What happens when faith meets education in today's high school classrooms? Teacher and former pastor J. Todd Bruning reveals the delicate balance of bringing values into secular education without imposing beliefs. Through candid conversation with host Rev. Jermine Alberty, Todd shares how his approach of being "wise, kind, and fair" creates a foundation for meaningful student connections that transcend traditional boundaries.

The conversation takes an illuminating turn when Todd discusses the unpredictability of student behavior and how authentic listening transforms these relationships. "The moment there's a situation where they know that you're listening to what's important to them... it changes everything," Todd explains. This philosophy manifests in heartwarming ways, like students who aren't even in his class stopping by just for a morning fist bump.

Most compelling is Todd's revelation about impact: "I do more ministry every day in the classroom than I felt like I would do in a week, or maybe even a month" in a traditional church setting. His three-part approach—listening authentically, building genuine connections, and "bending along with grace"—offers profound guidance for anyone working with young people. This episode reinforces the research-backed finding that one caring adult outside the home can significantly influence a child's development, making this conversation essential listening for parents, educators, and community leaders alike. Join us to discover how compassionate presence in everyday spaces can create extraordinary change in young lives.

The second episode of One Soul Matters podcast highlights the powerful impact of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church's 10th Annual Mental Health Symposium through interviews conducted by Rev. Dr. Tamara Brown and Pastor Jamie Bruning. Guests from across the community share how the symposium influenced their personal, spiritual, and professional growth while reflecting on what "one soul matters" means to them.

• Pastor Richie Butler discusses the importance of clergy wellness and self-care, admitting he doesn't always get "poured into" while pouring out to others
• Community members share personal reflections on how the symposium helped them navigate challenges from caring for loved ones to maintaining their own mental health
• Desmond, an aspiring therapist, expresses surprise at learning about pastors' stress levels and confirms his desire to integrate faith with mental health in his future career
• Rev. Andrew Fizer emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health conversations, especially within church settings
• Multiple perspectives on "one soul matters" emerge, from honoring each person as created in God's image to ensuring those who feel alone know they still matter
• The symposium creates connections between veterans' support groups, mental health resources, and church communities

We invite you to learn more about our mental health ministry or upcoming events at St. Luke by visiting our website or connecting with us on social media. Remember, you matter, your soul matters, and together we can build a community of care and healing.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Paula C. Dobbs-Wiggins who shares how faith communities can address mental health challenges by integrating spiritual resources with mental health services and community support. She explores the importance of education, connection to resources, and collaborative action as we navigate troubled times together.

The podcast also delves into the need for communities to shift from stigmatizing mental health to supporting it through education and resource connection.

The podcast also highlights The 10th Mental Health Symposium on July 19th offers space for caregivers, family members, ministry leaders, mental health professionals, educators, mental health advocates, and more to refuel, retool, and recharge.

"REGISTER" today https://tinyurl.com/yc6ytajd

Healthy minds, hearts, and leaders build a healthy Christ community!

Day-at-a-Glance:

https://slcumc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2997368

If you encounter challenges with registering or have any questions, please contact us at mentalhealth@slcumc.org.