Created for Connection

Created for Connection

By Dr. Kevin Shelby and Paul McMullenReligion & SpiritualitySpirituality
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Created for Connection episodes

  • What if You Knew the Real Me?
    "If people knew the real me, would they still accept me?" In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview writerJill Dasher and get the inside scoop on her new book Shallow. For anyone who's ever struggled with keeping up images, pleasing people, or perfectionism - Jill's story is one you'll relate to. We delve into why this tends to happen if you grew up in church, and the challenges with breaking through the walls we build up to being truly known. We think you'll be encouraged and inspired by Jill's story!
     
    Jill's book is available at her website: Jill-Dasher (jilldasher.com)
    as well as at https://www.amazon.com/Shallow/dp/1737421909/
     
    Also find her at www.instagram.com/jilldasher, and Facebook: Jill Dasher | Facebook
     
    Contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or requests for the podcast: [email protected].
     

     

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups that help participants process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

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

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

    1 hr 19 min
  • The Imperfections of Perfectionism
    "If people knew the real me, would they still accept me?" In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview writer Jill Dasher and get the inside scoop on her new book Shallow. For anyone who's ever struggled with keeping up images, pleasing people, or perfectionism- Jill's story is one you'll relate to. We delve into why this tends to happen if you grew up in church, and the challenges with breaking through the walls we build up to being truly known. We think you'll be encouraged and inspired by Jill's story!
     
    Jill's book is available at her website: Jill-Dasher (jilldasher.com)
    as well as at https://www.amazon.com/Shallow/dp/1737421909/
     
    Also find her at www.instagram.com/jilldasher, and Facebook: Jill Dasher | Facebook

     

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups that help participants process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

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

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

    1 hr 19 min
  • Out of the Shadows
    Sexual addiction is an uncomfortable topic for most people. But in the church it is especially tempting to hide sexual struggles - particularly for those in leadership. There's been plenty in the news of the failings of Christian leaders around sex. Why is this such a problem and what can we do to become healthier people and leaders?
     
    In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview Scott Spicer, a leader who's been on a long journey from hiding to connection & redemptive work around sexual addiction. Scott's story can inspire hope for those who feel trapped in the shadows of whatever they are struggling with. 
     
    *For those struggling with sexual addiction, or if you're looking for help for someone who is, we recommend contacting Pure Desire Ministries (www.puredesire.org). Pure Desire is an organization with resources for individuals and families impacted by sexual addiction, including professional counseling, groups, books, and a podcast. If you're looking for a group experience to begin the recovery journey, see: Groups – Pure Desire Ministries. 
     

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups that help participants process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

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

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

    1 hr 10 min
  • The Burden of Doubt

    In the context of faith and church, especially for those who teach and preach about faith, it can be isolating when we doubt. In this episode, Paul shares his story of doubt, both in coming to faith and then as a leader in the church. In the times of change we're living in, many of us are experiencing varying degrees of doubt. Kevin and Paul offer encouragement that there can be hope and peace in the midst of doubt - through connection.

    *In our suggested resources at the end of the podcast we failed to discuss how various forms of prayer can be helpful ways to process doubt. Kevin and Paul have both found that approaching the Lord and asking for help has actually led to breakthrough in their areas of struggle, including doubt.  We encourage those who doubt to seek out experiential forms of prayer. Spiritual directors can be helpful guides, particularly for contemplative prayer. 

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - Jill Dasher's website & book Shallow: Jill-Dasher (jilldasher.com)

    - John Mark Comer's website & book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: John Mark Comer

    - Spiritual direction: www.roadsteadproject.com, eleven:28 Ministries | Restoring Church Leaders (eleven28.org)

    (Eleven28 is particularly geared toward Christian leaders).

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups that help participants process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

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

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

    1 hr 30 min
  • Lost in Distraction

    In this episode Kevin and Paul discuss the importance of remaining present in relationships, the role distractions play in replacing connection with disconnection, and why we are so susceptible to living distracted lives. 

     

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - Ephesians 4 Study Guide

    1. First read Ephesians 3:16-21 - note that the basis for chapter 4 is a deep knowledge of the love of Christ.
  • As you read through Ephesians 4:1-24, consider this: We are hurt because of people, but God uses people to heal us. How have you found this to be true?
  • Notice in 4:7, 4:11-12, and 4:16, how the unity of the Body is found in a diversity of gifts. Consider how each person has need of other people who use their gifts to build up the Body. Ask yourself, "how has God limited me so that I have need of Himself and others?"
  • The goal of the gifts in chapter 4 is maturity and fullness in Christ. As you read through the chapter, what does maturity look like to you?

    • - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups for participants to process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

    - 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)

    - Contemplative Prayer Initiative through the Siburt Institute: Contemplative Ministers' Initiative | Siburt Institute for Church Ministry

    52 min
  • The Dark Side of Anxiety

    Anxiety is a common experience to all of us and has been elevated in the lives of so many due to the pandemic. In this podcast Paul interviews Kevin about his journey with anxiety and how it has impacted him throughout his life. Kevin shares personal stories while integrating his professional experience that has come through study and wrestling with the darker places anxiety has taken him. Kevin's story is intended to shed light on the suffering anxiety can cause and how the road to managing it is paved through connection and vulnerability. Leaders who find themselves struggling with anxiety will be able to identify with Kevin's story and will find some practical help in finding healthy ways of coping and healing. 

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups for leaders to process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

    - 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#

    - Freedom Prayer: Home - Freedom Prayer

    How He Loves Us- Kim Walker- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

     

     

    1 hr 41 min
  • Failing at Church Planting

    In this episode we interview Aaron Etheridge, campus pastor at Ethos Church in Nashville, and director of training with Onward Church Planting. We hear the story of Aaron and Paul’s church planting experience in Vancouver, Canada & the aftereffects of closing this church. Aaron shares about his struggle with the stigma of “failed church planter” and how God has brought him into a place of truth and healing. Aaron’s story can help leaders mourn the losses they’ve experienced while rooting their identity in God’s truth instead of expectations around ministry success.

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - Weezer, Numbers: Numbers - YouTube  (sorry Aaron)

    - Freedom Prayer: Home - Freedom Prayer

    - Ethos Church (Nashville): Home | Ethos Church

    - Onward Church Planting: Onward Church Planting – A Global Family of Church Planters

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    (Online groups for leaders to process their experiences in a safe and healing environment).

    - 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#

    1 hr 11 min
  • Intro to the Podcast

    This episode introduces the purpose of the podcast- answering the question, "What do church leaders do when they find themselves struggling with a variety of issues and feel they have nowhere to turn?" 

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

    Mentions & Resources:

    - WellSpring Process Groups: WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    - 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#

    42 min

About Created for Connection

From the publisher's feed

Conversations and interviews that seek to move followers of Jesus, and specifically Christian leaders, from a place of isolation with their struggles to connection and healing. You are not alone.