The Internet has flooded the world with information. Although this has broadened people’s understanding of the world beyond their communities, it has also provided them with wave after wave of frightening stories. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, people can be exposed to the ways in which sin rips apart God’s world. Consequently, in an unprecedented way, Christians … [Read more...]
Helping people with panic disorders
If someone tells you she has panic attacks, how do you begin to use Scripture as your guide? (I am choosing panic attacks almost randomly. It is one of a dozen or so psychiatric diagnoses that is relatively common and not clearly identified in Scripture.) Get a description First you have to know the basic description of a panic attack. You can get this from two sources: … [Read more...]
Helping people who deny their faults
Jane was at her wit’s end as she listened yet again to her husband scolding their son about his less than desirable work habits. The squabbles between the two males in her life were frequent and seemed to be escalating in intensity. Waiting for the right moment, she spoke diplomatically, “John, I’m concerned about the harshness of your exchanges with Jerome. You actually … [Read more...]
Why your deacons should be involved in care ministry
No pastoral care model can do without deacons. Their primary calling is not administration and maintenance of a church’s facilities. They, too, are to focus on people. First Timothy 3 and Acts 6 are important passages that confirm this commitment to people. In 1 Timothy 3:8, the deacon is to be wise with finances, “not pursuing dishonest gain.” He is to be faithful with … [Read more...]
Pastoral care for divorced women
I think the church doesn’t know what to do with divorced people because the effects of divorce are so far-reaching.” A dear friend, who married and divorced at a very young age, made this revealing statement to me many years ago. She bravely walked a difficult road leading to emotional and spiritual health, not because a pastor walked with her, but because women discipled her … [Read more...]
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