Clergy Wellbeing Down Under

Valerie Ling Centre For Effective Serving

Welcome to the official first podcast of the Centre for Effective Serving, a research and consulting organisation focused on vocational wellbeing, burnout prevention, and training.  In Season 1 we are focussing on Clergy Wellbeing Down Under.  In today's fast-paced and demanding world, support for those who serve by leadership is more crucial than ever. However, the pressures and challenges that come with leadership roles can often lead to burnout and exhaustion, both mentally and physically. At the Centre for Effective Serving, we understand the significance of addressing these issues head-on to create a healthier and more productive leadership landscape.In each episode  we delve into the latest research and resources developed by our team of experts, who are dedicated to enhancing leadership wellbeing and fostering a supportive environment for leaders to thrive. Our podcast provides valuable insights, evidence-based strategies, and practical tips to help leaders and their families maintain their well-being, improve their resilience, and prevent burnout.Join us as we bring on renowned experts in the fields of psychology, mental health, leadership, and well-being to share their knowledge and experiences. Through candid interviews and engaging discussions, we explore various topics, including stress management techniques, emotional intelligence, work-life integration, team building, and much more.Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in leadership well-being and burnout prevention by subscribing today. 

  1. The mental health needs and profile of Bible College Students with Dr David Eagle

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    The mental health needs and profile of Bible College Students with Dr David Eagle

    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!

    44 Min.
  2. The Science of John 10:10 With Dr Victor Counted

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    The Science of John 10:10 With Dr Victor Counted

    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 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!

    50 Min.
  3. When science agrees with religion with Dr Byron Johnson

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    When science agrees with religion with Dr Byron Johnson

    Looking for gumption to persevere in ministry? Looking for spectacular evidence for the case of religion? Interested in what makes death row inmates flourish more than the global population? Debunking the Gallup Happiness report with the #1 countries that flourish *hint* it speaks to suffering NOT GDP or education.  You will want to catch this one. Dr Byron Johnson is Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University. He is the founding director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) as well as director of the Program on Prosocial Behavior. Johnson is a faculty affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, and is Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. He is a leading authority on the scientific study of religion, human flourishing, the efficacy of faith-based organizations, and criminal justice. He has been the principal investigator on grants from private foundations as well as the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and the United States Institute for Peace. His newest books are The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Rethinking Evidence, Practice, and Policy (2026), and The Death of Religion: Nones, Others, and the Flourishing of Faith. Key Topics:   The groundbreaking scope and scope of the Global Flourishing Study, measuring over 200,000 participants across 20 countries  How religious participation, particularly faith-based activities, correlates strongly with multiple domains of flourishing  The surprising resilience and flourishing among prisoners, including those on death row  The significance of community, relationships, and spiritual capital in societal well-being  The role of suffering, trauma, and trauma recovery in fostering resilience and spiritual growth  Findings indicating that GDP and material wealth are inversely related to flourishing, emphasizing mental and relational health  Practical implications for churches, congregations, and faith communities in fostering holistic well-being  Timestamps:   (00:00) - Introduction to Dr Byron Johnson and his credentials  (01:02) - The cross-centered approach to research and its significance  (02:30) - Landmark status of the Global Flourishing Study  (03:30) - The biblical concept of abundant life and human flourishing  (04:27) - Shift from predicting wrongdoing to understanding positive human behaviors  (05:27) - The importance of recovery, rebuilding, and pro-social behaviors  (06:55) - The study’s scope: over 20 countries, 200,000 participants, 100 researchers  (08:19) - Origins of the study and the importance of spontaneous collaboration  (10:09) - Challenges in translation and implementing the study internationally  (12:24) - How the study showcases God's goodness through high-quality research  (13:20) - The importance of causal inferSend 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!

    43 Min.
  4. From Burnout to Flourishing with Dr Chris Adams

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    From Burnout to Flourishing with Dr Chris Adams

    The Flourishing in Ministry project began over ten years ago at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Matt Bloom, whose wife is a pastor, led a team of researchers (including Dr. Chris Adams, Executive Director) to develop insights about clergy well-being.  Dr. Adams now leads the Flourishing in Ministry project at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, as part of the Mental Health and the Church Initiative. The research study currently includes over 20,000 clergy surveys and several hundred in-depth interviews with a diverse group of clergy.  In this conversation we learn about the key practices and implementable strategies that this research has found to make the difference in a flourishing ministry. In this episode:   The complex, multi-faceted role of pastors and how it differs from other helping professions  The mental health challenges clergy face, including burnout rates comparable to teachers and social workers  The impact of leadership styles—healthy versus pathological—and their effects on congregations  The Five Dimensions of Flourishing: daily well-being, resilience, authenticity, social ecosystem, and how these interrelate  Practical strategies for pastors to sustain daily well-being, including spiritual practices, boundary-setting, and community support  The importance of organizational and community-level support for long-term health  Unique challenges faced by pastors' families and the concept of front stage/backstage in ministry  The role of relational ecosystems—mentors, friends, church community—in fostering resilience and authenticity  Take the free Flourishing in Ministry Assessment and get access to resources and tips that will help you: https://www.flourishinginministry.org/ Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Chris Adams and his work on clergy well-being  02:13 - The influence of family history and pastoral lineage  03:28 - Challenges of clergy killing congregations  04:55 - How past experiences shape current research interests  06:14 - Dual focus of the Mental Health and the Church Initiative  07:44 - Differentiating ministry from other helping professions  08:13 - Unique relational demands of pastors  10:06 - The toll of role immersion and 24/7 responsibilities  11:21 - The complexity of being a pastor: job analysis insights  13:39 - Burnout rates among clergy in comparison to other helping professions  15:05 - Addressing the myth that pastors should work as hard as their congregation members  16:48 - How pastors can understand and manage their work hours  18:58 - The flourishing model: origins, survey, and key constructs  20:55 - The five dimensions of flourishing and the free assessment tool  22:45 - Insights from the large clergy dataset and the importance of cultural adaptation  24:28 - Longitudinal research findings: positive spirals and downward trends  26:09 - Building daily well-being through spiritual practices and rhythms  27:54 - Small, consistent practices that promote resilience and joy  30:24 - The role of emotion regulation, assertiveness, and role crafting 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!

    46 Min.
  5. Caring for our physical bodies as clergy

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    Caring for our physical bodies as clergy

    Dr Matt Edwards has been a Doctor in the UK for over twenty years before transitioning to work with Thrive Worldwide with a vision to helping people and organisations to thrive. His role with Thrive has developed from Medical Director, Director of Individual Thriving and now Chief Clinical Officer. This role involves overseeing the multi-disciplinary clinical team of Medical, Psychosocial and Occupational Health clinicians. He is on the executive team helping the oversight of the organisation. He is passionate about promoting health and wellbeing in the whole-person context. Dr. Matt Edwards discusses the physical and psychosocial health challenges faced by ministry workers, the importance of physical health, and strategies for thriving in ministry and retirement.    "Chronic stress damages the body over time." "Plan your transition to retirement carefully." "Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thrive Worldwide and Dr. Matt Edwards 02:08 Understanding Thrive's Mission and Services 04:16 Psychosocial Support in Ministry 07:34 Resilience and Self-Awareness in Ministry Candidates 09:49 Medical Observations of Clergy Health 13:35 The Impact of Ministry on Physical Health 20:00 Chronic Stress and Its Effects on Clergy 22:25 Aging and Health in Ministry 23:23 The Unique Challenges of Pastoral Care 26:09 Understanding Loneliness in Ministry 31:11 Physical Health Concerns for Ministry Workers 34:53 Navigating Retirement in Ministry 39:05 Honoring Ministry Workers in Transition 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!

    39 Min.
  6. Strategies That Work for Every Clergy and One That Matters Most for Married Clergy

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    Strategies That Work for Every Clergy and One That Matters Most for Married Clergy

    Dr Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, PhD, is a Professor of Global Health at Duke University and Director of the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, for which she has been the lead researcher since its inception in 2007. She is an expert in conducting clinical trials of behavioral interventions that integrate physical and mental health. She has designed and rigorously tested two interventions for United Methodist clergy: Spirited Life, which promoted holistic health and reduced metabolic syndrome, and Selah, which tested stress management practices and reduced stress and anxiety symptoms while enhancing positive mental health.  In this episode Rae Jean  shares insights from extensive research on mental health, stress management, and the importance of positive emotions within clergy and their families. Main topics: Impact of clergy well-being initiatives over 19 yearsPhysical health disparities and cultural factors affecting clergy healthThe role of positive mental health: emotions, social, and psychological functioningInterventions like mindfulness, prayer practices, and structured programsPractical tools: daily wellbeing practices and the profiling of clergy healthFamily and community influence on clergy well-being and resilience Resources & Links: Duke Clergy Health InitiativeMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program - DukeCentre For Effective Serving Emotional Health Screen Additional resources: Mindfulness and Loving-Kindness Meditation Resourceshttps://www.drkatherine.com.au/christ-centred-mindfulness.htmlSend 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!

    58 Min.

Info

Welcome to the official first podcast of the Centre for Effective Serving, a research and consulting organisation focused on vocational wellbeing, burnout prevention, and training.  In Season 1 we are focussing on Clergy Wellbeing Down Under.  In today's fast-paced and demanding world, support for those who serve by leadership is more crucial than ever. However, the pressures and challenges that come with leadership roles can often lead to burnout and exhaustion, both mentally and physically. At the Centre for Effective Serving, we understand the significance of addressing these issues head-on to create a healthier and more productive leadership landscape.In each episode  we delve into the latest research and resources developed by our team of experts, who are dedicated to enhancing leadership wellbeing and fostering a supportive environment for leaders to thrive. Our podcast provides valuable insights, evidence-based strategies, and practical tips to help leaders and their families maintain their well-being, improve their resilience, and prevent burnout.Join us as we bring on renowned experts in the fields of psychology, mental health, leadership, and well-being to share their knowledge and experiences. Through candid interviews and engaging discussions, we explore various topics, including stress management techniques, emotional intelligence, work-life integration, team building, and much more.Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in leadership well-being and burnout prevention by subscribing today. 

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