Substance Of Faith - Navigating Healing from a Christ Centered Perspective

Rudy Swigart
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The church has long been a place of healing, yet many Christians struggling with recovery, PTSD, and mental health challenges feel isolated in their pain. We’re opening up honest conversations about the stigma of mental health and addiction within the church, because healing starts when we bring these struggles into the light. Designed for pastors, church leaders, and believers who want to see the body of Christ better serve those in recovery or mental health, this show equips churches with the tools, resources, and understanding to build care ministries that truly support those in need.

  1. 08/21/2025

    S2E10 When We Feel Rudderless: Finding God’s Direction Again

    In this episode, Pastor Rudy Swigart shares openly about what it feels like to be spiritually directionless—adrift without clear vision or purpose—and how that affects our faith, habits, and health. We’ll explore: The causes of spiritual drift and seasons of lethargy The unhealthy patterns and self-soothing behaviors that can creep in The toll this takes on mental, physical, and spiritual health God’s invitation to rest, listen, and realign with His will Practical ways to regain spiritual bearings and take the next faithful step This is an honest conversation for anyone who has felt tired, lost, or unsure of where God is leading. You’ll walk away encouraged to pause, trust God in the stillness, and take one small step closer to Him this week. 👉 Call to Action: What’s one intentional step you can take this week to reorient yourself toward God? Share it in the comments or send a message, we’d love to hear from you. 📖 Scripture references: Proverbs 29:18, 1 Kings 19, John 20–21, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 11:28–30, Isaiah 30:21. 📬 Contact the Show: rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.comsubstanceoffaith@yahoo.com

    36 min

  2. 08/14/2025

    S2E9 Breaking the Cycle of Offense: Building a Church Where Grace Flows Freely

    Why do so many Christians leave their church feeling hurt, misunderstood, or even offended? In this candid episode of Substance of Faith, we confront the reality that offense, whether justified or not, can poison our spiritual walk and fracture the Body of Christ. Join us as we unpack: Why offense happens in church life for both members and leaders Healthy rhythms that protect against burnout, bitterness, and isolation How churches can respond with wisdom and grace to those struggling with addiction, depression, and other hidden battles Practical ways for churchgoers to feel safe, supported, and confident in asking for help when they need it most We’ll also explore the example Jesus set for reconciling differences, extending grace, and fostering genuine relationships within the Body. Whether you’re in leadership or sitting in the pew, this conversation is about creating a culture where grace, not offense, has the final word. Scripture References: Matthew 18:15-17, Galatians 6:1-2, Colossians 3:12-14 🎙 Substance of Faith exists to create a space for grace—a place where the church can talk honestly about struggles, healing, and transformation. #ChurchHurt #ChristianLeadership #AddictionRecovery #FaithAndMentalHealth #GraceInAction

    39 min

  3. 08/07/2025

    S2E8 When Stress Becomes Sin: A Candid Conversation About Burnout, Self-Soothing, and the Invitation of God

    In this powerful and personal episode of Substance of Faith, we’re diving deep into a reality many Christians silently face: turning to alcohol, drugs, or other self-soothing behaviors when stress and burnout become unbearable. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure of how to cope, and have found yourself drifting from God in the process, this episode is for you. We'll look at real workplace stress and burnout statistics, explore the toll these stressors take on our physical and spiritual lives, and confront the sin cycle that often follows. But we won't stop there. At the heart of this conversation is God’s invitation—to rest, to draw near, and to be transformed. Scripture isn't just a mirror; it's a lifeline. This episode offers biblical encouragement and practical steps for walking away from harmful coping strategies and toward the grace, presence, and healing of God. 📖 Key Scriptures: Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…” 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Isaiah 30:15 – “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” 🌐 Visit Us Online:www.substanceoffaithmedia.com 📬 Contact:rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com

    36 min

  4. 07/31/2025

    S2E7 How Pastoral Transitions Impact Church and Faith

    Today on The Substance of Faith Podcast, Rudy Swigart tackles a critical yet often overlooked moment in church life: the departure of a beloved pastor. Whether it's a peaceful retirement, an unexpected firing, or a scandal, pastoral transitions impact far more than Sunday attendance—they affect the faith of the people in the pews. In this episode, Rudy unpacks: Why 10–30% of church members leave after a pastoral transition—sometimes permanently. How sudden leadership changes can trigger a crisis of faith, especially in younger generations. The difference between a healthy transition and a damaging one. What pastors, boards, and congregants can do to preserve unity, trust, and spiritual connection during leadership change. Why the church’s response during a transition may determine whether people stay connected to Jesus—or walk away entirely. If your church has ever experienced the shockwave of a leader stepping down, this episode is for you. “Don’t let a change in the pulpit become a breaking point for faith in the pews.” Visit: www.substanceoffaithmedia.comContact Rudy: rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com Subscribe, share, and join the conversation—because when pastors leave, the real work begins.

    39 min

  5. 07/24/2025

    S2E6 Pastors Under Pressure: Why Pastoral Care Saves the Church

    In this sobering episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast, Rudy Swigart explores the hidden pressures crushing pastors across the United States—and why pastoral care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. From endless hours and constant crisis management to burnout, depression, infidelity, and addiction—today’s pastors are struggling. Some in silence. Some until collapse. Drawing from credible research, Rudy lays out the alarming statistics that too many churches ignore: 75% of pastors report severe stress-related crises 40% face high burnout risk 35% battle depression Many face addiction, infidelity, and moral failure—not due to weak character, but from unrelenting pressure with no real support This episode casts a bold vision for what healthy church leadership can look like when congregations and church boards step up to protect the shepherds, not just the sheep. The quiet epidemic: why pastoral burnout is at record highs Why addiction and moral failure often trace back to exhaustion and isolation Real-world strategies for creating safe leadership environments Why pastoral care is essential to the church’s long-term health Practical steps every church can take to protect their pastors A plea to church boards, leaders, and congregants: “What are you doing to care for those who care for your soul?” “Pastors are human. If your church doesn’t protect your pastor’s health, you’re not protecting your church’s future.” 📬 Resources & Contact:🌐 www.substanceoffaithmedia.com📧 rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com 🎧 Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share. Help us create churches where leaders heal, not hide.

    43 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    S2E5 Making Space for Grace: A Safe Church for the Struggling

    In this week’s episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast, Rudy Swigart speaks straight to the heart of the church—and the hurting. We’re diving into what it really means to be a safe church for those who are silently battling addiction, mental health challenges, grief, trauma, or spiritual burnout. For too long, the church has unintentionally fostered environments where people feel pressure to appear whole instead of being honest about their brokenness. This episode is a call for something better. What makes a church unsafe for the struggling The quiet crisis of leaders who suffer in silence How shame, silence, and stigma destroy healing Real-world, practical ideas for shifting church culture Why discipleship and recovery aren’t separate journeys A vision for “space for grace”—where truth is told and people are still loved Pastors and church leaders who want to lead well while carrying their own burdens Church members who wonder if they’re the only ones who feel out of place in “perfect” spaces Recovery communities looking for a spiritual home Anyone hungry for authenticity, grace, and truth in action “Space for grace isn’t soft on sin—it’s strong in mercy. It’s the environment where healing is possible and shame no longer gets the final word.” 📬 Connect with Rudy:🌐 www.substanceoffaithmedia.com📧 rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com 🧭 Looking for tools to make your church safer for the struggling? Visit the site for coaching, resources, and recovery-friendly ministry support.

    41 min

  7. 07/10/2025

    S2E4 - This is the Right Way: When a Pastor Comes Forward

    In this heartfelt episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast, Rudy Swigart shares a story that stopped him in his tracks—a story of relapse, redemption, and what it looks like when the church truly becomes a safe place for its leaders. While attending an AA meeting, a friend witnessed a powerful moment: a pastor receiving his 12-month sobriety chip. But even more powerful was the backstory—this pastor had once relapsed after years of sobriety. Instead of hiding it or being disqualified in shame, he came forward, and his church leadership did the unthinkable in today’s cancel culture: they ministered to him. A true story of addiction, confession, and grace in church leadership Why Rudy believes this is the right way to handle relapse in ministry A call to church boards, denominations, and congregations to rethink their response The difference between disqualifying a leader vs. walking them through restoration A preview of upcoming podcast guests who have lived similar journeys A deeper look at what "space for grace" means in leadership culture “When a pastor comes forward with a struggle, it should not be the end of their story. It should be the beginning of the healing. This is how we ‘do church’ right.” Church boards, elders, and decision-makers in ministry Pastors secretly struggling with addiction or relapse Congregations who want to be part of a restorative, not reactive, faith culture Anyone wondering: What would Jesus do when a leader falls? 📬 Connect with Rudy:🌐 www.substanceoffaithmedia.com📧 rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com 🎧 Be sure to subscribe, share, and join us again for honest, redemptive conversations that reflect the substance of our faith.

    40 min

  8. 07/03/2025

    SoF S2E3 The Hidden Battle: Lust, Leadership, and the Call to Holiness

    In this soul-searching episode of The Substance of Faith Podcast, host Rudy Swigart dives into a topic that too often remains buried in the shadows of church life: lust and sexual temptation, especially among those in ministry and spiritual leadership. The conversation begins with the reality of pastoral burnout, serving in high-stress, low-control environments with little visible reward. When volunteers are inconsistent, when crises are constant, and when the emotional needs of a congregation feel unending, it can create an atmosphere where temptation gains a foothold, especially for leaders who feel isolated or unseen. But Rudy doesn’t stop at the diagnosis. This episode is about naming the hidden struggle, yes, but also about lifting the veil on the hope of healing. The emotional and spiritual toll of unpaid, overworked church leadership Why lust thrives in secrecy, stress, and spiritual fatigue The role of pastoral anonymity, and why it might be God’s gift rather than a punishment Lust as a misdirected hunger, a desire to feel something when leadership feels dry or unrewarded How grace, holiness, and confession can dismantle cycles of shame A challenge to pastors: “Are you elevating the name of Jesus, or trying to recover a sense of your own worth?” Why the impact of one soul is still worth the hours, the labor, and the obscurity This episode is not about condemnation, it’s about courage. It’s about helping pastors, ministry leaders, and faithful believers acknowledge the unseen struggle while pointing them toward freedom, accountability, and transformation through the power of Christ. “If you’re in a dark place, you’re not alone. But you can’t stay there. The body of Christ must be a place where even leaders can be honest, and be healed.” Visit our official website: www.substanceoffaithmedia.com Connect with Rudy directly: rudy@substanceoffaithmedia.com For pastoral coaching, support, and recovery resources, explore Faith Nest 🙏 If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with someone you trust.

    34 min
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About

The church has long been a place of healing, yet many Christians struggling with recovery, PTSD, and mental health challenges feel isolated in their pain. We’re opening up honest conversations about the stigma of mental health and addiction within the church, because healing starts when we bring these struggles into the light. Designed for pastors, church leaders, and believers who want to see the body of Christ better serve those in recovery or mental health, this show equips churches with the tools, resources, and understanding to build care ministries that truly support those in need.

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