HOPE FOR THE AGORA

Bonnie Gallant shares the importance women caring for women and the need for the women's conference coming May 2,3.Cultivate Women's Conference Link The Puzzler's PodcastBonnie Gallant is the cofounder of Agora Network Ministries and co-author of The Beautiful Strokes of God.

Welcome to season 6 of Hope for the Agora Podcast.Karen Kleine Deters shares her story of journeying with FND -- Functional Neurologic Disorder.Functional neurologic disorder (FND) refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself, as seen in many other neurological disorders. Physical symptoms of FND are genuine but cannot be explained by changes in the brain structure. The exact cause of FND is unknown.Resources:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Functional Neurological Disorder Information Page. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurological-disorderStone, J., Carson, A., & Sharpe, M. (2005). Functional symptoms and signs in neurology: assessment and diagnosis. *Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 76*(Suppl I), i2–i12. https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/76/suppl_1/i2Support & Awareness OrganizationsFND Hope International – https://fndhope.orgThe Functional Neurological Disorder Society (FNDS) – https://www.fndsociety.orgMayo Clinic: Functional Neurological Disorder – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/conversion-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355197Podscasts and storiesNeurology Podcast by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) – https://www.aan.com/podcastFND Portal Podcast (FND Hope International) – https://fndhope.org/fnd-portal-podcast

Our podcast host, Allen Kleine Deters shares an intimate personal story of his mental health journey as he dealt with a broken marriage, bladder cancer, the challenges of ministry and more…. The quote Allen shares from a course he took, is attributed to Dr. Danjuma Gibson, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. Allen is the Pastor of Congregational Life at Northend Church in St. Catharines, ON.  He focuses on discipleship in everyday life, Life Groups, Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction. northendchurch.ca

Todd Bymoen has been on a journey for many years with Bipolar Disorder. Listen as he shares this true story of faith, perseverance, and being humbled time and time again. The challenges have helped to grow his faith and relationship with others by teaching him to be vulnerable and trust God's will for his life. Todd wrote about his journey in his book 11-09: Shedding Light on My Faith and Mental Health Journey. Find it on Amazon

Allen speaks with Dr. Grant Mullen, psychotherapist, author and speaker. Everyone struggles with their moods, but what if those moods seem to get regularly out of hand or control. This encouraging conversation is an encouragement to understand and know the next steps to get support and resources. Website: drgrantmullen.com. Change How You Think. Book: Emotionally Free HERE

Allen and Nicole discuss the issues surrounding youth mental health and suicide amongst teens. Nicole gives some direction to help all of us but especially youth and their parents have open conversations around the struggle. Guest: Nicole Smith, founder and director of UR Worth More. Link: https://urworthmore.com/index.html

Understanding trauma is key to finding healing. Join Allen and Catherine as they unpack ways to recognize trauma as it affects one's health and spiritual wellness, and how to unlearn poor coping strategies. ICF CERTIFIED TRAUMA INFORMED LIFE COACH - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS, PURPOSE, PASSION, HEALING & TRANSFORMATION https://www.facebook.com/legacycoachcatherine  www.catherinegillard.com CERTIFIED MASTER FACILITATOR - TRAUMA HEALING INSTITUTE  https://traumahealinginstitute.org/TRAUMA HEALING LEAD:AGORA NETWORK MINISTRIEShttps://agoranetworkministries.com/ The Puzzlers Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-puzzlers/id1744822116

New podcast host Allen Kleine Deters is joined by Allan Gallant, Director of Agora Network Ministries to discuss stress, it's effects and how to manage day to day stress. Agora Christian Support Line for Mental Health 905-385-2275

Evan and Amanda discuss from Lacy's latest book, "Faith Like a Child" Embracing our lives as children of God. Lacy serves as the Student Care Coordinator for the Renovaré Institute. She teaches classes on children's spirituality and spiritual direction with children through the Companioning Center. Books by Lacy https://renovare.org/people/lacy-borgo/books

Terra McDaniel talks about lament, grief, mental wellness, best practices, and more. Terra McDaniel is a spiritual director and author whose latest book, Hopeful Lament, offers Biblical and practical insight on journeying through grief.  LINKS: terramcdaniel.com Instagram: @terramcdaniel 

Sam Eaton talks about his own journey and struggles with suicide, how his faith brought him healing, and his ministry, Recklessly Alive.  Sam Eaton is a speaker and author focused on building a world with zero suicides.  LINKS: recklesslyalive.com

Evan speaks with Bonnie Gallant, co-founder of Agora Network Ministries. Listen as Bonnie discusses her journey as a caregiver to her husband Allan when he suffered a stroke and mental health breakdown. Bonnie shares practical advice and insights as to how to take care of yourself and how others can help the caregiver. Links: agoranetworkministries.com

Linda talks youth and mental health, the link between social media/screens and youth mental health, what parents need to know, and best practices. Guest Information: Maddy is a psychotherapist practicing in the Niagara Falls, ON area. LINKS: Instagram: @mm.counselling.toronto

Linda talks about grief, how to process and deal with grief, types of grief, and a Christian approach to ministry for and with those grieving. Guest Information: Linda is a Marriage and Family Counsellor and Pastoral Counsellor with 20 years of experience counselling individuals, couples, and families. LINKS: Linda can be reached for an appointment by calling 289-442-8056, or email, lindalambert107@gmail.com

Catherine talks about her story, her work as a coach, the nature of trauma, how churches and individuals can be agents of healing, and more. Guest Information: Catherine Gillard is a life coach who helps people and groups achieve healing and breakthrough from trauma, grief, and pain. LINKS: www.catherinegillard.com

Dr. Blackwood talks about anxiety and teens, his work as a coach and mental health professional, and the topic of resilience Dr. Andrew Blackwood is a mental health professional, coach, and professional communicator LINKS: www.coachdrew.ca

This podcast focuses on the value and necessity for a ministry like Agora Network Ministries to the local church. The team shares about personal journeys and professional care needed, and how Agora helps churches address the stigma and mental health needs in the church. Guests are Allan & Bonnie Gallant, Sue Montgomery, and Leah Jeffery. Allan and Bonnie started the ministry and Sue and Leah, both mental health professionals are on the Board of Directors. Links: agoranetworkministries.com Allan and Bonnie's book, The Beautiful Strokes of God.

SYNOPSIS: Dr. Hall talks about his new book, The Connected Self. What connection is, why it is important, how to foster deeper connection within the scope of the Christian life. Dr. Todd Hall is professor of psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. LINKS: www.connectedlifebook.com www.drtoddhall.com

Trauma and the Christian's Response Guest Name: Dr. Heather Davediuk Gingrich Guest Information: Dr. Heather Davediuk Gingrich is professor of counseling at Denver Seminary and a therapist in private practice. She is the author of several books and a leading expert in trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD. LINKS: https://www.ivpress.com/heather-davediuk-gingrich SYNOPSIS: Dr. Davediuk Gingrich talks about her book, Restoring the Shattered Self: A Christian Counselor's Guide to Complex Trauma. She defines terms such as trauma and PTSD, what some symptoms are, how the church, particularly lay persons, can companion and help those who have experienced trauma.

Hiser shares how to cultivate resilience - what it is, best practices, etc. Website: www.bethanydearbornhiser.com To purchase her book, visit www.agoranetworkministries.com and click on “shop.”

TRIGGER WARNING: The content may be difficult for some as the episode deals with incest, abuse, abortion, suicide, and other trauma. Guests: Kathy Isaac & Joanie Brusseau Kathy and Joanie share their stories about abuse, trauma, and hope and healing found in Jesus Christ. SYNOPSIS: This episode deals with difficult topics such as incest, abuse, abortion, suicide, and trauma. It is centered primarily on Joanie's story, which Kathy wrote about in the book Don't Tell: Finding Home After Family Betrayal. Both speak of the restoration they found and continue to find in their faith. LINKS: Book: Don't Tell: Finding Home After Family Betrayal. Written by Kathy Isaac Website: www.kathyisaac.com

Allan Gallant gives an update on what's been happening at Agora Network Ministries, especially during the pandemic, exciting developments and resources, as well as the upcoming Agora Academy. Allan is the creator and Executive Director or Agora Network Ministries. Link: agoranetworkministries.com

SYNOPSIS: This episode is a conversation with Laura Bruno about her course offering through Agora Academy and the role of the church/faith in mental wellness. Laura Bruno is a mental health therapist and instructor in Southern Ontario; she is a member of the Agora Network Ministries board and an instructor with Agora Academy. LINKS: Website: instagram.com/kaizen.counsellor

Pastor Kevin Riley is pastor of Mount Baker Presbyterian Church in Concrete, Washington. In this episode, Pastor Kevin talks to Evan about his own journey from addiction to recovery and ministry, and how the church can engage with people on the margins, those struggling with addiction, on their journey to wellness. Website: www.mountbakerpres.org Podcast: holdfastpodcast.org

Evan talks with Rev. Dr. Matt Reynolds about discipleship, what it is, how to engage greater discipleship in the church, and how it intersects with mental health. Rev. Dr. Matt Reynolds is the president of Spirit and Truth and lead pastor of Stillwater Church in Ohio. spiritandtruth.life #mentalwellness #mentalhealth #discipleship #mattreynolds #spiritandtruth

Lyn is an integrative wellness coach with Hope Wellness Services and is the author of Hope for the Hopeless: Freedom From Anxiety and Depression is Possible. Website: https://www.hopewellnessservices.ca

Bethany Dearborn Hiser is the director of soul care for Northwest Family Life, a network of therapists trained to work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma. She is a bilingual social worker, chaplain, and pastoral advocate, and she is the author of From Burned Out to Beloved: Soul Care for Wounded Healers. She lives with her family in Seattle, Washington. Website: www.bethanydearbornhiser.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Burned-Out-Beloved-Wounded-Healers/dp/0830847952/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Bethany+Dearborn+Hiser&qid=1620931833&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVTQxRkFYV1lGUEw0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTc2MjQzMjVWUUZVVTIzNTk1TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzgwNDQzMllWNkRIT0dTUTNFVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Dr. Mike Hutchings is Director of Education for Global Awakening. He is the author of Supernatural Freedom from the Captivity of Trauma, and is the founder and director of God Heals PTSD Foundation, a ministry that provides education, training, resources and awareness events that equip and educate to give treatment and restoration to those who have experienced trauma that continues to impact their present lives. He lives with his wife, Roxanne, in Pennsylvania. Website: www.godhealsptsd.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0768446279?pf_rd_r=9WNEK65Y12V46G18DGMN&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=5468b2fe-4fa6-452b-a063-afe4f4ba1f64&pd_rd_w=hXjA6&pd_rd_wg=7gky2&ref_=pd_gw_unk PTSD Prayer Model Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjYGhg-4fA

Evan speaks with Rev. Dr. Stephen Rankin about spiritual maturity, discipleship and the relationship to our mental health. ABOUT STEPHEN RANKIN: Founding Director, Spiritual Maturity Project www.spiritualmaturityproject.org Book: Aiming at Maturity: The Goal of the Christian Life https://www.amazon.com/Aiming-Maturity-Goal-Christian-Life/dp/1610972465/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Stephen+rankin&qid=1616435905&sr=8-5 Twitter: @stephenwrankin

Dr. Evan talks with Brett Ullman about his personal mental health journey, making the church more open to mental health conversations, best practices for family mental health, and more.... Brett says his writing and speaking focuses on "Connecting our ancient faith with our mental world." You can access YouTube videos, books, and social media from his website. website: www.brettullman.com

Evan chats with Dr. Peter Bellini about his work in mental health and the church, his books and ministry. Guest: Rev. Dr. Peter J. Bellini. He is the Associate Professor of Evangelization in the Heisel Chair at United Theological Seminary. We discuss his books, his ministry, and mental wellness & the church. Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-J-Bellini/e/B003HC5PYO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1616427159&sr=8-1 United website: https://united.edu/faculty-directory/peter-j-bellini/

Allan and Bonnie Gallant have a conversation with Evan Rohrs-Dodge, the new host of Hope For The Agora podcast. Evan shares his heart and deep concerns for the mental wellness of all God's children. Evan's Bio: Evan Rohrs-Dodge is an ordained elder in the Greater New Jersey Conference of The United Methodist Church. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine, a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. He is the senior pastor of Belvidere United Methodist Church in Belvidere, NJ, where he lives with his wife Amanda, also a United Methodist pastor, and his three children, Amelia, Auden, and Beatrice. Evan also serves on the editorial board of Firebrand magazine (www.firebrandmag.com). He enjoys reading, being outdoors, and exploring live recordings of the Grateful Dead. He is currently working on a book on a Wesleyan approach to inner healing, utilizing John Wesley's via salutis, or Way of Salvation, and Wesley's treatment of the imago Dei, as a paradigm for constructing such a ministry.

Join Allan, founder and Executive Director of Agora Network Ministries and Laura Howe the founder of Hope Made Strong ministry as they dialogue on what compassion fatigue is and how we can renew ourselves. Understand that compassion fatigue is not a bad thing, it highlights the hazards of being a care giver. Laura will be sharing a critical webinar on Thursday, February 25th at 7:00 called Finding hope in helping. On this show page you can download her burnout and fatigue assessment. A great tool to help you along your healing journey. Webinar link - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/finding-hope-in-helping-tickets-140127602431 email - laura@hopemadestrong.org website - https://hopemadestrong.org/ Link to Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Assessment: https://www.findinghopeinhelping.org/quiz

Surprisingly pastors are not too good with their own soul care. Many pastors feel driven by the tyranny of ministry or everyone else's urgency — or at least what they think is most urgent. How we take care of our bodies and our mental and emotional state through healthy lifestyle is very important. But, perhaps even more important is the condition of our soul. Often the unresolved and unhealed wounds of our lives fester and infect everything soul allowing Jesus to bring healing into those wounds is crucial in daily disciple living. Allen talks with Cathy Gates, Director of Thrive Ministries, a ministry to support pastors. https://thriveministries.ca/ Cathy mentioned a sacred pathways assessment to help you understand yourself better in light of what ways you best communicate with God. That is not to say that others are not just as important, but some naturally lend themselves to going deeper with the Lord. Sacred Pathways came from a book of the same name written by Gary Thomas Free Assessment here

Surprisingly pastors are not too good with their own soul care. Many pastors feel driven by the tyranny of ministry or everyone else's urgency -- or at least what they think is most urgent. How we take care of our bodies and our mental and emotional state through healthy lifestyle is very important. But, perhaps even more important is the condition of our soul. Often the unresolved and unhealed wounds of our lives fester and infect everything soul allowing Jesus to bring healing into those wounds is crucial in daily disciple living. Allen talks with Cathy Gates, Director of Thrive Ministries, a ministry to support pastors. https://thriveministries.ca

Our topic is how a Parish nurse can impact and assist the local church in care of body, soul and spirit. Shannon Pharaoh is a mental health nurse, serving as a Parish nurse in a local church in Guelph, ON. She is also a ministry team coordinator with Agora in the Caregiving support role.

Allen and Chuck DeGroat have a focused conversation about what narcissism looks like in systems, particularly the church and the pain it causes. Chuck DeGroat is Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and Senior Fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. He is an author (numerous books), speaker, consultant, and therapist. His book, When Narcissism Comes to Church is getting great reviews while the topic is a conversation that has been a long time coming. Grab a copy on Amazon. SUPPORT FOR OUR MINISTRY:Help keep our radio programming and podcasts going with a donation, either one time or monthly. Go to agoranetworkministries.com and click the donation link. Let us know what you're supporting. As always, we encourage you if you are struggling with your mental health and are in crisis to call the mental health hotline. Someone with proper training will listen and guide you toward a healthy response. If you are considering suicide please contact a friend and call the SUICIDE HOTLINE …and contact your counsellor or therapist immediately. In Canada Call the crisis hotline 1.833.456.4566 | Text 45645 or go to crisisservicescanada.ca In the United States call 911 or 1-800-784-2433 or go to suicide.org for numbers in your area

Allen and Chuck DeGroat have a focused conversation about what narcissism looks like in a pastor or church leader. Chuck DeGroat is Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary, Holland MI, and Senior Fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. He is an author (numerous books), speaker, consultant, and therapist. His book, When Narcissism Comes to Church is getting great reviews while the topic is a conversation that has been a long time coming. SUPPORT FOR OUR MINISTRY:Help keep our radio programming and podcasts going with a donation, either one time or monthly. Go to agoranetworkministries.com and click the donation link. Let us know what you're supporting. As always, we encourage you if you are struggling with your mental health and are in crisis to call the mental health hotline. Someone with proper training will listen and guide you toward a healthy response. If you are considering suicide please contact a friend and call the SUICIDE HOTLINE …and contact your counsellor or therapist immediately. In Canada Call the crisis hotline 1.833.456.4566 | Text 45645 or go to crisisservicescanada.ca In the United States call 911 or 1-800-784-2433 or go to suicide.org for numbers in your area

Allan Gallant speaks with Dr. Grant Mullen about overcoming fear and the emotional pain that drives it. Dr. Mullen is the author of Emotionally Free and has developed an online course called Free Your Mind and found on his website, drgrantmullen.com SUPPORT FOR OUR MINISTRY:Help keep our radio programming and podcasts going with a donation, either one time or monthly. Go to agoranetworkministries.com and click the donation link. Let us know what you're supporting. As always, we encourage you if you are struggling with your mental health and are in crisis to call the mental health hotline. Someone with proper training will listen and guide you toward a healthy response. If you are considering suicide please contact a friend and call the SUICIDE HOTLINE …and contact your counsellor or therapist immediately. In Canada Call the crisis hotline 1.833.456.4566 | Text 45645 or go to crisisservicescanada.ca In the United States call 911 or 1-800-784-2433 or go to suicide.org for numbers in your area.

In this episode Allan and Bonnie have a conversation with Laura Bruno about the correlation between fear and suicide. Laura is a registered psychotherapist whose work includes crisis intervention. SUPPORT FOR OUR MINISTRY:Help keep our radio programming and podcasts going with a donation, either one time or monthly. Go to agoranetworkministries.com and click the donation link. Let us know what you're supporting. As always, we encourage you if you are struggling with your mental health and are in crisis to call the mental health hotline. Someone with proper training will listen and guide you toward a healthy response. If you are considering suicide please contact a friend and call the SUICIDE HOTLINE …and contact your counsellor or therapist immediately. In Canada Call the crisis hotline 1.833.456.4566 | Text 45645 or go to crisisservicescanada.ca In the United States call 911 or 1-800-784-2433 or go to suicide.org for numbers in your area.

Allan Gallant speaks about overcoming FEAR with Grace Gayle of Healing our Brokenness Ministries.

Pastors struggle with suicide ideology just like other people who may be struggling with their mental health. Allen has a conversation with Bart Campbell about the struggles pastors face in the church that also contribute to problems with their mental health and ways to deal with it. Bart has been working with people struggling with suicide and addictions for over 15 years. He is part of the Agora Network Ministries team and leads our Suicide Prevention training and Healthy Self-Esteem workshops. Our conversation went on for over an hour. This is PART 2 of that conversation. SUPPORT FOR OUR MINISTRY: Help keep our radio programming and podcasts going with a donation, either one time or monthly. Go to agoranetworkministries.com and click the donation link. Let us know what you're supporting. As always, we encourage you if you are struggling with your mental health and are in crisis to call the mental health hotline. Someone with proper training will listen and guide you toward a healthy response. If you are considering suicide please contact a friend and call the SUICIDE HOTLINE …and contact your counsellor or therapist immediately. In Canada Call the crisis hotline 1.833.456.4566 | Text 45645 or go to crisisservicescanada.ca In the United States call 911 or 1-800-784-2433 or go to suicide.org for numbers in your area.

Pastors struggle with suicide ideology just like other people who may be struggling with their mental health. Allen has a conversation with Bart Campbell about the struggles pastors face in the church that also contribute to problems with their mental health and ways to deal with it. Bart has been working with people struggling with suicide and addictions for over 15 years. He is part of the Agora Network Ministries team and leads our Suicide Prevention training and Healthy Self-Esteem workshops. This conversation continues past our 30 minute episode and can be found as Part 2 in our podcast play list. SUPPORT FOR OUR MINISTRY:Help keep our radio programming and podcasts going with a donation, either one time or monthly. Go to agoranetworkministries.com and click the donation link. Let us know what you're supporting. As always, we encourage you if you are struggling with your mental health and are in crisis to call the mental health hotline. Someone with proper training will listen and guide you toward a healthy response. If you are considering suicide please contact a friend and call the SUICIDE HOTLINE …and contact your counsellor or therapist immediately. In Canada Call the crisis hotline 1.833.456.4566 | Text 45645 or go to crisisservicescanada.ca In the United States call 911 or 1-800-784-2433 or go to suicide.org for numbers in your area.

Allan Gallant speaks with Larry McNab a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor from Kentucky who started a Christian-based support group for survivors of suicide.

September is Suicide Awareness month. Allan Gallant interviews Karen and Alicia Pental, a mother and daughter who found hope and healing by God's grace after the suicide of a son and brother. Their message is powerful and poignant.

Host Allen Kleine Deters speaks with Dr. Danjuma Gibson, a registered psychotherapist and professor of Pastoral Care at Calvin Theological Seminary regarding the traumas and stresses pastor's face and how stigma often keeps pastors from getting the mental health support they need.

Listen to Allan and Bonnie's journey through Allan's stroke and recovery. They share a clear message to the church and resources available to lead the church and individuals to supporting those struggling.

Allan and Bonnie talk openly and candidly about what it is like for a person struggling with depression in the church community. Stigma toward mental health is a key issue here.

Allan and Bonnie talk about their walk with depression and share practical ways to get help.

PASTOR TO PASTOR is part of the Hope For Agora podcast but focuses on the mental health of pastors and church leaders. In this episode Allen Kleine Deters, Pastor Care Coordinator of Agora Network Ministries shares his story of his own mental health journey as a pastor and God's work of healing and continued care.

Allan and Bonnie talk about why Agora Network Ministries exists, how it began and their concerns for the church. Agora Network ministries seeks to help the church deal with the stigma of mental health through EDUCATING, EQUIPPING AND ENGAGING. Be sure to check the website for information on events and resources for your church. agoranetworkministries.com