This Week Mike Glenn sits down with licensed pastoral therapist Chris O’Rear to talk about a topic most leaders don’t realise they’re starving for: therapeutic friendship. The kind of soul-level relationship that brings healing, grounding, and real connection in a world marked by isolation.Chris explains why we all need one or two close friends outside of our spouse, and how the right friendships can keep us from “falling off the edge” when life gets overwhelming. They unpack what makes a friendship truly therapeutic: showing up, being present, telling the truth, creating space for vulnerability, and having someone who knows you well enough to lovingly say, “That’s not you.”You’ll hear why loneliness is often fueled by self-protection, why “accountability” should feel like encouragement (not shame), and how meaningful relationships can actually help us experience Jesus more deeply through the people God has placed in our lives. If you’re a pastor, leader, or simply tired of carrying everything alone—this conversation is both practical and deeply encouraging.Learn More About Chris: https://www.chrisorear.comFor more resources, coaching, and ways to grow as a healthy leader, visit EngageChurchNetwork.com.
