1033 - Prof. Joel Russow

2025-05-18

SummaryIn this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Professor Joel Russow, a systematic theology and pastoral theology professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. They discuss the importance of pastoral and mental health counseling, the journey of lifelong learning in theology, and the unique challenges faced by seminarians. Professor Russow shares insights on building trust with pastors, the intersection of counseling and theology, and the need for support in ministry. The conversation...

Summary

In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Professor Joel Russow, a systematic theology and pastoral theology professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. They discuss the importance of pastoral and mental health counseling, the journey of lifelong learning in theology, and the unique challenges faced by seminarians. Professor Russow shares insights on building trust with pastors, the intersection of counseling and theology, and the need for support in ministry. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding mental health within the context of faith and the role of education in preparing future pastors. In this conversation, Professor Joel Russow and Charlie Ungemach delve into the complexities of infidelity, mental health, and the alarming rise of male suicide. They explore how understanding the psychological impact of infidelity can aid pastors in counseling, the intersection of secular research and biblical teachings, and the importance of community support in addressing mental health issues. The discussion emphasizes the need for open conversations about suicide, particularly among men, and highlights the role of faith and community in providing hope and healing. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Professor Joel Russow explore the complexities of prayer, the implications of suicide, and the comforting aspects of Lutheran theology. They discuss personal prayer practices, the nature of prayer as a conversation with God, and the challenges surrounding the topic of suicide, including questions of salvation and forgiveness. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of mourning and hope in the face of grief, the longing for eternal life, and the purpose of life on earth as a calling to serve others. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the unwavering love of God and the assurance of His presence in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:18 Meet Professor Joel Russow

02:44 The Journey of Lifelong Learning

05:23 The Intersection of Pastoral and Mental Health Counseling

09:24 Navigating the Need for Counseling

11:50 Expectations from Pastoral Counseling

14:05 Building Trust with Your Pastor

16:05 The Role of a Counseling Professor

18:14 The Importance of Counseling in Seminary Training

23:00 Common Struggles of Seminarians

27:11 Specialization in Mental Health Counseling