Fresh Hope for Mental Health
New Podcast Alert: Protecting Our Children and Supporting Survivors The alarming number of men in jail for sexual abuse calls for our attention. It's crucial to understand that there are underlying factors and trauma behind these actions. We are excited to share a powerful podcast episode by Dr. Kelley, specifically aimed at parents. In this episode, she delves into effective ways to protect our children from sexual harassers and identify potential red flags. It's an essential resource for every parent to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. If you have experienced sexual...
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Hello everyone! I want to invite you to this inspiring podcast in which Pastor Brad interviews K.T. Griffiths, who talks about her book "Shhh...Mental Illness, The Silent Disease: A Mother's Heart," and her experience as a mother of a daughter with mental health issues. K.T. invites all of us parents to spend time with our children and, above all, to believe in them from an early age and to be attentive to the silent signals they may be transmitting. How we communicate with them is important and let them know that we are listening and believing in their words. This is a lifelong...
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Friends, We had an incredible podcast interview with Dr. Lubberstedt, where he discusses the rise in cases of depression, stress, and suicide among adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevention, emotional regulation, and stress management are key measures to prevent mental health crises. Self-care is important for a healthy mind and body, as is creating a comfortable environment. Parents play an important role in the mental health of their teenagers, and Dr. Lubberstedt emphasizes the importance of listening to them. The church and Christian leaders can play a powerful role in helping...
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Friends, We had an amazing podcast interview with Jay Lowder, where he shared his personal story of how God saved him from suicide in an unexpected way. Jay's roommate was the instrument that God used to prevent his suicide due to severe depression, and this event greatly marked his life, leading him to form Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries. During their conversation, Jay talked about his journey through depression and how difficult it was for him to share it with others. He also spoke about the stigma experienced by Christians and society as a whole towards mental health problems, and the need...
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In this podcast, Pastor Brad interviews Alastair Sterne about his book "Rhythms of Life and Spiritual Practices for what God made you to be." The book emphasizes the importance of taking time to discover our identity, gifts, and purpose at a gracious speed, much like how Jesus walked on Earth. The formation that happens in that gracious walking with Christ can help us in our journey of personal growth and spiritual development. The second half of the book explores various spiritual practices that can aid in this journey. Towards the end of the podcast, Alastair shares his personal experience...
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Loneliness is part of the human experience, but it has increased even more since the pandemic. Men may find it more difficult to connect with others because of prejudice or fear. In this episode Pastor Brad has , counselor at Focus on the Family, as a guest to discuss this topic. Together they explore statistics and practical tools to reach the level of connection God intends for everyone. They also offer advice for women who want to help their loved one who is suffering from loneliness and isolation. “ is a licensed counselor with Focus on the Family’s Counseling...
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Mike Jacquart is married and lives in a small town in Wisconsin. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and has worked as a reporter, writer, editor, and author. He edited a newsletter and magazine for employee assistance professionals, many of whom work in behavioral health. A lot of books on mental health discuss the characteristics of various disorders but lack the perspective of someone who has experienced mental illness. In his new book, Climbing out of Darkness: A Personal Journey into Mental Wellness (with Marina London LCSW), Mike fills a gap in revealing the impact that mental...
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Steve Kramer is a walking miracle. He was born two-and-a half months premature with Cerebral Palsy. The doctors did not have much hope for him…but God had other plans. Steve has seen God’s faithfulness as he has been a radio disc jockey, TV news anchor/reporter, pastor, missionary and motivational speaker. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at [email protected] with a comment or question we will share on our next podcast. If you are...
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, co-founder of Saddleback Church will be one of the 35 speakers at Fresh Hope's upcoming Voices of Hope Conference. In this episode, Kay talks about her topic for the conference. She also talks with Pastor Brad about Rick, her recent retirement from Saddleback, and what she is doing now through her retreat ministry called Breathe. In this interview, you can hear Kay's heart and passion for those who love a child with a mental illness, as she knows this all too well. She gives some honest and helpful insights to parents who love a child with mental health...
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As a trauma-informed, faith-based mental health professional, Janell sits with clients every day, listening to their hearts and catching their tears. After publishing her first book, Rock-Solid Families: Transforming an Ordinary Home into a Fortress of Faith (AMG Publishers), she completed her Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a Marriage and Family Specialization and her Board Certification in Advanced Christian Life Coaching (Marriage and Family Specialization). To further help her clients with trauma-related issues, she became a Certified Practitioner in Aroma...
info_outlineIn nearly two decades of vocational ministry, I’ve experienced the wounds and weariness that we pastors endure. Ministry hurts. It’s hard to remain resilient. But, ministry itself is not the issue. It’s the what, how and who. What patterns keep us healthy? How do we maintain a sense of hope? Who are the trusted confidants that come alongside to encourage and exhort us?
These are questions I explore with my pastor friends and coaching clients. They are borne out of lessons that I learned the hard way. I went to an excellent seminary (Covenant Theological in St. Louis). I gained a great deal of knowledge. When my family moved to a new city to plant a church in 2009, I was not fully prepared for the challenges of pastoral ministry. During ten years of church-planting and previous years serving in a variety of roles, the Lord gently and graciously exposed my shortcomings while also shaping my character and sharpening my mind.
In those early days…My emotional intelligence was a bit lacking. I hadn’t established healthy patterns of work and rest. My boundaries were unclear. I didn’t have reasonable expectations for myself or others. My tendency to feel profound shame was not addressed. I was prone to facing my deepest struggles alone. Of course, I was wounded and weary. It makes sense that I was always anxious and exhausted. It should come as no surprise that I burned out.
When I stepped down from my role in the church plant in August of 2020, the level of burnout became apparent as well as the heavy toll ministry had taken on my family. As I began processing my pain and taking steps to get healthier, the Lord gave me a new calling and opportunity. The care of pastors.
That’s how Fresh Hope for Pastors got its start. Pastor Brad and I share a burden for pastors and their families. We have experience and expertise that enables Fresh Hope to be a blessing for ministry leaders. We know how to help pastors develop new skills and healthier habits. Fresh Hope for Pastors offers insight and strategies that will keep leaders hopeful when life and ministry seem overwhelming. We are committed to creating an atmosphere online and in-person where pastors and spouses can benefit from peer-to-peer support.
One of our programs is called Healing the Heart Wounds of Ministry. Over the course of a two-and-a-half day retreat, ministry couples have the rare privilege to speak freely about the joys and pains of the pastorate. Participants are introduced to ideas and tools that aid them in addressing grief and trauma. They learn to understand their emotions on a deeper level while also considering strategies for overcoming negative feelings that hinder them in life and work. Healing the Heart Wounds of Ministry serves as a balm for the soul and a resource that cultivates maturity and increases resilience.
As we engage with pastors through retreats, cohorts and other means, the mission of Fresh Hope for Pastors is to equip church leaders with the necessary tools and support for a lifetime of fruitfulness even as they experience the professional and personal challenges of pastoral ministry. We are committed to nurturing the spiritual, relational, emotional, and mental well-being of church leaders and their loved ones, so they will enrich the vitality of their churches and ministries.