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 le ...
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Season 2 Finale with Colin Buchanan! This one is for the kids!
45:30
45:30
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45:30Colin Buchanan ministers directly to our ministry kids addressing 7 of the top themes that came up from our survey. Honestly - this one is best seen on the video version because - well - Colin is in full view with all of the expressions, animations, and actions that is truly Colin. The link for the video version can be found here. It's a bit of a l…
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Ministry Siblings: Anna Cox and Michael Jensen
41:47
41:47
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41:47Anna Cox who serves with Reach Australia and Michael Jensen (podcast co-host of With All Due Respect) are siblings who share their perspective growing up within the evangelical Christian Anglican community in Sydney. While Anna and Michael shared the same upbringing, they reflect on how differing personalities can shape one’s response to the minist…
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The Pastor's Kid Part 2 with Barnabas Piper
32:38
32:38
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32:38Join me, Valerie Ling, for part 2, as I sit down with Barnabas Piper, author, pastor and son of theologian John Piper, for a candid and helpful conversation about being a pastor's kid. Barnabas shares his personal story of navigating life as a pastor's kid, where the blend of public scrutiny and private faith creates a unique tension of identity an…
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The Pastor's Kid Part 1 with Barnabas Piper
27:50
27:50
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27:50Join me, Valerie Ling, as I sit down with Barnabas Piper, author, pastor and son of theologian John Piper, for a candid and helpful conversation about being a pastor's kid. Barnabas shares his personal story of navigating life as a pastor's kid, where the blend of public scrutiny and private faith creates a unique tension of identity and independen…
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Episode 6: Navigating Parenting in Ministry Part 1 with Collett Smart
27:29
27:29
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27:29In this conversation, I speak with Collett Smart - psychologist, author and speaker in child and adoelscent mental health. Collett hosts the Raising Teens Podcast and is the author of "They'll be okay. 15 Conversations To Help Your Child Through troubled Times " We delve into the complexities of adolescent mental health, particularly within the con…
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Episode 7: Navigating Parenting in Ministry Part 2 with Collett Smart
29:11
29:11
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29:11In this conversation, Collett Smart discuss the challenges and nuances of parenting in ministry, particularly focusing on the unique struggles faced by ministry kids. We explore themes of faith, identity, the importance of open communication, and the need for space and privacy for children. The discussion looks at the significance of relationships,…
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Episode 5: Growing Up Between Continents and Churches with Marsden Sampson
33:03
33:03
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33:03Growing up in the unique world of ministry life can shapes a child's perspective in unique ways. Marsden Sampson knows this journey intimately, being both a pastor's kid and a missionary kid. He recounts his story of traversing cultural landscapes from Australia to Kenya and back, and how these transitions shaped his understanding of belonging, lon…
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Episode 4: Supporting Ministry Families with Neurodivergent Children with Tanya Crossman
25:55
25:55
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25:55How can you make church environments inclusive for neurodivergent children, especially those in ministry families serving abroad? Tanya Crossman brings part 2 to her interview with me and shares her lived, and expert insights on this critical topic. Creating a welcoming space for all children in church is more than just a nicety—it's a necessity. L…
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Episode 3: The Hidden Challenges and Strengths of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) with Tanya Crossman
33:43
33:43
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33:43Discover the hidden challenges and strengths of Third Culture Kids (TCKs), who grow up outside of their passport country, and how their unique experiences shapes their lives in unexpected ways. In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Tanya Crossman, a leading expert on third culture kids (TCKs), who shares her own transformative experie…
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Episode 2: What Stood Out to the Psychologists Behind the Ministry Kids' Survey
34:28
34:28
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34:28In this episode, we sit down with the psychologists who designed and analyzed the Ministry Kids Wellbeing Survey to uncover the key insights and findings that stood out to them. From surprising trends to eye-opening revelations, they share what the kids themselves told us, and what we discovered about the unique challenges and experiences faced by …
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Episode 1: Ministry Kids' Wellbeing Survey 2024 Results
12:16
12:16
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12:16In this kick-off episode, we dive into the heart of the Ministry Kids Wellbeing Survey to explore the main findings and what they reveal about the lives of children in ministry families. We unpack key themes that emerged from the survey, shedding light on the unique experiences and challenges ministry children face. To get a copy of the full report…
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A Conversation with Christopher Ash Author Zeal Without Burnout
47:51
47:51
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47:51What a joy and privilege to finish our very first season of the podcast with Christopher Ash - author of Zeal Without Burnout and The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read But Is Too Embarrassed To Ask. Christopher shares his own journey through burnout and what led to his publications in this area. Christopher shares his personal pearls of wisdom…
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Leadership through the Lens of Indigenous Values with Jay Matenga
1:01:37
1:01:37
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1:01:37As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. Jay Matenga, is Director of the Global Witness Dept. and the Mission Commission for the World Evangelical Alliance and Executive Officer for Missio…
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Families On Mission: A Conversation with Author and Global Mission Consultant Marion Knell
54:32
54:32
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54:32As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. Marion Knell is a seasoned cross-cultural consultant and trainer with an extensive history spanning nearly three decades. Her expertise stretches a…
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Leadership in Mission with Harry Hoffmann - Global Member Care Network
54:28
54:28
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54:28As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. Dive into the complexities of cross-cultural ministry with our guest, Harry Hoffman, a prominent figure in the Missions Member Care Network. With o…
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Health and Well-being of Pastors: Research Findings of Timothy Captain from Flourish San Diego
44:39
44:39
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44:39As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. Our guest, Timothy Captain from Flourish San Diego, brings his unique insight derived from his PhD thesis, the Holistic Pastoral Well-being Assessm…
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"Healthy Churches Aren't a Pipe Dream" with A.J. Mathieu from The Malphurs Group
50:38
50:38
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50:38As our season draws to a close, I began to contemplate leadership in a wider context, beyond just Australia and parish settings, I was drawn to explore international issues of leadership in gospel work. In this episode we are joined by A.J. Mathieu president of The Malphurs Group. A.J. Mathieu has over 25 years of experience as a business owner, 5 …
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Chapter turner: International perspectives to finish the season
1:17
1:17
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1:17Heads up! We are almost at the end of our season! Having dived in with guests from Australia, I started to think about what the missions and international scene would be able to say to us. So you will find the next episodes, until we finish, pushes out the perspective and conversation to an international space. Send us a text Podcast Disclaimer: Pl…
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Join Dr. Chelsea Gill from Bond Business School as we explore the topic of reflective retreats. Chelsea, with her deep insights into clergy retreats, examines the role of attention restoration theory in counteracting mental and emotional exhaustion. We discuss two core types of clergy retreats, educational and reflective, and their structures. Chel…
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A Tale of 2 Surveys with Sam Sterland - NCLS Senior Researcher
1:01:32
1:01:32
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1:01:32We are joined by Sam Sterland, Senior Researcher with the National Church Life Survey and we look at the latest findings from the NCLS and how it matches/sheds light on what our (much smaller!) survey found in the clergy wellbeing space. What does church health have to do with clergy wellbeing? Have we made any progress in leadership sustainability…
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Behind the Pulpit: An Insight into Pastoral Stress and Burnout with Keith and Sarah Condie
48:31
48:31
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48:31Keith and Sarah Condie of the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute join us to unpack the numbers from Valerie Ling's survey on rates of burnout and resignation thinking among our clergy. We talk about the often-hidden struggles of church leaders, the pressures they face and the need to have an unwavering façade. The conversation throws a spotl…
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From Corporate to Parish HR - "I Thought It Would Be Different": A Discussion with Vikki Napier
48:27
48:27
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48:27In this episode, Vikki Napier, Head of Human Resources at the Anglican Church Diocese Of Sydney, reflects on her corporate HR experience and the church context. What surprises her, what she thinks we are doing well, where we have a way to go, and where we can add value to our churches from a human and humane resourcing perspective. Download my rese…
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"Don't Take Us Out of The Truck!" With Jo Muirhead
58:43
58:43
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58:43**EPISODE TRIGGER WARNING** This episode contains some discussion about suicide, violence, and other potentially traumatic material. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help or, in Australia contact Lifeline 13 11 14. Jo Muirhead is a Rehabilitation Counsellor and is the founde…
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Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts - Psychosocial Risks in Church Leadership with Katharine Moore
49:08
49:08
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49:08Imagine an environment where safety and well-being are prioritized, where trust and transparency are key, and conflicts are handled in a constructive manner. These are the ingredients of psychological safety. Psychological safety refers to a work environment where individuals feel comfortable taking risks, expressing their thoughts, and making mist…
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Speaking the Unspoken Experiences of Women in Ministry with Rev Dr Megan Powell du Toit
41:19
41:19
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41:19TRIGGER WARNING: Please note that this episode discusses trauma and sexual violence which some listeners may find distressing or emotionally challenging. In Australia, If you require support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and/or 1800RESPECT. One of the key findings in Valerie’s research was the levels of burnout and the personal violence expe…
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Emotional Awareness and the Place for Silence with Dave and Kathy Thurston
47:58
47:58
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47:58Dave & Kathy Thurston have been married for over 40 years and have three grown up children. They have been in ministry in one form or another for nearly forty years. Five and a half years ago Dave and Kathy Thurston left Sydney and parish ministry to work in the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. Their brief was mentoring pastors and their wives, t…
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The Trinity Network Story: Cultivating Connected Churches Paul and Sue Harrington
1:03:32
1:03:32
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1:03:32The Trinity Network has its origin at Trinity Church Adelaide, which was established in 1836 . Paul and Sue Harrington share their story of 35 years in ministry with the network, which now consists of 14 churches across Adelaide and South Australia. Dive into the Harringtons' candid thoughts about juggling ministry life and family, the connection t…
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A message from Valerie as the next episodes get published. Send us 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 enga…
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Transforming the Narrative on Ministry Formation with Professor Donald Guthrie
51:21
51:21
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51:21Today, we're joined by Professor Donald Guthrie. Professor Donald Guthrie teaches at Trinity International University, and is the co-author of Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told us about Surviving and Thriving, a book based on a five-year intensive research project on the frontlines of pastoral ministry. In this episode, he shares with Valerie h…
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Leading Through Tough Times in Ministry with Dr Grant Bickerton
1:00:31
1:00:31
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1:00:31Ever feel like you're on the brink of burnout, especially in these pandemic-ridden times? You're not alone. On today's episode, we've got the honour of hosting Dr. Grant Bickerton, who takes a deep dive into the changing landscape of Christian ministry and how it's impacting those on the front lines. We begin by exploring the unique challenges and …
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In the Trenches: Understanding the Modern Pastoral Experience with Rev Archie Poulos
46:23
46:23
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46:23Join Rev Archie Poulos and myself as we explore this episode - 'In the Trenches: Understanding the Modern Pastoral Experience,' as we look at the complex world of church leadership. Archie is Head of Ministry (Moore Theological College) and Ministry Director, (Centre for Ministry Development). Based on Archie's PhD research, and mine, we explore th…
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