Disordered eating is a significant issue in the church. No matter how many people you have in your congregation, you have people who are struggling in some way with destructive eating habits. About 8 million people in the United States struggle with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia or any of the iterations of those behaviors.1 Those numbers get even higher when … [Read more...]
Exposing depression’s false gospel
“I’m stuck, and I feel like God’s nowhere to be found.” “I can’t get over how they treated me—like I’m something less than human.” “There’s no hope for me. I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time.” “This is just God’s will for me. There’s no use in praying.” These types of emotionally charged sentiments come from counselees who are experiencing a season of depression. On … [Read more...]
10 ways to be certain your pastoral care is helpful
When we care for one another wisely, three things should happen: (a) the person being cared for should be blessed, (b) the love of Christ should become more tangible, and (c) our faith should grow. Sometimes our attempts at caring can be done unwisely, resulting in unintended consequences: (a) the person being cared for is enabled, (b) the love of Christ is misrepresented, … [Read more...]
How pastors can help people renew their minds
Pastor Mark found himself becoming frustrated as he talked with Jeremy about what was going on in the young man’s life. Jeremy had recently married Hannah. Jeremy and Hannah dated in college, but seven months into their marriage, Hannah was upset with Jeremy’s behavior. He had become more “inconsiderate” toward her and more “insensitive” to her emotionally. Jeremy: An … [Read more...]
“Should I try to forget my past?”
As a former pastor and as an equipper of pastors, people often ask me the important question, “Should I try to forget my past?” When hurting people in our congregation and community ask us that question, how can we respond in a compassionate, biblical way? First, we can respond with a one-word answer. “No.” Then we can respond with a blog-size answer. Being pastors, we could … [Read more...]
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