Depression, Anxiety, and Hope in the Church — An Interview with Pastor Ken Kirkley

Episode Summary

Today David and Nate pause their normal topical series to welcome Pastor Ken Kirkley for a candid, pastoral conversation about depression, anxiety, OCD, and mental health in the Christian life. Ken opens up about a life-altering season that began in 2002—what it felt like, how he sought help, why he now advocates for Christian counseling and medical care, and how the Lord used community, Scripture, and even running shoes to pull him through. Along the way the guys share a coffee tasting, talk home roasting, and explore what churches can do to reduce stigma while offering real, practical support. The episode closes with the Lord’s Prayer.

Content Overview (with timestamps)

00:00–01:21 — Welcome back; David and Nate set the table: honest talk on depression and mental health in the church.
01:23–02:35 — Meet Ken: 50 years married, two grown children, two grandchildren, decades in ministry from youth pastor to DOM to small-church pastor.
02:35–06:12 — Coffee segment: tasting Fresh Ground Theology’s “Laity” blend; flavor notes debate; French press vs drip; why freshness matters.
06:12–10:50 — Ken’s roasting story: “Friends & Family” coffee, Sumatra and Brazil favorites, holiday flavors, and why K-cups weren’t worth the hassle.
11:48–13:36 — Light-hearted “spiritual reason” to drink coffee; gratitude for God’s good gifts.
13:36–20:43 — Ken’s mental health journey begins: Easter weekend 2002; intrusive thoughts, fear, sleeplessness; hearing that many pastors suffer; immediate call to his doctor; beginning medication and meeting a Christian counselor; diagnosis of OCD, depression, and anxiety.
17:09–19:36 — Childhood trauma surfaces; the role of unaddressed wounds; why middle age often triggers unresolved pain.
20:21–23:35 — Rethinking stigma: from “pull yourself up” to compassionate realism; why biblical worldview counseling matters; humility learned through suffering.
24:49–26:27 — Seasons and triggers; introvert in an extrovert role; adjusting expectations and pace.
28:19–33:00 — Family and church support: transparent letter to churches; month-long leave; pastors rally to pray and share their own stories.
33:03–35:49 — Spiritual dryness and slow return: months away from services; first sermon back; serving a hurting congregation as therapy.
36:04–41:15 — Quick fixes vs long obedience; anointing moment; why Ken prays more for grace than instant deliverance; everyone “deals with something.”
41:37–44:00 — Theology of a fallen world; not every case is demonic or purely spiritual; some is medical, situational, or tied to substances or sin.
45:18–49:39 — Movement as medicine: God’s nudge after his parents’ passing; Couch-to-5K at 59; 5Ks to marathons by 65; labs improve; community forms through a Thursday running-and-Bible group.
49:39–54:36 — Practical helps: Scripture in the night (Psalm 23, “Come, Lord Jesus”); honest talk about lost spiritual appetite in depression; seek help and do the “heavy lifting.”
54:27–56:59 — Sleep hygiene and rhythms; CLL diagnosis; learning to rest, nap, and keep routine.
57:30–1:01:10 — Perseverance under trial; why elders’ wisdom matters; God’s faithfulness through COVID and beyond; reframing Philippians 4:13.
1:01:49–end — Thanks, merch, and the Lord’s Prayer led by Ken.

Key Takeaways

Tell the truth about mental health. Transparency invites prayer, reduces stigma, and helps others step forward.
Seek wise, Christian-aligned care. A medical doctor and a Christian counselor with a robust biblical worldview were crucial for Ken.
Expect multi-factor causes. Depression can be spiritual, medical, situational, or trauma-related—and often overlaps.
Do the work. Medication helped, but physical activity, sleep, boundaries, and community support were game-changers.
Ministry from scars, not wounds. God used Ken’s story to comfort and guide pastors and church members facing similar battles.
Scripture rightly handled. Philippians 4:13 empowers obedience to God’s call, not limitless self-actualization.

Scriptures Mentioned

2 Corinthians 1:3–7 — Comforted to comfort others
Psalm 23 — Prayer in the night
Philippians 4:13 — Strength for what Christ calls us to do
Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord’s Prayer

Resources and Notes

Consider your primary care physician for first-line help.
Look for a Christian counselor who integrates sound clinical practice with biblical wisdom.
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. For ongoing pastoral care, reach out to your church leadership.

Show Credits

Main sharer: Pastor Ken Kirkley
Hosts: David Ryan and Nate
Produced by: Fresh Ground Theology

How You Can Support the Show

Listen and subscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or at FreshGroundTheology.com
Rate and review: Helps others discover the conversation
Share this episode: With a pastor, elder board, small group, or a friend who needs encouragement
Merch: Mugs and shirts available via the website

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