be able to say to us.  So you will find the next episodes, until we finish, pushes out the perspective and conversation to an international space.

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!