The Better Samaritan Podcast

Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministry and Senior Vice President of Ministry Impact at the American Bible Society. Previously, she ran the Trauma Healing Institute at the American Bible Society. She spoke with Kent and Jamie about questions like: How do you define impact in ministry? What steps can local churches take to make sure they are helping victims of trauma—and not making things worse? What is normalized stress, and how can the church respond to it? Dr. Martin received her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she was the recipient of the Jones Prize in Music and the Swink Prize in Preaching. She also earned a Doctor of Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with an emphasis on African American Redemptive Leadership.Dr. Martin teaches courses in Ministry and Leadership Development at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, and has been inducted into the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.RESOURCES:Trauma Healing TrainingGenerational Trauma Healing“Virtual Healing Groups? One Expert Says It’s Possible” (written by Dr. Martin for the Better Samaritan blog)"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @nmassiemartin(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which Enneagram numbers are drawn to helping professions? Might trauma impact our Enneagram types? And how can we use the Enneagram to do good, better? Listen as Jamie (3) and Kent (number as yet unknown) interview Suzanne Stabile, often known as the ‘godmother’ of the enneagram, on these questions and more. Suzanne’s newest book, The Journey to Wholeness, explains what it means for certain numbers on the Enneagram to ‘move to’ other numbers in health—or in stress.RESOURCES:Suzanne’s websiteSuzanne’s books: The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships The Journey Toward Wholeness: Enneagram Wisdom for Stress, Balance, and Transformation "On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Learn more about earning a M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College—online or in-personThis episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @suzannestabile(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Participants at last year's virtual Spiritual First Aid Summit were totally captivated by one particular workshop. It was a free-writing exercise with Bethany D. Hiser, who refers to herself as a "recovering social justice workaholic." Hiser authored the book, "From Burned Out to Beloved: Soul Care for Wounded Healers."We decided to bring Hiser's workshop to you, our podcast listeners, for you to use anytime. The wonderful music accompaniment is provided by Aaron Andries, of "Graveyards to Gardens." (For more on Hiser's workshops, visit her website here.)You'll see in our recent episodes that we also have a Ten Minute Embodied Prayer by Liuan Huska. This is another great tool to use for a moment of peace, to reconnect with your body. For today's episode though, you might want to use a pen and journal.The Lord bless you and keep you this week. —Laura, Jamie & KentRESOURCES:Bethany Hiser's website"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchMusic by Aaron Andries of "Graveyards to Gardens"Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @bethanydhiser(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pastors can't stop talking about this recent article by Melissa Florer-Bixler, Raleigh Mennonite Church and the chair of L'Arche North Carolina. Nearly half of pastors under 45 have considered leaving ministry in the past year, along with much of the rest of the workforce—a phenomenon which seems to be unique to the U.S., for various reasons.Since Jamie conducted research on pastors who stayed in their communities after Hurricane Katrina, Kent sat down with the two of them to ask: What is the 'Great Resignation,' and why are pastors joining it? How do church communities survive disasters—from hurricanes to pandemics? Not all pastors are leaving ministry or retiring; for those who are staying, what is giving them strength? RESOURCES:Why Pastors are Joining the Great Resignation by Melissa Florer-Bixler“How to Have an Enemy: Righteous Anger and the Work of Peace” by Melissa Florer-BixlerHas the Pandemic Made Your Pastor Want to Quit? Probably. by Christa CordovaFour Keys for Church Leaders Surviving the Tension of Unprecedented Times by Aubrey Sampson and Brian FromMelissa’s website"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @melissaflobix(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michelle Reyes is a second generation Indian American author, speaker, and activist. She serves as the Co-Executive Director at Pax and as the Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, an organization born out of the anti-Asian racism growing due to the pandemic. Michelle’s first book, Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Changes Across Cultures, released earlier this year. Michelle and her husband, Aaron, co-planted Hope Community Church, a minority-led multicultural church in East Austin. In this episode, Kent and Jamie take the time to pick Michelle’s brain on narrative justice, the situation at the border, and what Paul’s words for the Jews have to do with the white evangelical church in America.RESOURCES:“Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Changes Across Cultures” by Michelle ReyesSign up for updates from Michelle on her website: https://michelleamireyes.com/"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @drmichellereyes(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are many reasons we might feel isolated these days. The ups and downs of the pandemic have forced us to socially distance and carefully plan our social gatherings, especially large group events. Political and cultural polarization makes us feel like we no longer know our neighbors and family members. And technology, while connecting us on a superficial level, can leave us feeling starved of deep, substantive relationships.To provide you with a moment of solitude and reflection at the end of this long year, today we’re presenting a ten minute embodied prayer by Liuan Huska, author of the book Hurting Yet Whole: Reconciling Body and Spirit in Chronic Pain and Illness. This episode is designed to be used again and again, so bookmark it. Use it for a moment of calm, whenever you need it. And let us know what you think by sending us a DM on any social channel @WheatonHDI.RESOURCES:Liuan Huska's website: https://liuanhuska.com/"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchInstrumental track provided by Aaron Andries of "Graveyards to Gardens" (find him on Spotify)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @LiuanHuska (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hit show "The Chosen" raised $10 million through crowdfunding for its first season alone. And when tickets went on sale for its upcoming Christmas special—which is starting out in theatres–it topped the box office chart.As nonprofit leaders (and professors), Kent and HDI colleague Jamie Goodwin wanted to know: what drives Dallas’ marketing philosophy? Is it anything that other nonprofits could replicate? (And what themes does he plan to explore in season 3?)More highlights from this episode: The keys to good & ethical storytelling Why it feels like the show emphasizes healings so much The one podcast Dallas listens to every single day RESOURCES:Get tickets to "The Chosen" Christmas Special (or request to host a screening at your church)"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @thechosentv(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Howard University welcomed students impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Marcus watched with fascination the chapels provided for these students on his campus. That experience—plus serving on alternative spring breaks and witnessing the power of multifaith services at an even younger age—launched him into a career connecting churches and government entities. Now, he’s an administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Today on The Better Samaritan, Marcus answers questions like: What got you into this work? How does your role fit with other faith-based government offices?  How can listeners with food banks or ministries connect with government agency is on the back end of their work? What have you learned about leadership in the midst of disaster response? RESOURCES:fema.gov/faithCOVID-19 Funeral Assistance Resources"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @MTColemanJr(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sophia Lee and Stefani McDade tell hosts Kent Annan and Jamie Aten about their personal experiences reporting on the Afghan refugee crisis—and ways they see the church responding. (As it turns out, the more you practice welcoming, the better you get at it.)Sophia describes a difference between people who have interacted with refugees and people who have only read about them.Stefani describes a blueprint for churches who are ready to welcome—what previous work needs to be done if you’re serious about providing infrastructure for thousands of people arriving at once.RESOURCES:Sophia’s story for WORLD: The Coming WaveStefani’s story for CT: The Afghan Immigration Crisis is Bigger, Faster, More Traumatic. Are Ministries Ready? And subsequent story for CT: Afghan Muslims are Asking Questions. These Christians Are Ready to Answer."On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch | @sophialeehyun | @stefanimcdade(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As disasters increase each year across the globe, research shows that the vulnerable suffer disproportionately from them. Fortunately, the church is uniquely suited by its design to bring much-needed assistance to the vulnerable.That’s why in 2011, disaster psychologist Jamie Aten founded the Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) at Wheaton College. Its mission: to help the church prepare and care for a disaster-filled world.HDI uses research to create resources and events geared toward students, survivors, helpers, and researchers—and offers a M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership (HDL). You’ve heard them each week on the podcast. Now take in the HDI origins story:  the disaster that prompted Jamie to start studying resilience; the thing Christian nonprofit CEOs kept asking for that prompted the start of the graduate program; and the areas HDL students focus on in their research—and places they end up after graduating. RESOURCES:Humanitarian Disaster Institute website"On Being a Good Neighbor", sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode produced by Laura FinchTheme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten | @laura_e_finch (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, sometimes we won't. We thinking learning how to do good better involves listening to lots of perspectives, with different insights and understanding with us. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction. Especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices