Episode Details

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