The Built Different Podcast with Dr. Zach Clinton

Although the Church does so much more good than it has ever done bad, several pressing questions still linger - What do you do when you are hurt by “The Church?” Maybe you’ve been hurt by a pastor or a church leader or a member of the church. Do you walk out of Christianity and abandon the church altogether? Or are there any other alternatives? Joining us today to help us unpack some of these challenging yet necessary questions is a man who just released a new song and FREE 7-Day Devotional on the topic, Matt Hammitt. Many may be familiar with Matt’s work as he’s a renowned singer and songwriter having served as the lead singer for Sanctus Real from 1996-2016 as well as being an impactful author and sought after speaker. However, recently, God placed it upon Matt’s heart to release his new single titled, “Church Hurt,” along with a FREE 7-Day Devotional titled, “Life After Church Hurt,” in order to appeal to the heart of those who have been wounded within families of faith and encourage and equip them through a lens of hope and healing. Through his own personal experiences as well as insightful lessons God has taught him throughout his journey, our prayer is that today’s episode would help you begin to takes steps toward healing in knowing that although people will hurt us, we cannot let that affect or infect our view of God and the church He loves. Matt’s New Single, “Church Hurt”: https://youtu.be/B1MSiZfCw4c Matt’s FREE 7-Day Devotional, “Life After Church Hurt”: http://matthammitt.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Let’s face it. For most of us, prayer is a struggle. We know we should pray. Deep down, we have some sense that it would be good for us—that it would help us be more grounded, more connected to God. But in the busyness of our hurried lives, slowing down to pray can often feel like a cosmic waste of time. We begin asking questions such as:-Do our prayers even matter?-Why does it so often feel like there’s no one on the other end of the line?-What, if anything, is truly happening when we pray?-Are we having words with God or just words with ourselves?In today’s episode and in his new book, Words with God, Addison Bevere invites you deeper into the tension of prayer—the struggles, the doubts, the answers—the divine wrestling of it all. In this fast-paced and fragmented world, you’ll discover how prayer is the only way to put it all back together. Throughout history, the people of God have been known as those who wrestle with him. There are no formulas. God doesn’t fit in our boxes. He can’t be pinned down. But he invites us to know him by contending with him. Authentically. Honestly. Here. Now.Link to Addison’s new book, Words with God: https://addisonbevere.com/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Joining us today on the Built Different Podcast is a dear friend of ours here at the American Association of Christian Counselors as she’s been a headline speaker at several of our Extraordinary Women’s Events throughout the years, Alli Worthington! Besides being a renowned speaker at conferences, business events, and nonprofit gatherings, Alli is also a best-selling author; business coach and consultant for individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies; as well as the host of her weekly podcast titled, “The Alli Worthington Show.” Additionally, some of her greatest joys include being a wife to her husband, Mark, and being the mother of 5 incredible boys who make sure her life is never boring! However, even in the midst of the craziness and chaos of wearing several different hats, Alli is passionate about encouraging, empowering, and pushing others closer to the heart of God. In today’s episode Alli vulnerably shares some of the challenges she’s experienced over the last several years and how through the fire, God has forged a fierce faith within her, built and developed dreams rooted in her purpose, and propelled her into a deeper love for the life she has been given. There may be a lie that you’ve been listening to or believing that makes you think that isn’t possible for you, but our prayer is that through today’s episode you would be encouraged to step up and step out in faith for the abundantly more that God has prepared for YOU too!Alli’s website: https://alliworthington.com/ Link to Alli’s Brand New Book - REMAINING YOU WHILE RAISING THEM: THE SECRET ART OF CONFIDENT MOTHERHOOD: https://alliworthington.com/remaining-you-while-raising-them  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can you believe it’s already the last week of May? It’s absolutley crazy how fast time is flying this year! That being said, we are in our final episode of our Mental Health Awareness Series here on the podcast, but trust me when I say, I think I saved one of, if not, the most important topics for last. Today we’re going to be talking all about BOUNDARIES. Let’s be honest, one of the great challenges in life for pretty much everyone is the ability to set and actually implement healthy boundaries and to discern when to say yes and when or even how to say no. Thankfully, Joining us today is a man that is not only a dear friend to all of us here at the American Association of Christian Counselors, but he’s also a leading voice on the topic of Boundaries, Dr. John Townsend. Many of you may be familiar with John’s work as he and Dr. Henry Cloud had the incredible opportunity of collaborating together to write the New York Times best-selling book titled Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, to Take Control of your life. But beyond that incredible work, John has written several other best-sellers such as People Fuel, Leading From Your Gut, and the Entitlement Cure. He’s a business consultant, leadership coach, and psychologist. He’s a man who has over 20 years of experience in meeting and engaging with leaders, organizations, and individuals all around the globe to help offer them life-changing solutions to their problems. He hosts his own online live video call-in program called, Dr. Townsend Live and is the cohost of the exploding nationally-syndicated talk show “NEW LIFE LIVE.” And then in addition to all of those incredible feats and endeavors, John spends a lot of his time developing others through the Townsend Leadership Program and the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. That being said, in and throughout our conversation today, you’ll have the opportunity of gleaning so much from his wealth of knowledge and wisdom and to more fully understand what boundaries are, why it’s so difficult to implement them, and healthy ways in which we can begin saying no and setting boundaries through understanding that boundaries are biblical and that they actually help us not only love ourselves but also others more deeply and effectively.  Dr. John Townsend’s website: https://drtownsend.com/ (Book) Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life - https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/B072C64V1L/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580744465664&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9011800&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14117254222577274583&hvtargid=kwd-1236754715&hydadcr=8262_13500864&keywords=boundaries+by+townsend&qid=1684940678&sr=8-1Townsend Leadership Program:  https://drtownsend.com/townsend-leadership-program/ Townsend Institute for Leadership & Counseling: https://www.cui.edu/townsend Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Joining us today as we continue in our Mental Health Awareness Series is a renowned psychiatrist and true friend of us here at the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dr. Curt Thompson! Inspired by deep compassion for others and informed from a Christian perspective, Dr. Curt loves sharing fresh insights and practical applications for developing more authentic relationships and fully experiencing our deepest longing: to be known. However, we unfortunately live in a culture and society that equates brokenness with embarrassment and humiliation. Although this could not be further from the truth, this lie promotes a sense of hiddenness within many that when left unexplored can form into what I believe is one of the main things that prohibits us from allowing ourselves to be fully seen and known which is that of SHAME. Today, Dr. Curt is going to take us on a journey of better understanding the soul of shame and what can happen when shame takes root in our hearts and minds… With the use of a considerable dose of warmth and humor, coupled together with an understanding of interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) and a Christian view of what it means to be human — Dr. Curt educates and encourages us to seek to fulfill our intrinsic desire to feel known, valued and connected. He understands that deep, authentic relationships are essential to experiencing a healthier, more purposeful life — but the only way to realize this is to begin telling our stories more truly. Our prayer is that this conversation would help you process your deepest longings, your grief, your shame, your identity, your purpose, and your perspective of both God and humanity… and by doing so we pray that it would invite you to engage more authentically with your own story and the relationships God has placed in your life. Only then can you feel truly known and connected and live in the meaningful reality you desire to create.Dr. Curt Thompson’s website: https://curtthompsonmd.com/ (Book) The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves - https://amzn.to/3Mj9Nyo (Book) The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community - https://amzn.to/3MMKPJ1  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we are navigating our way through this Mental Health Awareness Series, it can be easy to get lost or even overwhelmed by the stats and many challenges and complexities we find ourselves in. But just because we find ourselves in a mess does not mean that God has messed up. Therefore, today we are going to be looking at what it takes to OVERCOME. Joining us this week for an incredibly powerful conversation is Senior Pastor at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL and Creedmoor, NC, Pastor Tim Timberlake! Tim is also a graduate of Pistis School of Ministry in Detroit, MI and he’s the author of the best-selling books – Abandoned, The Power of 1440, and his Brand New book that just released TODAY titled “The Art of Overcoming: Letting God Turn Your Endings into Beginnings!” What Pastor Tim wants to remind you of today in and throughout the words of this episode is that what may feel like an ending in your life does not mean that it is the end, and although you may find yourself in a painful season, God can use it to produce something good within you that will help you step into the season He has intentionally prepared for you. As he mentions, if pain is going to do anything, we should allow it to propel us. You were made to OVERCOME! Lastly, please help us in making sure Pastor Tim’s book, “The Art of Overcoming: Letting God Turn Your Endings into Beginnings” has one of the best launch days/weeks in history! This book is life giving, life changing, and I believe it will truly bless every reader in powerful ways. To purchase a copy of this book please visit: www.Theartofovercomingbook.com or if you want to purchase this book in bulk to work through it with your family, friends, coworkers, clients, patients, or Bible Study group, please visit this link: https://bulkbookstore.com/the-art-of-overcoming-letting-god-turn-your-endings-into-beginnings-9780785238959  Trust me, if you feel stuck, worried, discouraged, disappointed, or even defeated – This book will provide you with some incredible tips, tactics, and truths to OVERCOME! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Welcome back to our Mental Health Awareness Series! As many of you know, the month of May has been highlighted as Mental Health Awareness Month so we not only wanted to celebrate but also have some real conversations with some of the experts in the field who are on the front lines serving countless individuals that are struggling in the midst of the mental health disaster we find ourselves in. Let’s face it, due to the impact the last 3-4 years have had on everybody, it’s evident that people are exhausted, emotionally shot, and hurting. In fact, rates of anxiety, depression, and addiction are soaring to heights we’ve never seen before. However, even in the midst and severity of that, one of the most sobering things we’ve seen in the mental health space that not too many are acknowledging or talking about is the heartbreaking spike we are seeing in suicide especially among our kids as it has jumped to the 2nd leading cause of death for our teens. That is absolutely gut wrenching, and I believe it’s time we start talking about and addressing this issue.  That being said, in today’s episode we are going to have a real conversation about suicide with one of the leading experts in trauma and crisis work who has been an integral pioneering leader for us here at the American Association of Christian Counselors, Jennifer Ellers! Jennifer is a Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Crisis Response Trainer, author, and renowned speaker! She speaks extensively and provides training, counseling, and coaching in the field of grief, crisis, and trauma work and she is especially known for her work in and passion for developing faith-based suicide prevention training programs! In and throughout this episode, Jennifer not only shares her story about what really propelled her into the profession and field, but she also takes us on a journey of how we can better recognize, respond to, and refer individuals who are struggling with suicidal ideation in order to receive the best and most effective care and counsel possible! Our prayer is that after today’s conversation you would be educated, equipped, and encouraged to join us in the midst of this fight as we come alongside of the broken and faint of heart. Remember, God loves to use people through which He channels his messages of help, hope, and encouragement. Be sure to check out these incredible resources below as well, and DO NOT MISS the incredible resource we are gifting you in our Hope Focused 3R Suicide Prevention Training Program found  in the bottom link! This is an in depth training led by Jennifer where she goes deeper into the ways in which we can better RECOGNIZE the problem, risk factors, and warning signs of suicide, RESPOND to someone who is suicidal, as well as REFER and get someone the help they need when necessary. We offer 2 incredible trainings – one for adults and one for youth that are typically the value of $200 – but because of the pressing need we are seeing in our country today and in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we have decided to bundle these and offer them both to you for ONLY $50! We pray that you would consider joining us in this fight!  SAFE-T Pocket Card: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAFE-T-Pocket-Card-Suicide-Assessment-Five-Step-Evaluation-and-Triage-for-Clinicians/sma09-4432 Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Suicide Treatment Training: https://cams-care.com/Hope Focused “3R” Suicide Prevention Training Program (Adult & Youth Bundle): https://www.lightuniversity.com/cart/?add-to-cart=211967  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There’s no secret it’s been a wild couple of years. From the COVID lockdowns, loss, loneliness, racial tensions and trauma, rioting, sexual abuse explosion, election mess, race for a vaccine, the vaccine rollout, big tech suppression, censorship, Afghanistan, Ukraine, inflation, money stress, parental rights challenges, abortion/life battles, Fentanyl/Substance abuse crisis, rash of shootings, crime explosion, transgender identity and ideology storm, the midterm elections, etc... We now have a mental health disaster going on. People are exhausted and emotionally shot with stress and anxiety, depression, and even suicidality, especially among our kids, soaring to heights we’ve never seen. Most are angry, confused, and searching for help, hope, and encouragement. Even more, before the pandemic, statistics showed that nearly 1 in 5 (20%) people live with a mental illness in their lifetime, but now rates of nearly every mental health category have skyrocketed. Therefore, in response to the craziness and chaos we’ve been experiencing around the world, we here at the Built Different Podcast wanted to acknowledge and recognize the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month by embarking on a Mental Health Awareness Series where we will be having conversations with several mental/emotional health experts to shed light on the challenges and difficulties many face while also encouraging and equipping our listeners with practical tips and strategies we can begin implementing to increase our mental and brain hygiene. That being said, joining us today to kick off this series is a renowned and leading Licensed Professional Counselor, Speaker, Teacher, and incredible Author, Dr. Mark Mayfield. In today’s episode Dr. Mayfield briefly shares his impactful testimony as well as takes a deep dive into his new book that will be releasing next week on May 9th, titled The Path to Wholeness: Managing Emotions, Finding Healing, and Becoming Our Best Selves. This conversation will remind you of the importance of embracing, experiencing, and expressing your emotions as well as viewing them as invitations or indicators from the Lord. You’re not going to want to miss this powerful episode!Be sure to check out Dr. Mayfield’s new book “The Path to Wholeness” Here: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Wholeness-Managing-Emotions-Becoming/dp/1641585315 Dr. Mark Mayfield’s website with more books and resources: https://www.drmayfield.com/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most of you know I have a deep love for those who have served, those who serve, and for their families who support and pray for them along the way. I come from a strong line of military patriots and was taught early on that ‘Freedom wasn’t free....that it has a price.’ Take a walk through Arlington cemetery sometime if you have never done it like I’ve been able to do with my dad and it will deeply impact you. I’ve also learned through the years as a counselor the toll and impact that serving and war in particular can have on people. I’ve sat face to face with individuals that have witnessed some significant atrocities of war that have scarred them deeply and how difficult it can be to then embace the process of coming back home and reintegrating oneself into civilian life. I’ve learned that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is real, and that many of our wounded HEROS struggle with loneliness, homelessness, and even suicide. Thankfully, during today’s conversation, you are going to hear a very moving and at times graphic story of one of America’s most decorated and finest military patriots and heros, Chad Robichaux. Chad is a former Force Recon Marine and DoD contractor with 8 deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command Task Force. And although this man understands service and sacrifice, he also is no stranger to adversity. During today’s episode we will be going on a journey into the heart, mind, soul, and story of a man who has experienced brokenness yet found wholeness is an unwavering God. Thankfully, by the grace of God, Chad is now being used in a mighty way as a warrior in the Kingdom of God having started both the Mighty Oaks Foundation and the Save Our Allies non-profit - two incredible ministries that help and rescue dozens of military veterans as well as American allies and vulnerable people trapped in Afghanistan. If you are feeling led to give and help support financially, or even if you just want to learn more about these incredible missions and join the team of prayer warriors, please visit the links or check out some of Chad’s incredible resources below:Mighty Oaks Foundation: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/ Save Our Allies: https://saveourallies.org/ (Book) Saving Aziz: How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban - https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Aziz-Mission-Calling-Thousands/dp/1400238137 (Book) An Unfair Advantage: Victory in the Midst of Battle - https://www.amazon.com/Unfair-Advantage-Victory-Midst-Battle-ebook/dp/B08G8Y8M5X/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Joining us on the podcast this week is NFL Hall of Fame safety and one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, Brian Dawkins! Although Brian’s 16-year NFL career where he earned 9 trips to the Pro Bowl and First Team All Pro honors 5 times is most definitely something to talk about, today’s conversation will revolve around lessons Brian learned about leadership growing up, mental health challenges and adversity he faced throughout his career, and how his faith in Christ has helped him navigate and overcome every obstacle he’s come up against! The ultimate reminder Brian leaves us with is that with the right Perspective, Your Pain can become your Greatest Purpose! We pray you would be encouraged by the hope and motivation Brian leaves us with today!Click this link to check out all the incredible things Brian continues to do through his ministry and foundation HERE: https://briandawkins.com/ Click this link to register today for next year’s 2024 Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend to hear Brian speak in person alongside of Tim Tebow, Craig Groeschel, Tim Timberlake, and more: https://www.ignitemen.net Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.