From Hillsong to Humanitarian: Joel A'Bell on Faith and Leadership

In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, the Christian mental health podcast founded by pastor Dave Quak (who lives with bipolar disorder), Dave welcomes Joel A'Bell, former Hillsong Global Director and current Oceania Regional Leader for Convoy of Hope. They dive into the mental and emotional toll of high-capacity Christian leadership and how to maintain integrity and spiritual wellbeing through major life and ministry transitions. What happens when you transition from leading thousands at Hillsong to championing a global mission of hope? Joel shares his remarkable story, focusing on the often-unseen emotional weight of ministry and the importance of spiritual intimacy to prevent burnout.Together, Dave and Joel explore: How a forgotten exemption note at 14 sparked his faith journey; the unseen emotional weight of megachurch leadership at Hillsong; the key to avoiding ministry burnout and keeping Jesus at the center; finding harmony with his wife Julia in co-leading ministry; and his current work with Convoy of Hope, empowering communities through disaster relief and children’s feeding programs. Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or your family, Joel’s story offers practical insights and encouragement to keep Jesus at the center and stay faithful through every season. This conversation will strengthen your faith and emotional wellbeing! Listen now and find hope for your leadership journey!Whether you’re leading a church, a business, or your family, Joel’s story offers practical insights and encouragement to keep Jesus at the center and stay faithful through every season. Perfect for anyone seeking purpose with integrity!Listen now and be inspired!🌍 Support Convoy of Hope: convoyofhope.org📧 Connect with us: sunburntsouls.com💬 Share your thoughts: What’s one lesson from Joel’s journey that hit home for you?#SunburntSouls #JoelABell #ConvoyOfHope #Hillsong #Faith #Leadership #Humanitarian #ChristianPodcastIf Sunburnt Souls has helped or blessed you in any way, can I ask a small favour? Would you consider telling someone about the podcast, reposting an episode link, or bringing it up over dinner with a mate sometime? Word of mouth is how this podcast spreads. We don’t have the budget for advertising, so every share genuinely helps more people discover the conversations we’re having around faith and mental health.🙏 IF YOU WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT THE MISSIONHelp us keep producing Christian mental health podcasts and resources that bring hope to listeners around the world and breaks the stigma in the Church. 👉 Donate to Sunburnt Souls. ALL DONATIONS OVER $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.🧠 NEW ONLINE COURSE: Loving Life with Faith and Mental HealthA 28-day, FREE journey to help you:Embrace your identity in JesusBuild life-giving spiritual rhythmsNavigate anxiety, depression, and burnout with honesty and grace👉 Start your 28-day journey today📩 JOIN OUR COMMUNITYGet weekly encouragement, bonus podcast clips, and faith-informed mental health resources in your inbox. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter⭐ LEAVE A REVIEWLove this episode? Your review helps others discover faith-based mental health resources and find hope for their journey.Listen and Rate on Apple PodcastsListen & Rate on SpotifySunburnt Souls is produced by Pretty Podcasts — a Christian mental health production where faith meets real life through stories ...