Episode Summary
I am joined by Jane Kennedy & Elise Heerde to discuss mega-church culture through the miniseries ‘Prosper’ on Stan.
Elise introduces “Prosper,” a series delving into the dark secrets of an Australian evangelical mega-church. Jane, having a personal connection to the church the show is loosely based on, shares her insights after watching it.
We delve into the portrayal of mega-churches, noting the absence of humanity within the characters and the show’s portrayal of the church’s evolution from a small, heart-focused community. Jane highlights the overlooked role of volunteers in mega-church operations.
The discussion extends to Abi, the pastor’s wife, examining her lack of warmth and the ambiguity of her role—whether she’s complicit in the church’s harm or a victim herself. We explore the concept of love-bombing, mainly depicted through the character of Juno, and her rapid character development.
Cal, the pastor, is analysed for his anger, fall from grace, genuine faith, and control, linking his character to the influence of prosperity gospel, reflected in the show’s title, “Prosper.”
A poignant moment arises as we reflect on Dion’s character, expressing empathy for his struggles as a member of the Queer community and condemning conversion practices. We also share a lighthearted moment, laughing at the show’s ending mirroring Cal as Jesus walking into the wilderness.
We tease the possibility of a part two to delve deeper into unexplored themes.
Who Is Jane?
Jane Kennedy is a Sydney-based Counsellor. Jane has lived experience of religious trauma and is committed to supporting people as they leave church and/or faith. This experience, still frequently misunderstood, can be life-altering. She brings language and framing for the complexities of religious trauma to the counselling space and works with other Australian therapists to broaden knowledge among those working with affected clients. Jane has written her story, an e-book, The Sentimental Non-Believer, on Loving & Leaving God.
Who Is Elise?
Elise is a Trauma-Informed Counsellor/Coach from Melbourne, Australia. She is passionate about supporting people recovering from Religious Trauma. For many decades, she denied her own humanity and lived beyond her physical, emotional, and spiritual capacity, unable to say ‘no’ or slow down for fear of not being enough.
Depression, anxiety, chronic low self-esteem, and perfectionism were constant companions. Religion was a big part of her life, yet it seemed to fuel her self-loathing. Internalising beliefs of being innately sinful, unworthy of love, and living in fear of eternal conscious torment if she fell outside of God’s grace had her living on edge. Always trying to prove her worth to God, the church, and herself eventually bought her to the end of her ability to push her feelings and questions aside.
So, she gently and slowly learned how to embrace it all…the questions, the doubts, the tears, the ‘no’s’, the uncertainty, the anger, the pain, the changing beliefs, the grief, and the loss. As well as the joy, the freedom, the happiness, the contentment, the curiosity, and the self-love and acceptance.
It is now her greatest passion to walk with others who are longing to connect with their own beautiful humanity that is always worthy of love, care, and gentle compassion.
Connect With Us
- To find out more about Jane and her practice head to her website – https://janekennedycounselling.com.au/
- Or to connect with her on social media; you can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- To connect with Elise head to her website – https://eliseheerde.com
- Or you can also find her on Instagram and LinkedIn
- To connect with Sam on Instagram – @anchoredcounsellingservices
- Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.