
The Other Half of Church Podcast
The Other Half of Church Podcast is at the intersection of brain science, theology, and church life. With Michel Hendricks, Jim Wilder and Jeremy Slager, we explore the brain God has given us, and what we need for a healthy, transformational community of faith.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2021 • 32min
Candor and Healthy Correction with Colonel Charles Causey
In this conversation with Colonel Charles Causey, a military chaplain and author, the focus is on the transformative power of candor in relationships. He discusses the danger of being candid without character and emphasizes the balance between honesty and maintaining connections. The podcast also delves into the four types of difficult personalities, providing memorable analogies for each. Additionally, Causey shares insights on overcoming fear in communication, promoting genuine dialogue, and fostering a culture of love in discipleship.

Apr 19, 2021 • 52min
The Big Evangelical Machine, Dallas Willard, and Reader Feedback
Jeremy Slager, a guest speaker known for his insights on church growth and community, joins in a captivating discussion about modern church dynamics. They critique the 'big evangelical machine' and its neglect of true discipleship, emphasizing genuine growth over mere numbers. The influence of Dallas Willard’s teachings is explored, particularly in the context of trauma and spiritual development. They also advocate for nurturing community amidst consumer culture, transforming shame through healthy communication, and addressing narcissism within leadership for deeper relational engagement.

Dec 7, 2020 • 53min
Audiobook Chapter 3: Joy -- The Face of Jesus That Transforms
Explore the transformative nature of joy within the Christian experience and its profound connection to perceiving God's presence. Discover how cultivating joy can enhance relationships and community dynamics, with practical exercises to create joyful environments that combat loneliness. Delve into the power of joy in family dynamics, offering strategies for parents to foster joy, and learn how it contributes to spiritual and relational health in church communities.

Nov 30, 2020 • 37min
Audiobook Chapter 2: How Do People Grow?
Discover the speaker's fascinating journey into pastoral ministry, emphasizing the need for spiritual growth beyond mere knowledge. Delve into the essentials of discipleship, highlighting baptism and character formation as key components. The discussion critiques traditional information-heavy methods, arguing for a blend of analytical and relational skills to foster true transformation in Christian communities. It's all about balancing the mind and heart in the quest for deeper faith!

Nov 23, 2020 • 44min
Audiobook Chapter 1: Half-Brained Christianity
Explore the fascinating intersection of brain science and theology in spiritual growth. Discover how integrating neuroscience can enhance character development and relational joy. Delve into the historical shift towards left-brained dominance in Christianity, revealing its harmful impact on community connections. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing a balanced, whole-brained approach to foster healthier church environments and improve discipleship.

Oct 26, 2020 • 35min
Q&A with Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks
In this final episode, Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks answer common questions about brain science and church life. They discuss the effects of video conferencing on the brain, the prevalence of Enemy Mode in cultural discourse, and how our understanding of prayer can be enhanced by the study of the brain. Read the Transcript To learn more, visit theotherhalfofchurch.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 snips
Sep 28, 2020 • 39min
NARCISSISM - When the Brain Refuses to Respond to Shame
Jeremy Slager, a speaker on narcissism, delves into the shadowy corners of church leadership. He reveals how narcissism flourishes in communities lacking healthy relational dynamics and warns of its damaging effects on personal and communal growth. With insights on respectful dialogue and nurturing environments, he emphasizes the need for leaders to foster empathy over mere achievements. Slager also offers strategies for recognizing and navigating narcissism, highlighting the importance of community support in combating its influence.

Sep 21, 2020 • 38min
HEALTHY CORRECTION - The Fourth Ingredient
Join Jeremy Slager, a guest speaker and expert on community dynamics, as he discusses the critical role of healthy correction within church settings. He likens healthy correction to weeding a garden, essential for true growth. The conversation delves into the dual nature of shame—how it can be a motivator for change when framed positively. Jeremy also emphasizes the need for community support in fostering this environment and highlights the transformation of fear into love through understanding God's true nature.

Sep 14, 2020 • 32min
GROUP IDENTITY - The Third Ingredient
Join Jeremy Slager, a guest speaker with insights on church life and faith, as he delves into the significance of group identity in fostering spiritual connections. He discusses how adolescence shapes our communal sense of belonging and how faith communities can combat media influences that dull spiritual sensitivity. The conversation also highlights the power of communal singing to unify individuals and the vital role of corrective feedback in nurturing healthy relationships, emphasizing love and inclusivity in church environments.

Sep 7, 2020 • 33min
HESED - The Second Ingredient
Join Jeremy Slager, a guest speaker and expert on community building, as he dives into the Hebrew term 'hesed,' meaning enduring love. He discusses how this concept fosters spiritual growth and secure attachments within communities. Explore the critical roles of joy and vulnerability in creating safe spaces for authentic connections. Discover how nurturing these relationships can combat addiction and enhance emotional well-being. Slager's insights reveal the transformative power of joy and hesed in forming vibrant, supportive communities of faith.