Spiritual Life and Leadership 282. The Cost of Bias in the Church, with Erin Devers, author of The Unbiased Self
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Bias isn’t always about the big, obvious issues. Sometimes it shows up in the subtle, everyday moments—like who we compliment, who we listen to, and how we respond to change. It’s part of being human, but as leaders, it’s our calling to become aware of those biases so we can lead with greater humility and clarity.
In this episode, Erin Devers, author of The Unbiased Self, shares the science behind bias, why it’s so hard to see in ourselves, and how anchoring our identity in Christ creates the freedom to lead—and live—in a much healthier and more effective way.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Bias is anything that prevents people from seeing reality accurately, not just issues of race or gender.
- Erin Devers describes a "cute" experiment where giving compliments—even insincerely—boosts happiness for both giver and receiver.
- People underestimate how enjoyable giving and receiving compliments will be, which shows a bias against social engagement.
- Erin Devers highlights that everyone has biases, and recognizing them is foundational to personal and spiritual growth.
- People have a "bias blind spot," making it much easier to see others' biases than their own.
- Erin Devers emphasizes Jesus’ teaching about removing the plank from one’s own eye as a reference to addressing personal bias.
- Self-esteem plays a major role in bias, as people spin stories to feel good about themselves, sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
- Attempts to feel right and to feel good about oneself are two core sources of bias in human thinking.
- Markus Watson connects the discussion to everyday church life, pointing out how bias impacts how pastors perceive congregants.
- Erin Devers explains that a secure identity as a child of God and sinner saved by grace allows Christians to pursue accuracy rather than always needing to be right.
- Rooting identity in something secure—whether faith-based or intrinsic human value—helps people approach disagreement with less defensiveness.
- Broadening perspective, such as considering larger life questions or relational values, helps reduce bias in emotionally charged situations.
- Erin Devers discusses the difference between fast thinking (quick, automatic judgments) and slow thinking (deliberate, reflective thought) and how both relate to bias.
- Habit formation and intentional practices like reducing social media can create space for deeper connection, reflection, and less biased engagement within communities.
- Markus Watson addresses how pastors identify which congregants will support or resist change, revealing how bias shapes leadership decisions.
- Erin Devers encourages church leaders to acknowledge the collective bias toward doing what is easiest when leading change, while grounding stability in God’s presence.
RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:
- Erin Devers, Indiana Wesleyan University
- Books mentioned:
- The Unbiased Self, by Erin Devers
- Related episodes:
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