HOPE FOR THE AGORA

Allan and Bonnie Gallant founded Agora Network Ministries 8 years ago to help resource churches and pastors with tools to support those struggling with their mental health. As they share on the past 8 years they reflect main concerns they've experienced, what they've learned about the church and themselves, the struggle and joys of care-giving, how how the ministry has grown.Lot's of good nuggets in this one.

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Allen and Paul had a robust conversation with Dr. Andrew Blackwood, also known as Coach Drew, about family relationships, emotional health, and faith. Coach Drew discussed the work of his Healing Communication Center, which offers resources and services at the intersection of faith and psychology. The discussion focused on the underlying causes of family conflict, such as unmet core human needs for strength, significance, and safety, and how generational patterns and anxiety contribute to these issues. They explored the impact of technology, like AI, on family attachments and the importance of parents reflecting on their own behaviors and needs. Coach Drew emphasized the role of genuine curiosity, communication, and a spiritual perspective in healing family dynamics. The episode also previewed an upcoming webinar series by Coach Drew for Agora Network Ministries.

Allen welcomed Paul Steimers, a psychotherapist and new Director of Operations at Agora Network Ministries, to discuss the importance of seeking counseling and therapy when struggling.

Barriers to Seeking TherapyPaul and Allen discussed barriers to seeking therapy, with Paul sharing his top five reasons based on his experience. They explored how people often wait an average of seven years before seeking help, despite recognizing issues early on. The discussion covered several key barriers including the belief that "talking won't help," distrust of therapists, and the misconception that problems need to be severe before seeking assistance. Paul emphasized that finding trusted professionals and addressing issues early, like maintaining a car or visiting a dentist, is important for emotional and relational health.

TOP 5 Reasons:

5. Talking Won't Help

4. Distrust of Therapists

3. My Problems Are Not Serious Enough

2. I Don't Need Help

1. Fear of the Unknown

Links:

Paul Stimers: Psychotherapist. curacounselling.ca

Nov 19 Gala info: agoranetworkministries.com

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Allen hosts an episode of "Hope for the Agora" exploring the connection between faith, mental health, and neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change. He discussed how repeated thoughts and experiences form neural pathways, and how trauma can shape these patterns, referencing works by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Carolyn Leaf. Allen explained that while old pathways exist, new, healthier ones can be formed through deliberate practice and therapy, such as EMDR. He drew parallels between neuroscience and biblical teachings on transformation, citing scriptures that emphasize renewing the mind. Allen outlined practical steps for rewiring the mind, including identifying lies, comparing them with scripture, engaging the body, and inviting the Holy Spirit into the process. He concluded by affirming that change is possible through God's design and the work of the Holy Spirit.https://hopefortheagora.comhttps://agoranetworkministries.comKey References:Scientific- van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.- Hebb, D. O. (1949). The Organization of Behavior.- Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself.- Kolb, B., & Gibb, R. (2014). Brain plasticity and behaviour in the developing brain.- Merzenich, M. (2013). Soft-Wired.Christian / Neuroscience- Leaf, C. (2013). Switch On Your Brain.- Leaf, C. (2021). Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess.Scriptures:Romans 12:2Philippians 4:82 Corinthians 10:5Ephesians 4:22–24John 8:31–32Galatians 5:22–23Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV; often translated differently in modern versions)Isaiah 26:3Colossians 3:1–17Psalm 1:1–3

This was an episode of "Hope for the Agora," a podcast focused on mental health and the church, featuring Allan Gallant, founder of Agora Network Ministries, discussing men's mental health with host Allen. Alan shared how his own mental health crisis after suffering a stroke in 2017 led him to establish Agora Network Ministries to help churches understand and support mental health issues. They discussed how men struggle with expressing emotions due to cultural expectations that "real men don't cry" and the pressure to appear strong, leading many to suffer in silence with issues ranging from family relationships to financial struggles and secret addictions. The conversation covered how mental health affects spiritual well-being, with Allan emphasizing that Jesus understands human struggles and provides comfort to those in pain. They concluded by encouraging men to seek safe friendships and community, noting that Jesus offers companionship and healing to those who struggle with their mental health.

https://agoranetworkministries.com

https://hopefortheagora.com

Understanding and working through grief and loss can be complex. Allen talks with Dr. David Sherbino on this complex topic.

Dr. Sherbino has served at Tyndale Seminary for decades.He has taught pastoral ministry, spirituality, and grief care.He coordinates graduate programs in Spiritual Formation...And helps lead work connected to grief, loss, and pastoral care through Tyndale. He has spent years helping people navigate suffering...And helping ministry leaders care well for hurting people.Links:https://www.tyndale.ca/faculty/david-sherbinoHope For The Agora Podcast: https://hopefortheagora.comAgora Network Ministries: https://agoranetworkministries.com

This podcast episode featured a conversation between Allen and Laura Bruno, a psychotherapist who recently received an ADHD diagnosis as an adult after 20 years in the mental health field. Laura shared her journey of discovery, including key symptoms like always being late, racing thoughts, perfectionism, and misophonia, which led to her therapist's revealing statement that she was "not neurotypical." She discussed how medication (Vyvanse) and therapy significantly improved her quality of life, allowing her to experience calmness in simple moments like rinsing berries. Laura emphasized viewing ADHD as a strength rather than a deficit, describing how her unique brain wiring enhances her ability to connect with clients and provides intuitive insights. She shared practical strategies including using Trello for organization, creating daily "fire lists" of priority tasks, and adopting a curiosity-based approach rather than judgment when discovering new aspects about herself. The conversation highlighted how late-in-life ADHD diagnoses can provide clarity and language for experiences that were previously misunderstood, and how faith can play a role in reframing neurodivergence as part of God's unique design for each person.https://www.laurabrunopsychotherapy.comHope For The Agora: https://hopefortheagora.comAgora Network Ministries: https://agoranetworkministries.comMore about ADHD in adults:Medline Article: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/adhd-across-the-lifespan-what-it-looks-like-in-adultsADHD as a Super Power:https://www.endeavorotc.com/blog/adhd-as-a-superpower-building-on-your-strengths/

Allen and Lorie focus in on Lorie's personal journey, the opportunities she was blessed with and the teaching she now does encouraging women (and men) in growing in their identity with Christ.

Lorie Hartshorn is a Canadian Christian author, speaker, and former television host best known for her work with women navigating faith, identity, and real-life struggles. Her book Found is very focused on discovering your identity in Christ. She hosted A Better Way on Crossroads/YES TV, which focused on stories of transformation, hope, and practical faith.

Lorie also hosts her own podcast called, The FOUND Podcast

Allen speaks with Chuck about the story behind his new book, Healing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself -- and to God -- When You're Wounded, Weary and Wandering. Chuck shares the inner turmoil that led him to eventually write the book.His insight and understanding of the deepest needs in our lives for healing and understanding is rooted in the healing power of drawing close to God in our darkest moments to find hope in our emotional, mental and physical healing journey.Chuck DeGroat is a professor at Western Theological Seminary. Professor of Counseling and Christian Spirituality and Founding Executive Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Western Theological Seminary Holland MI. He is also a faculty member for the Soul Care Institute.https://www.chuckdegroat.net/Healing What's Within on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0688j1UTYou can leave your questions or comments below or [email protected]

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Allen talks with Shelly Calcagno about her and her family's journey through her mother's Alzheimer's. Shelly shares why she wrote the book The Longest Goodbye and how it can bring hope to those on the same journey.The Longest Goodbye by Shelly Calcagno -- on Amazon.ca

shellycalcagno.comHer podcast is called A Space for Grace