Why church hurt drives people to ChatGPT instead of pastors

Pastor Laurel Bunker from Pulse Movement shares how to lead with truth, kindness, and spiritual clarity in a culture that often rewards noise over depth. This is a conversation about healing, courage, and staying grounded when the world feels fractured - and what mission-driven leaders can learn from it. Laurel opens up about life in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s murder, what it felt like to live in the shadow of the state capitol during a season of fear and chaos, and how ministry still found ways to show up with hope. She also explains how Pulse Movement is helping unleash young evangelists across the country, while training them to be spiritually and personally healthy before they ever step into influence.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why community presence matters more than waiting for people to come to youHow Pulse One Hundred trains 100 young evangelists a year through mentors, master classes, and in-person gatheringsWhy testimony is one of the most powerful tools for building trust and hopeWhat AI can do well in spiritual and leadership conversations, and where it falls shortHow to tell the difference between healthy kindness and people-pleasing that leaves you vulnerableLaurel also gets direct about some uncomfortable truths: the church has often failed to be available, many people are carrying wounds in silence, and leadership without health becomes a liability. She shares why a 30-second testimony can open doors, why kindness is often the most underrated leadership skill, and why truth only works when it is delivered in love.If you’ve ever felt the tension between being compassionate and being honest, this episode will hit home. If you’re leading people, building community, or trying to stay faithful in a noisy world, Laurel gives you a clearer way forward.She also shares the story behind 30 years of marriage, the legacy she wants to leave, and why marriage, like leadership, requires preparation, integrity, and sacrifice - not just chemistry.Essential listening for leaders, pastors, builders, and anyone trying to live with conviction without losing their humanity.👤 ABOUT PASTOR LAUREL BUNKER:Pastor Laurel Bunker is the Vice President of Training and Operations for Pulse Movement in Minneapolis and the principal trainer and educator for Boncore Collaborative. She also serves on the board of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge and brings decades of experience in ministry, leadership development, and young adult formation.🔗 Organization Website: https://pulsemovement.org🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE: Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. Every week, hosts Keenan Hart and Efrain sit down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization.Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact.🔗 CONNECT WITH US:FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.aiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis#NonprofitLeadership #MinistryLeadership #CommunityImpact