Bob and Jane are in their fifties. They’ve been married for over twenty-five years and have college-age children. Lately Jane has begun to wonder if something is going on in Bob’s life. He’s been more evasive, more distant; he doesn’t seem very interested in her. Recently she’s been more eager to connect sexually than he has been, which has not been their history. Jane is … [Read more...]
Pastoral care and refuge for rape victims
In this article we follow Tory Flynn’s heart-wrenching story of being raped and the unexpected aftermath that God orchestrated in her life. As we hear from Tory (indented text), we also receive expert commentary from Dr. Diane Langberg, a specialist in ministering to people who have been traumatized. Tory’s story begins I was twenty-one and a senior in college. I went … [Read more...]
How your pastoral limitations can bless your churches
When most of us first start out in ministry vocationally, it’s because we love the Lord. Jesus is lovely to us, and His grace is marvelous to us. We can’t imagine anything greater than coming home to God. But oftentimes, as we go through life as ministers, all the “other stuff” (church duties, our platforms, etc.) begins to crowd in and take our first love away. And we’re … [Read more...]
How one church offered hope to a same-sex struggler
Melissa Fisher grew up in a churchgoing home, but her childhood included family turmoil, her parents’ divorce, and sexual violations that she kept secret. While attending a Christian college, she faced her same-sex attraction (SSA) and fought against it but became involved in same-sex relationships. Eventually, she left the church and married her female partner. Her book, The … [Read more...]
5 critical missteps in helping self-harmers
When we think about the issue of self-harm, most of us take a step back in confusion. Why would anyone willingly want to inflict pain on themselves? Isn’t that dangerous? What would I do if I encountered someone with that struggle? A few months ago, I shared about why people engage in self-harm behaviors and how to help them stop. In particular, that article touched on … [Read more...]
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