A good deal of recent research has been published that is really interesting to anyone involved in medicine and Christian counseling. Some of it takes commonly held ideas about the cause and treatment of depression and turns them upside down.1 Other articles give some encouragement about the role of Christian counseling in helping those who struggle with sadness and depression. … [Read more...]
Preaching or counseling?
In pastoral ministry, are preaching and counseling complementary ways of proclaiming Christ? Is one more important than the other? Or is one essential and the other less so? Seminary students and pastors are by no means unanimous in their answers. Definitions matter, especially here. Preaching, as I am using it, is public ministry—the public proclamation of Jesus—in which … [Read more...]
5 myths about forgiveness
Undoubtedly in your ministry, you’ve encountered people who hold on to grudges tightly or who are embroiled in conflict. In these cases, forgiveness must be a key focus of your pastoral care. But how do you explain the biblical concept of forgiveness? As a Christian, your starting point is different from what we hear in the wider secular culture. Intentionally seeking and … [Read more...]
Body or soul?
Psychotropic medications are a sensitive topic; most people you talk to will have fairly strong opinions about whether or not they should be used in treating a host of life’s problems. In thinking about this, though, it’s helpful to take a step back and consider who we are as human persons. In doing so, this helps us understand where life issues fall on the spectrum between … [Read more...]
3 essential elements in the change process
You might not know “Brock,” but his struggles with extravagant spending and gambling can illustrate three essential elements for change in a Christian’s life. What Brock needs to change in his life Brock has been a Christian for about three years. Currently, he is a manager at a plastics manufacturing company, and he receives a good salary. Nevertheless, he is struggling … [Read more...]
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