Anxiety is rampant. It’s everywhere. Does the way we worship enhance our collective anxiety? In this episode, Michael Jordan and I have a conversation exploring how Christian worship practices can both help and hinder people experiencing anxiety and mental health struggles. Michael discusses the history of evangelical worship traditions and how they have sometimes relied on heightening anxiety to bring people to repentance. However, Jesus modeled a different approach of meeting and accepting people in the midst of their struggles. We talk how liturgy, music, and use of technology in worship can help people relate their inner experiences to God's bigger salvation story. Practical steps like talking to mental health professionals and auditing current practices to be more inclusive of those with anxiety are offered as suggestions. How can churches intentionally support mental health through worship in a way that looks more like Jesus' compassionate example? Join us as we explore the intersection of worship and anxiety.

Rev. Dr. Michael Jordan (PhD, Drew University) is an ordained Wesleyan pastor with twenty years of ministry experience in From 2002-2009, he was the pastor of Exton Community Baptist Church in Exton, PA, and has also served on the pastoral staff of his current church, Houghton Wesleyan. Over the summer, he is the staff chaplain at Camp-of-the-Woods, a Christian camp in the Adirondack Mountains.

Mike’s wife Jill is a mathematician who also teaches at Houghton; they live just off campus and together are raising their five children: Grace, Jack, Lucy, Gabriel, and Anne. In his spare time, Mike enjoys singing, crossword puzzles and distance running and is a rabid fan of Philadelphia professional and college sports.

Michael's Book:
Worship in an Age of Anxiety

Michael's Recommendation:
What Are Christians For? by Jake Meader
Women, Work & Calling by Joana Meyer

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There is a homelessness crisis in the United States. And yes, we have a conversation around the context of the U.S. currently, but there are a lot of helpful points that will help in different contexts around the world. In this episode, Robert Marbut provides helpful context about homelessness in the United States, discusses the underlying issues that often lead to homelessness like untreated mental illness and substance abuse. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses these root causes through treatment and not just giving out housing vouchers. Collaboration between different organizations like churches, non-profits, and the government was highlighted as key. Practical steps communities can take include prevention programs, transitional housing with wraparound services, and bringing all stakeholders together with a shared vision of helping people recover and rejoin the community. So join us as we tackle the homelessness crisis.

Dr. Robert G. Marbut Jr. has worked on issues of homelessness for more than three decades, including being the Founding President and CEO of Haven for Hope and serving as the White House’s “Federal Homelessness Czar.” Dr. Marbut has consulted on issues of homelessness with more communities and organizations than anyone else in the United States and has also worked in three different US Presidential Administrations. He is an Executive Producer of both the No Address movie, starring Ashanti, Billy Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, and Beverly D’Angelo, as well as the Americans with No Address documentary.

Dr. Marbut currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute.

Where you can find information about all the No Address initiatives:
No Address

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We live in turbulent times. I know we have all felt the shaking in the past many years. Division, Death, Disconnection wreak havoc. There are ways that we cope that don’t bring life and joy only more sorrow and pain. But there are ways that make us more fully alive. There are practices that enable a life of flourishing and may just save our civilization. And that’s what Elizabeth Oldfield does in the conversation. She talks about the importance of relationships and connection in living a fully alive life. We walk through how early life experiences led her to question what a good life entails, and she came to see relationships as central. She talks about challenges like consumerism that discourage connection, and practices like community living that can help cultivate generosity and care for others. We share that listening across differences and protecting vulnerable groups are keys to building a more just and compassionate society. So join us as we discover ways that make us more fully alive.

ELIZABETH OLDFIELD hosts The Sacred podcast and is the former director and now senior fellow of the think tank Theos. She appears across the media, including BBC Radio and television, UnHerd, the Financial Times, and beyond. Oldfield is also a contributing editor at Comment magazine, chair of Larger Us, and a coach and consultant working with purpose-driven individuals and organizations. She lives in an intentional community in South London with her husband and children. Her book FULLY ALIVE: TENDING TO THE SOUL IN TURBULENT TIMES is out now.

Elizabeth's Book:
Fully Alive

Elizabeth's Recommendations:
Black Ops
The Origins of Totalitarianism

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