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 Season 2 we looked at how ministry kids locally and on the mission field are doing.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

    EPISODE 1

    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 a text 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

    EPISODE 2

    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 a text 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

About

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 Season 2 we looked at how ministry kids locally and on the mission field are doing.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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