Created for Connection

There are two parts to this episode. Part 1 is a discussion between Kevin and Paul about the common sensation of feeling disconnected from God. They discuss how shame is a major factor in this feeling. They also talk about how a sacramental view of the world can help us be more attuned to God's presence. If you're interested in delving further into this topic, please contact Kevin and Paul at the email address below.

In Part 2, Kevin and Paul interview Cheyenne Medders, who creates the music for this podcast. Cheyenne talks about the process of making music, and ways in which music has connected him with God and other people.

Check out Cheyenne's music here: Cheyenne Medders Outlet

Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

Resources

- Hunting Magic Eels by Richard Beck: Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age: Beck, Richard: 9781506464657: Amazon.com: Books

This is a helpful book in exploring how our attention and our theology effect the way we connect with and see God in the world. It's also a great book if you've found yourself deconstructing the faith of your youth.

- The Bible Project: What the Bible’s Authors Took for Granted – Paradigm E10 Podcast | BibleProject™

Not only is this podcast incredibly helpful in general, but this particular episode helps us understand how the Biblical authors had a sacramental view of reality.

- Shine by Daniel Lanois: Daniel Lanois - Shine - YouTube

Check it out!

For Counseling Needs & Training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

The road to connection involves finding the truth about who each of us are. There are all sorts of tools out there that help identify our personalities, but how can these be useful in the sanctifying work of God in our lives? In this episode, Kevin and Paul continue their interview with Dr. Shannon Raikes and Enneagram Coach, Stacie Joiner, to learn from their experience working with the Enneagram and inner healing prayer. We hope you feel invited into greater self-exploration, which we believe will give you more grace with yourself and others. Ultimately, as we listen to the Lord about who we are, we move from isolation to greater connection. 

To connect with Stacie Joiner on the Enneagram: find her on Instagram:

- https://www.instagram.com/enneahealing/

To connect with Dr. Shannon Raikes, email her at: [email protected]

Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

Resources

- Your Enneagram Coach | Free Enneagram Test, Courses, & Coaching - For a gospel centered presentation of the types. 

- The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery: Cron, Ian Morgan, Stabile, Suzanne: 9780830846191: Amazon.com: Books - An introduction to the Enneagram.

- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World: Comer, John Mark, Ortberg, John: 9780525653097: Amazon.com: Books - Pursuing emotional & spiritual health in a world that doesn't want you to practice being present.

- I Will Give You Rest, by Edward Kurath - A guide to inner healing.

I Will Give You Rest Devotional Version - Kindle edition by Kurath, Edward, Carter, Jamie. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

- The BēMA podcast season 1 with Marty Solomon (he teaches why Shabbat is so important to God and for our sanctification). 

- For enneagram typing: https://integrative9.com/Enneagram/ (goes deeper into subtypes) & https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ (a detailed description of each type)

For Counseling Needs & Training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

The road to connection involves finding the truth about who each of us are. There are all sorts of tools out there that help identify our personalities, but how can these be useful in the sanctifying work of God in our lives? In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview Dr. Shannon Raikes and Enneagram Coach, Stacie Joiner, to learn from their experience working with the Enneagram and inner healing prayer. We hope you feel invited into greater self-exploration, which we believe will give you more grace with yourself and others. Ultimately, as we listen to the Lord about who we are, we move from isolation to greater connection. 

Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

Resources

- Your Enneagram Coach | Free Enneagram Test, Courses, & Coaching - For a gospel centered presentation of the types. 

- The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery: Cron, Ian Morgan, Stabile, Suzanne: 9780830846191: Amazon.com: Books - An introduction to the Enneagram.

- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World: Comer, John Mark, Ortberg, John: 9780525653097: Amazon.com: Books - Pursuing emotional & spiritual health in a world that doesn't want you to practice being present.

- I Will Give You Rest, by Edward Kurath - A guide to inner healing.

I Will Give You Rest Devotional Version - Kindle edition by Kurath, Edward, Carter, Jamie. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

- The BēMA podcast season 1 with Marty Solomon (he teaches why Shabbat is so important to God and for our sanctification). 

- For enneagram typing: https://integrative9.com/Enneagram/ (goes deeper into subtypes) & https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ (a detailed description of each type)

For Counseling Needs & Training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

One of the more difficult aspects of moving from isolation to connection can be the necessity of having some hard conversations. In this episode, we hear Hannah McMullen's story of growing up black in a predominantly white setting. She explains how it became difficult for her to have conversations about race, and how this kept her separated from others knowing her more fully. She shares stories of hurt and healing, and how a difficult conversation led to breakthrough.

Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

Resources

~John Townsend: How to Have that Difficult Conversation

For Counseling Needs & Training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

In this episode, we interview Randa Lamb and hear her story of experiencing trauma at the hands of a church's leadership. We discuss the damage that can happen when trust is broken in a spiritual community. Randa describes what healing & connection have looked like for her since this happened, including her struggle to trust church & the question of where God is in it all. Our hope is that Randa's story helps those who've experienced church-related trauma. (See below for several resources that may help in processing trauma.)

Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

Resources

On Trauma & Church Trauma (note: we have not read all of these resources):

My Grandmother's Hands: a book about recovering from racial trauma.

Sacred Wounds: A Path to Healing from Spiritual Trauma: includes healing exercises.

Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church

The Body Keeps the Score: how trauma impacts the mind and body.

Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures: for Christian leaders to consider.

- If you've experienced church trauma, consider seeking out a trauma-informed counselor or spiritual director. 

RIP Professor Quirrell:

Yoga:

- Trauma-sensitive Yoga?

- The benefits of Hot Yoga

- Frozen Yoga or Snowga

For Counseling Needs & Training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

In this episode, Kevin challenges us to go deeper in our desire to connect with others. We're only able to be truly known when we let others into the depths of what we feel and believe about our identity. Kevin describes how it takes hard work & God's grace to uncover the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. In sharing these deep places with trusted others, we are not only known but also refined by the truth they give us. 

If you need help taking the steps Kevin is suggesting, please contact us using the email below. Also contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

For counseling needs & training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

In this first episode of Season 2, Kevin and Paul introduce the expanded focus of the podcast. They then interview Josh Ross, minister at Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis, TN. Josh shares his story of grieving his sister's death, and what he's learned about living with grief over the past decade. We discuss the importance of letting ourselves grieve, as well as how to walk with others in their grief. To delve further into this topic, see Josh's book list below.

This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

WellSpring Interest Form

WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

Contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources

- Josh Ross has several books associated with grief available at Amazon.com

Amazon.com: Josh Ross: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

- Josh's book co-written with his mom: Scarred Hope: A Mother and Son Learn to Carry Grief and Live with Joy - Kindle edition by Ross, Beverly, Ross, Josh. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

- Ear Crystals that cause Vertigo: Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dizziness Caused by Inner Ear Crystals – Mayo Clinic News Network

- Cat Milk: Amazon.com : Whiskas Catmilk for Cats and Kittens - 6.75 fl oz. - 3ct : Pet Supplies

- Keeping a Squirrel as a Pet: Can You Keep A Squirrel As A Pet What You Need to Consider (squirrelenthusiast.com)

For counseling needs & training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

In this episode we interview Kevin Vance, a church planter in Regina, SK, Canada. During a tumultuous time in a former job as college president, Kevin fell into a season of depression. Kevin shares here about the internal struggles he wrestled with and the relationships that put him on the road to healing. We also discuss the conflict that sometimes occurs in the church around seeking help for mental health issues. 

If you're struggling with depression, know that you are not alone. See the suggested reading below. We encourage you to reach out to trusted friends and family, to seek counseling, and other forms of connection.

Contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

To find out more about Kevin Vance's church in Regina: Gentle Road Church of Christ | Facebook

Mentions & Resources:

Book Recommendation for depression:

- Unmasking Male Depression by Archibald Hart

- Adrenaline and Stress by Archibald Hart

- Lost Connections by Johann Hari 

- The Mindful Way Through Depression by Williams, Teasdale, Segal, and Kabat-Zinn

If you need a safe place for healing and connection, check out:

- WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

For counseling needs & training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

In this episode we get a different perspective on the church planting story from episode 2. Jessica Thompson, now a ministry leader at Duncan Pentecostal Church, shares her story of connecting with this unique form of Christian community at an important point in her life. She shares about her struggle to find church, and how God birthed in her a passion to find and build meaningful community. 

For anyone who's felt disconnected from church, particularly during Covid, this one is for you!

Contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources:

If you need a safe place for healing and connection, check out:

- WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

For counseling needs & training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course

In this episode we get a different perspective on the church planting story from episode 2. Jessica Thompson, now a ministry leader at Duncan Pentecostal Church, shares her story of connecting with this unique form of Christian community at an important point in her life. She shares about her struggle to find church, and how God birthed in her a passion to find and build meaningful community. 

For anyone who's felt disconnected from church, particularly during Covid, this one is for you!

Contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: [email protected]. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

Mentions & Resources:

If you need a safe place for healing and connection, check out:

- WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

For counseling needs & training:

- Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

- Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

- Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

- Alpha Course