Got Church Hurt? - Touchy Subjects Podcast

Episode 2

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Published on:

6th Aug 2023

Got Church Hurt?

In this episode of the Touchy Subjects Podcast, we delve into the sensitive topics of spiritual abuse, religious trauma, and church hurt. Erin shares her personal experiences and observations from her extensive work in various churches, shedding light on the need for change in church culture to create a safe space for everyone. The episode emphasizes the importance of education around mental health for church leaders and the necessity of building a more inclusive and affirming church culture.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

  • Understanding Church Hurt: Erin clarifies that church hurt is not merely about petty disagreements but rather religious trauma and spiritual abuse, which affects many church leaders as well.
  • Addressing Mental Health Education: The lack of education around mental health in theological programs is discussed, highlighting the need for church leaders to be trained in recognizing and supporting people's mental health needs.
  • Volunteers and Staff Burnout: Erin emphasizes the importance of treating volunteers with care, providing proper training and tools to avoid burnout. She also addresses the issue of staff members being used and abused due to high production demands.
  • Setting Healthy Boundaries: Encouragement is given to establish boundaries to protect mental well-being and avoid church hurt. Erin shares her personal journey of realizing she didn't have to tolerate abuse in her church position.
  • Building a Welcoming Church Culture: The episode emphasizes the significance of a church being a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, regardless of their background, gender identity, or sexuality. Church leaders are urged to foster a culture of kindness and affirmation.
  • Embracing Change for a Better Future: To stop the mass exodus of people leaving the church, the episode emphasizes the need for churches to change their culture and become more accepting, encouraging, and open to questions.

For more information about the Touchy Subjects podcast and how to get involved, visit their website at www.letstalktouchysubjects.com or follow them on Instagram at @LetsTalkTouchySubjects.

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About the Podcast

Touchy Subjects Podcast
The Touchy Subjects Podcast has been designed to unpack the proverbial elephants in the Church- i.e. the topics no one wants to talk about! We want to create space for an open dialogue on issues like social justice, mental health, women in leadership, homosexuality, legalism, and more. 

The panelists that are speaking on this podcast have been intentionally chosen to tell their story from their perspective without censorship. Some panelists are pastors or church leaders, some panelists are deconstructing their faith, and some panelists are subject matter experts on a topic whose guidance can help this audience.

Our mission is not to expose the Church, but to have conversations that will open eyes, open ears and open hearts toward growth, healing, and unity.

More information can be found about the Touchy Subjects Podcast at http://www.letstalktouchysubjects.com" rel="noopener">www.letstalktouchysubjects.com. 
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About your host

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Erin Billings

Erin is the owner of CLIQ Management, a luxury done-for-you content creation and media management services agency. Erin gained her expertise working in the music industry for over ten years as a professional musician, music director, and producer working with artists from American Idol, The Voice, and Tony and Grammy Award-winning artists.

As a pastor's kid and church music director for over 15 years, Erin witnessed great things as well as experienced tumultuous times in the church, which led to her deconstructing her faith. Because of this, she has started the Touchy Subjects Podcast.