Previous talks

Mental health

In 2016, Jon told the world a secret he had kept locked up: He was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD. That started a journey of freedom not only for himself, but for others who had felt they had finally been given a voice. In this talk, Jon takes you through the power of naming something so that you can have power over it, and describes the powerful principles that have helped him on his mental health journey, which has included bouts of depression. This talk is based on key ideas found in his bestselling book, “Finding Rest: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life.”

Perfect for: keynote, conference breakout, church sermon, retreat

Organ donation

In 2018, Jon responded to a Facebook post looking for kidney donors. That started a wild, two-year journey that culminated in him donating a kidney to a complete stranger. Jon takes you through the story, introduces you to the recipient, unpacks the lessons he learned, and delivers a call to selflessness that inspires hope and action.

Perfect for: gala, conference breakout, church sermon, retreat

Suffering and hardship

How are those suffering through mental health struggles supposed to view life? Is God there? Is he causing all this? Are you to blame for what’s going on? Jon introduces a proper theology of suffering and explains how our struggles are not our fault, how they will be used by God for something greater, and why we know all of that to be true. Not only does he use his own mental health struggles, but he tells captivating stories of grief and loss in his own life that highlight how God is working.

Perfect for: keynote speech, church sermon, breakout sessionDon’t forget the details

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Medication and mental health

Jon grew up in a faith tradition that looked down on taking medication for mental health issues. But that thinking doesn’t care about denominational walls. It’s everywhere. Jon uses scripture as well as science to walk through why treating anxiety and other mental health struggles should be welcomed, not demonized. He shares unhelpful comments he’s received from his own family, talks about how to bring those along who may disagree while extending grace, and explains the idea of how God’s common grace supports using medication. Is anxiety a physical or spiritual issue? Jon provides the answer, and it’s powerful.

Perfect for: conference breakout, men’s or women’s breakfast.

Why stories matter

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication, and those who unlock its power are tapping into something much bigger than themselves. People like Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, and Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin, understand it. Successful brands understand it as well. Jon takes you through the power of storytelling, mixing his own struggle with vivid examples from history, culture, and business to show you why and how you can start applying the power of story and grow your business, relationships, and influence.

Perfect for: workshop, conference breakout, company lunch, company keynote

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How the church has failed

Unfortunately, the church has historically dropped the ball when it comes to helping members who struggle with mental health. Anxiety, depression, OCD, and other issues have been written off only spiritual issues with spiritual answers. Jon explains why that’s not the case, and then offers a prescription for the church to do better. However, he does it with grace and a love for the church, staying away from heavy-handed tactics that push faith leaders away.

Perfect for: conference breakout, workshop, conference keynote, church retreat