How Spiritual Direction, Stillness, and J.R. Mahon’s Journey from XXX Church to Soul Care Can Help You Heal, Hear from God, and Finally Rest

This is StRest!  In this episode, Kerstin Lindquist welcomes one of her oldest and dearest friends, J.R. Mahon—spiritual director, author, pastor, founder of Tabletop Ministries, and former executive producer in television news—for a soul-realigning conversation on faith, trauma, adoption, spiritual burnout, and why everyone needs direction for their soul. J.R. shares his raw journey—from producing the news to co-founding XXX Church, a radical ministry to those in the porn industry—and how he became a spiritual director helping people all over the world walk closer with God. Together, they unpack the power of spiritual direction, the danger of busyness and performance-driven faith, and how true healing starts with stillness, presence, and love. They dive into his 20-year parenting journey after adopting three siblings from foster care, how burnout nearly broke him, and why fasting and silence are two of his most essential spiritual tools. You’ll hear about what really happens in a spiritual direction session—and why it's nothing like “God told me to tell you” spirituality. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt too burned out, too broken, or too busy to hear from God. Soul care isn’t optional—it’s essential. And J.R. brings both clarity and grace to a conversation we all need. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ What spiritual direction is—and what it’s not ✅ J.R.’s journey from news to XXX Church to spiritual direction ✅ How spiritual direction helps deconstruct shame and reconnect with God ✅ Why burnout is often disguised as service ✅ Adoption, trauma, and sacred parenting ✅ The myth of "performing your way" into God’s love ✅ What happens when we finally stop and listen ✅ Why fasting and retreats are transformational—not trendy ✅ God’s provision and the vineyard metaphor ✅ You are not too far gone to start again Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – What is spiritual direction & why it matters 03:34 – Ancient roots: Desert Fathers, mysticism & the wisdom tradition 05:30 – Soul care vs. “God told me to tell you” nonsense 10:24 – Deconstructing faith & shedding religious shame 14:45 – XXX Church: Loving people in the porn industry 19:03 – Fear, trust & taking the leap from QVC to ministry 22:17 – Over-serving, burnout & losing yourself 26:21 – Jesus, stillness & the Garden of Gethsemane 33:41 – If you’re stressed serving God…something’s off 36:00 – Adoption story: sibling group of three & the call to love 43:12 – What adopted kids really need (and rarely say) 48:06 – Fasting, faith, and hearing God in the hunger 52:18 – J.R.’s 7-day silent retreats & why we all need one 56:27 – The origin of Tabletop Ministries & Kerstin’s role 59:05 – God’s provision > our performance 1:00:05 – #1 stress-reducing tip: Serve someone else Work with Kerstin 📅 Workshops & Events – Join upcoming events & retreats. 💡 Health Coaching with Kerstin – 1:1 coaching for stress reduction & wellness. Resources 🎧 Insight Timer – Free Meditation App 🧘 Apollo Neuro – A wearable designed to improve resilience and manage stress. 🙏 Tabletop Ministries – Get Spiritual Direction or Donate 📘 Starving Jesus: 40 Days of Nothing – J.R.'s Book on Fasting 🎧 Insight Timer – Free Meditation & Prayer App 💧 Buoy Electrolytes – For hydration during fasting 🌿 Fast to Faith by Dr. Tabatha Barber – A fasting + faith program for women More About J.R. Mahon 🔗 Website: jrmahon.com 📷 Instagram: @jrmahon 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jrmahon 📖 Book: Starving Jesus on Amazon More about Kerstin Website: kerstin-lindquist.com Instagram: @kerstin.lindquist Facebook: Kerstin Lindquist YouTube: @Kerstin.lindquist TikTok: @kerstin.lindquist Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group Website: www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices