Episode 189: Michael Jordan

Anxiety is rampant. It’s everywhere. Does the way we worship enhance our collective anxiety? In this episode, Michael Jordan and I have a conversation exploring how Christian worship practices can both help and hinder people experiencing anxiety and mental health struggles. Michael discusses the history of evangelical worship traditions and how they have sometimes relied on heightening anxiety to bring people to repentance. However, Jesus modeled a different approach of meeting and accepting people in the midst of their struggles. We talk how liturgy, music, and use of technology in worship can help people relate their inner experiences to God's bigger salvation story. Practical steps like talking to mental health professionals and auditing current practices to be more inclusive of those with anxiety are offered as suggestions. How can churches intentionally support mental health through worship in a way that looks more like Jesus' compassionate example? Join us as we explore the intersection of worship and anxiety. 

Rev. Dr. Michael Jordan (PhD, Drew University) is an ordained Wesleyan pastor with twenty years of ministry experience in From 2002-2009, he was the pastor of Exton Community Baptist Church in Exton, PA, and has also served on the pastoral staff of his current church, Houghton Wesleyan. Over the summer, he is the staff chaplain at Camp-of-the-Woods, a Christian camp in the Adirondack Mountains. 

Mike’s wife Jill is a mathematician who also teaches at Houghton; they live just off campus and together are raising their five children: Grace, Jack, Lucy, Gabriel, and Anne. In his spare time, Mike enjoys singing, crossword puzzles and distance running and is a rabid fan of Philadelphia professional and college sports.

Michael's Book:
Worship in an Age of Anxiety

Michael's Recommendation:
What Are Christians For? by Jake Meader
Women, Work & Calling by Joana Meyer