Transformation Church Podcast: "Capacity Is Calling // Triggered (Part 2)"

Host: Pastor Michael Todd
Date: September 21, 2025

Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking installment of the "Triggered" series, Pastor Michael Todd explores the concept of capacity—the ability to handle life's triggers, trauma, and relational tensions without "crashing out." Moving beyond buzzwords, he encourages listeners to examine the difference between real triggers and pet peeves, make room for other people's faults, and embrace emotional and spiritual growth. The episode is an honest call to self-examination, spiritual maturity, and loving engagement with the world around us.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Our Proximity to the Edge

• Opening Challenge: Pastor Mike highlights how easily Christians can move from worship to "crashing out" due to lack of margin in their lives.
  • "How many people have just finished reading the Bible, just finished praying, and then 30 minutes later... you in some foolishness you ain't supposed to be in?" (04:43)
• Main issue: Living too close to emotional and spiritual "edges", leaving little room for grace or mistakes—either our own or others'.

2. Honesty is the Path to Peace

• Scriptural Anchor: John 16:33 – Jesus promises both trouble and peace.
• Key Insight: You can't handle what you won't acknowledge. "Exposing the problem is a prerequisite to true peace." (10:56)
• Memorable Analogy: Ignoring personal problems is like ignoring health issues—prayer is good, but so is honesty and practical action.

3. Triggers vs. Pet Peeves

• Clarification: Not everything that bothers us is a trauma-trigger; some things are just pet peeves or preferences.
  • "Me and my wife was talking... some people aren't triggered, they just have a pet peeve. Smacking is a pet peeve, because a pet peeve is about preference. It’s not really attached to a trauma." (26:44)
  • "Many of the things you're labeling a trigger are actually trivial... This is an exposing of your lack of emotional maturity."
• Growth Point: Instead of labeling everything a trigger, use some of these moments to grow in maturity and flexibility.

4. Holding Space for Complex Emotions

• OT Example: Ezra 3:10—When the temple foundation is relaid, some shout for joy, others weep for what was lost. Both responses are valid.
  • "Two things can be true at the same time." (34:46)
• Modern Parallel: In community, people will react differently to the same event; maturity means making space for both celebration and sorrow.

5. Expanding Emotional and Spiritual Capacity

• Rubber Band Illustration (50:30):
  Pastor Mike uses different sizes of rubber bands to symbolize varying levels of emotional capacity:
  • Small cap: Tight, easily broken by stress/triggers.
  • Medium/hidden: Slightly more resilient, but still fragile.
  • Large/visible: Able to encompass more, stretch further, and "hold" complexity.
• Goal: “All of us should be trying to grow in our ability to stretch, because in this world, we will have trouble.”
• Key Quote: "Emotional capacity is fueled by spiritual maturity." (56:00)

6. Practical Application: Responding, Not Reacting

• Phone Analogy (1:09:00):
  Two metaphorical "phones" represent our choice in reacting to triggers—one is impulsive and reactionary, the other, mature and gracious.
  • "Every time you're triggered, you get to pick up one of these phones... you can either react out of your flesh or out of your maturity."
• Evangelism Impact: "The lack of emotional capacity in the church is killing evangelism. You cannot disciple somebody you won't even have a discussion with." (1:02:12)

7. Scriptural Guidance on Maturity and Unity

• Romans 12:15: Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.
• Hebrews 6:1: Let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward into maturity.
• Ephesians 4:2: Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. (1:18:30)

8. Self-Reflection: Is Your Capacity Shrinking Your Calling?

• Are we forfeiting opportunities for impact because we can't handle difference, discomfort, or conflict?
  • "Is your lack of emotional capacity shrinking your calling?" (1:08:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Unaddressed triggers usually lead to a crash out." (13:42)
• "Many of the things you're labeling a trigger are actually trivial. You're not triggered; you just ain't got no room for nobody else to do something you don't like." (27:52)
• "Please don't let your celebration rob them of their tears. And don't let their tears rob you of your celebration." (33:50)
• "You cannot disciple somebody you won't even have a discussion with." (1:02:12)
• "Emotional capacity is fueled by spiritual maturity." (56:00)
• "How much God can use you in this lifetime is not up to God. It's up to you." (1:23:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:00 – 10:30: Christians living "close to the edge"/importance of honesty
• 13:00 – 18:00: Jesus’ promise of trouble and peace; exposing the problem
• 26:44 – 29:30: Triggers vs. pet peeves – the maturity distinction
• 34:46 – 38:30: Ezra 3: Embracing multi-layered community emotions
• 50:30 – 1:00:00: Rubber band illustration; choosing to stretch
• 1:02:12 – 1:08:00: Capacity and evangelism; choices in responding
• 1:18:30: Ephesians 4: Making allowances for others' faults
• 1:23:30: "How much God can use you..." – responsibility and calling

Actionable Takeaways

• Pause for God's presence—Invite “spotlights” on your own areas of needed growth, not just others'.
• Distinguish between triggers and preferences, and let pet peeves be chances to mature.
• Make room for others' faults and stories. Don’t limit your impact because of discomfort.
• Practice humility and gentleness, especially in disagreements or when witnessing.
• Ask God to increase your capacity to love, forgive, and say "I’m sorry."
• Remember: Growth is a progression, not perfection.

Final Encouragement

Pastor Mike’s call is clear:
“Your capacity is calling.” Will you let God stretch your heart, mind, and spirit so that the world might experience Christ’s hope through you?
“It may have not been your fault, but it is now your responsibility.” (1:24:45)

If this message resonated, come back next week for more practical guidance on “Trigger” management and spiritual growth, and keep pushing toward transformation!