Christians are extra busy this time of year! Christmas, New Years - a wonderful time for remembering the Lord and enjoying your family… but quite likely, also a time for extra tasks, worldly distractions, and perhaps even a “bah-humbug” or two. As you approach Christmas and prepare for a brand new year, may you find … Continue reading Avoiding Stress During The Holidays
You want to enjoy the holidays. But the holidays can bring up a lot of hard emotions. And one of those emotions is STRESS. From planning extra events to dealing with family conflict during holiday gatherings, there is plenty about the holiday season that can be difficult. Thankfully, there are practical things to do that … Continue reading Avoiding Stress During The Holidays
No one likes passive aggressive communication. And it usually falls in the category of “I know it when I see it” … but we can’t always define it. We don’t always understand it. Which makes it much harder to stop it. Every pastor and ministry leader needs strong communication skills. So today, let's look at … Continue reading Recognizing (And Stopping) Passive Aggressive Communication
We live in a world saturated by sadness. There are epidemics of loneliness and anxiety. Depression is a growing problem. Yet, there is hope. Opening the pages of Scripture, we find action steps and ways to support people who are struggling. And in the counseling room, these same tips are very helpful! So today on … Continue reading 4 Clinical And Biblical Tips For Fighting Sadness, Depression, And Hopelessness
It’s not your job or calling in life to make people happy. And despite your best efforts, it would be impossible to do. All of us in ministry can take heart from the Apostle Paul’s reminder in Galatians 1:10. “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am … Continue reading 9 Tips For Keeping A Positive Attitude When People Are Complaining
It might be a buzzword, a counseling cliche, or something that feels way too touchy-feely. But if you’re in Christian ministry, you need to understand empathy. What is it? Why does it matter for Christians? Is it something you should aim for in your ministry? What would that really look like? These are good questions … Continue reading What Is Empathy? … And How To Show It, Even When You Disagree With Someone
Grief is hard. No one likes it. It’s never easy. But it is unavoidable. And one of the realities of grief is that it is a special place for Christians to step in and offer care. It is a time when people need someone to come alongside them. People often turn to their faith community … Continue reading Caring For People Through The Stages Of Grief
One of the most common calls that Christ gives to his followers is that they should forgive one another. It’s all over the pages of Scripture! And it is hard. When we sin or mess up, it is hard to apologize. We wonder what to say, how to say it, and sometimes if we even … Continue reading The Nuts & Bolts Of Forgiveness: How To Apologize, Forgive, And Help Others Do It Too
As a Christian counseling agency, one of the most common questions that we get from our local pastors is “How can I help this couple in my church who is struggling?” Today, let’s offer some resources! There are plenty of ideas for conversations, questions to ask, and things to try with couples who are struggling. … Continue reading Some Favorite Books To Help Christian Couples (From A Marriage Therapist’s Bookshelf)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the … Continue reading Ministry is HARD: 7 Tips To Avoid Burnout And Stay The Course When It Feels Impossible