Gen Z On Church Hurt

Real Life Theology Podcast

Gen Z and Church Hurt: Healing and Accountability in Faith

“Today’s episode will help us understand and navigate the complexities of church hurt, emphasizing the importance of accountability, mental health, and supportive community within the church.”

In this compelling episode of the Real Life Theology Podcast, host Reagan Grace Gibbs and her cousin Joel tackle the nuanced topic of 'church hurt' among Gen Z. They share personal stories and discuss the complex balance between church accountability and genuine trauma. Through exploring ministry challenges, maintaining boundaries in ministry families, and dealing with judgment and hurtful rumors, this episode provides insights aimed at healing and understanding. Listeners are encouraged to discern God's true voice, respect the church as the bride of Christ, and find supportive leadership on their personal growth journey. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for those affected by 'church hurt.'

Follow Reagan on Social Media @thereagangrace

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Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Real Life Theology Podcast
07:04 Defining Church Hurt
14:17 Preacher's Kid Expectations
15:32 Setting Healthy Boundaries in Ministry
27:16 Church Hurt and Teen Pregnancy
37:53 Gossip in the Church
39:48 Projecting Church Hurt
47:23 When to Leave a Church
51:30 Dealing with Trauma in Church
54:47 The Impact of Hurtful Words
01:01:45 Discerning Relationships
01:11:58 Final Thoughts and Prayer
Subscribe to the Real Life Theology Podcast: https://reallifetheologypodcast.podbean.com/

Other podcasts by RENEW.org:
– Scripture in Black and White: https://scriptureinblackandwhite.podbean.com/
– Step into Scripture: https://stepintoscripture.podbean.com/

Check out RENEW.org for resources on theology and disciple making.

See below for a longer description:
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The podcast episode goes into the topic of church hurt from the perspective of Generation Z. Hosted by Reagan Grace Gibbs, a student ministry director and social media influencer, the episode features a conversation with her cousin Joel, the worship minister at Ekklesia. They both share a personal and professional passion for the topic.
Reagan starts the episode with lighthearted questions to Joel, easing into the heavier discussion on church hurt. They discuss the widespread use of the term "church hurt," especially among Gen Z, and differentiate it from the necessary accountability within the church.

Joel reflects on his past misunderstandings of accountability, and Reagan emphasizes the importance of addressing members' sins out of love. They highlight the unrealistic expectations placed on pastors' kids and stress the need for boundaries to protect mental health in leadership roles.
The episode addresses the projection of church hurt onto others and cautions against letting negative experiences discourage finding a church community. Reagan and Joel discuss the stress faced by church leaders and the importance of setting boundaries.

Joel explains the difference between true conviction and church hurt, emphasizing that loving correction should not be seen as harm. They also discuss when it might be appropriate to leave a church, advising against leaving due to personal hurt unless the church is doctrinally unsound.
Reagan shares a listener's story about trauma in the church, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. The episode concludes with a discussion on distinguishing between toxic influences and those needing correction, and Joel offers a prayer for healing and restoration.

Throughout the episode, Reagan and Joel provide theological insights, personal stories, and practical advice to foster healing and understanding, emphasizing community, accountability, and a strong relationship with God.

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