Even strong Christians sometimes struggle with negative thinking. We can get stuck overthinking things, blaming ourselves for problems, grumbling, or judging others in our thoughts. But there are strategies that will help! As you pray over these struggles, confess your sin, and seek the Holy Spirit’s help, these 5 strategies will give you practical action … Continue reading Dealing With Negative, Unhelpful Thought Patterns By Using The 5 R’s
At some point in life, everyone will struggle with conflict. The church is not immune! Even in the best ministry, there are different personalities, priorities, and preferences. Conflict will happen. So what’s a pastor or leader to do? Of course, the top urgency is to start with prayer. Pray for the other person, for the … Continue reading 4 Key Steps To Conflict Resolution In A Ministry Context
Hopefully, you’ve thought through what you want your boundaries to look like. This is critical for a healthy ministry, family, and life. But then the question turns to: how do I do it? How do I implement these boundaries? Stick with them when it’s tough? Adjust them if it’s appropriate? Today I’ll share 5 tips … Continue reading Boundaries Only Matter If You Implement Them. 5 Tips To Make It Happen.
One of the biggest problems in ministry leadership is burnout. The demands of ministry are high and the stress, emotions, and responsibilities weigh on us. And one of the best things that can help prevent burnout and keep you passionate about the ministry work you are doing is setting boundaries. We all need healthy boundaries! … Continue reading Tips For Setting Boundaries (And Helping Others Do It Too)
Every Christian leader will have opportunities to help people in their marriages. But how do you approach marriage counseling? Can you help a marriage even if you’re meeting 1:1 with someone? (Yes! You can.) Today you’ll get some specific tips from a Christian marriage counselor on how to get started on the right foot when … Continue reading Helping Marriages Succeed – Tips To Help Them Help Themselves
"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" Psalm 42:5 / 42:11 / 43:5 It can be a scary thing to wonder if someone is depressed, hopeless, or suicidal. It's overwhelming. But if you're in a church, a ministry, or relationships with your community, it's inevitable. Depression and suicide are a HUGE … Continue reading Practical Action Steps You Can Take If You’re Worried Someone Is Depressed Or Suicidal
Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? (Psalm 42:5/42:11/43:5) Depression is a big problem in today’s world. And for a ministry leader or pastor, it can be scary to think about. It can feel very overwhelming. But if you truly want to minister well to the people God has put around … Continue reading Recognizing Important Warning Signs: Is Someone Depressed Or Suicidal?
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1) Every Christian is called to show love to those around us. "Love your neighbor as yourself," Jesus tells us. Love your enemies. People will know you … Continue reading 3 Keys To Good Interpersonal Communication
Over the years, The iHope Center has hosted a variety of resources with the goal of strengthening our local Christian community. Obviously, our primary resource is professional counseling and life coaching services that we provide on-site at The iHope Center. But plenty of people need encouragement, help, and support without the formality of counseling or … Continue reading Coming Soon… Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders
I know what you’re thinking. Where would a jar be helpful beyond the kitchen? Sure, a jar can be used to store flour or jam. But let’s think bigger. Can we use a simple jar to improve our lives? To grow us, comfort us, encourage us, and shape us? Yes! Okay, in all fairness you … Continue reading The Power of a Jar