In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter explores the surprising health benefits of fellowship from both a biblical and scientific perspective. Dr. Paynter, who brings years of experience in naturopathic medicine and group health coaching, explores why robust social connections can provide powerful health breakthroughs that may not be achieved with supplements or medications alone. She references both scripture and compelling research studies, demonstrating how true community with others plays a vital role in physical and spiritual well-being. From actionable prayer strategies to practical steps for building meaningful relationships, this episode will surprise you at the power of fellowship.

Today's Action Steps:

• Pray for God to soften your heart towards building new friendships and to bring the right people into your life.
• Set aside short, manageable time commitments each week to invite a neighbor or friend for tea or a chat.
• Intentionally reach out to others in your church or community who may seem isolated and help draw them in.
• Consider forming or joining a small group, support circle, or starting a walking group before Bible study.
• Consider becoming a part of the Christian Women's Health Fellowship.

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• “U.S. Dietary Supplements Market Size | Industry Report, 2033,” accessed October 8, 2025, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-dietary-supplements-market-report.
• Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, and J. Bradley Layton, “Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-Analytic Review,” PLOS Medicine 7, no. 7 (July 27, 2010): e1000316, accessed October 8, 2025, https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316.
• Office of the Surgeon General, “Social Connection,” US Department of Health and Human Services, last modified February 19, 2025, https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/connection/index.html.
• Julianne Holt-Lunstad et al., “Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review,” Perspectives on Psychological Science: A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science 10, no. 2 (March 2015): 227–237.
• Shanshan Li et al., “Association of Religious Service Attendance With Mortality Among Women,” JAMA Internal Medicine 176, no. 6 (June 1, 2016): 777, accessed October 8, 2025, http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1615.
• S. Cohen et al., “Social Ties and Susceptibility to the Common Cold,” JAMA 277, no. 24 (June 25, 1997): 1940–1944.
• Fredrik Backman, A Man Called Ove, trans. Henning Koch (London: Sceptre, 2014).

• Ecclesiastes 4:12 , Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47, Matthew 18:20 , Ephesians 2:19 (Scripture references)

Where to connect with the Christian Women's Health Fellowship:

• Email: support@psalmmedical.com
• Website: www.psalmedical.com

Timestamps:

01:18 – Bible and science: Gathering together is essential for both physical and spiritual health.

04:35 – Dr. Paynter shares her personal journey from isolation to valuing fellowship.

06:18 – Research on complex social connections.

09:56 – Key statistics: Social isolation’s impact on heart disease, dementia, and wellbeing.

12:28 – Practical steps for introverts and those resistant to socializing.

13:50 – The importance of prayer in building a desire for community.

15:21 – Small, simple steps to expand your social network and prioritize relationships.

20:34 – Book highlight: “A Man Called Ove” as an illustration of the power of community.

22:55 – Encouragement to consider how your presence in others’ lives can impact them.

24:42 – Helping those who struggle with small talk or social engagement become integrated.

25:22 – Biblical purpose of fellowship: unity, endurance, healing, and obedience.

27:57 – Launch of the Christian Women's Health Fellowship for naturopathic, faith-based health support.

31:14 – Details and invitation to join the new fellowship community.

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a licensed naturopathic physician, experienced health coach, and passionate educator who weaves together faith, medicine, and practical lifestyle advice for Christian women. Through her podcast, The Christian Clinician, she empowers listeners to pursue whole-person wellness grounded in biblical truth and evidence-based care.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/