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...]
5 ways to help hurting, lonely people through the holidays
Is it New Year’s yet? I just want this year to be over.” While many of us have been rushing around the past few weeks getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior, others are experiencing tremendous loneliness. They have been trudging through the holidays just waiting for the new year to be ushered in. Many of these lonely and hurting people will be sitting in your … [Read more...]
Helping perfectionists receive criticism
Dr. Amy Baker, author of the book Picture Perfect, talked with us recently about how perfectionists struggle when criticized, whether justly or unjustly. Her answers give pastors needed insight for counseling perfectionists who don’t handle criticism well or who need special encouragement to not resort to hopelessness. Why do perfectionists have trouble receiving … [Read more...]
Helping people become aware of their desires, part 1
Jen Pollock Michel is the author of Teach Us to Want, named Christianity Today’s 2015 Book of the Year. We interviewed Jen to get her ideas on desire and contentment, which was the focus of her book. In this first part of the series, Jen shares why it’s important to help people get in touch with and evaluate their desires. And take a look at the second part of the series coming … [Read more...]
Helping people become aware of their desires, part 2
Earlier this week, we shared the first part of an interview with Jen Pollock Michel, author of Teach Us to Want: Longing, Ambition, and the Life of Faith. There she talked a bit about the nature of desire and evaluating the need for change. Below we explore with her the idea of contentment. We also share some practical approaches for pastors as they seek to help others … [Read more...]