In this episode, Darrell Gwaltney speaks with Vicki Askew, executive director of the Center for Hope and Healing in Nashville, TN, about nurturing spiritual growth and addressing the mental health challenges faced by church leaders and congregants today. They explore practical ways to slow down, foster deeper spiritual connections, and support pastoral resilience.

Vicki was in business and strategic planning for 30 years, primarily for law and accounting firms and healthcare companies. In the midst of this incredible career, she always felt that there was something more. In 2018, Vicki started down the unexpected path to find her true callings in both trauma informed care and spiritual direction. She was trained by Trauma Healing Institute based in Philadelphia, and completed spiritual direction studies through Lipscomb University.

In this episode:

1. The importance of slowing down in a distracting culture and how spiritual practices support this
2. What is spiritual direction?
3. The upcoming spiritual formation event with Alan and Gem Fadling focused on Unhurried Living
4. Indicators of burnout among pastors and church leaders, including withdrawal and emotional exhaustion
5. Practical steps for those in leadership to create space for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal

Resources & Links:

1. Register for Sept 19th event with Alan Fadling
2. Center for Hope and Healing's Website
3. Vicki's Website

Connect with The Moench Center for Church Leadership

1. Sign Up for our Newsletter
2. Follow Us on Instagram
3. Watch The Hopeful Church Podcast on YouTube

Connect with Vicki Askew

1. Instagram

Connect with Darrell Gwaltney

1. LinkedIn
2. Twitter

Remember: The hopeful church makes space for grace, slow listening, and the next generation to be seen, heard, and loved. This episode reminds us that spiritual direction is important work that can bring hope and healing into the lives of believers.

The Hopeful Church Podcast is an initiative of the Moench Center for Church Leadership at Belmont University. To learn more about Belmont University, go to belmont.edu.