From the very beginning, men and women have been different.1 God designed Eve to match Adam in most respects, but also to be different from him in others. Though differences existed, there was still the prospect of Adam and Eve complementing one another in a close relationship. Thus, their differences actually could be used to strengthen one another.2 Communication was a key … [Read more...]
Common errors made in attempts at conflict resolution
You know it’s going to happen. You can’t be a shepherd and avoid mediating in conflicts. That much is certain. However, your responses to conflicts are affected by a variety of variables, which makes your role as mediator far less predictable. For example: Personality variables (both yours and those involved in the conflict): Some people are shy; others are outgoing. … [Read more...]
Helping the depressed
In this packet you will find several teaching and counseling tools. We encourage you to use this free resource to care for those struggling with depression and to teach others about the nature of depression. For more in-depth information, please refer to the Caring for the Depressed ebook. In this packet, you will have a way of illustrating how both the body and the … [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...]
Teach others to encourage skillfully
If you’ve been involved in ministry for any length of time, then Paul’s concern for the Thessalonian church and for Timothy will resonate with you: But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus … [Read more...]