What would happen if churches learned to listen before defending themselves?

In this episode of Teaology, Maya Wilson sits down with Micah Morgan, a licensed clinical professional counselor and associate pastor, to explore the intersection of mental health, trauma, church hurt, pastoral ministry, and healing.

Micah shares about their journey into both counseling and pastoral ministry and why they believe churches need to become more informed about trauma and mental health. Together, Maya and Micah discuss what happens when people experience church as a source of emotional or spiritual harm, and why leaders should respond with curiosity and listening rather than defensiveness.

They also explore what it means to build a trauma-informed church, including practical ways churches can create safer systems and spaces, make room for congregants to speak honestly, and learn about trauma even when they don't have a mental-health professional on staff.

The conversation challenges the idea that mental-health struggles are moral or spiritual failures and explores why healing may take time. Maya and Micah also discuss the relationship between therapy and pastoral care, when pastors should refer people to clinicians, and why setting boundaries is essential for sustainable ministry.

This is a conversation about mental health and Christianity, church hurt, trauma-informed ministry, pastoral care, therapy and faith, healing, boundaries, and building healthier Christian communities.

Follow Micah here on Instagram, and on TikTok!

Our culture is constantly changing around us. A new story, new song, or new idea is being tweeted, posted or published every other minute. As the world changes rapidly around us, how do we respond? How do we stay rooted in our faith amidst a myriad of conversations? How do we stay grounded in truth when so much in the media is manipulated? How do we talk about our beliefs in a culture that may not feel the same way?

Conversations about faith and culture meet right here on Teaology, the podcast. Teaology is all about communities coming together through conversation. We find common ground when we communicate well.

Credits

Written, Edited and Produced by Maya Wilson

Theme Song: On My Vegan by JXXIII, produced by Kahlil Franklin

Copyright 2026

All Rights Reserved

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