Council of Counselors: A Time for Choosing / Depression in Ministry / Spiritual Abuse in Marriage / Recommending a Psychiatrist / Singles & Money

This is a weekly post that highlights resources from other counselors that I have found helpful. The counselors may be from the biblical counseling, Christian psychology, integration, or secular counseling traditions. By linking to a post, I am not giving it my full endorsement, I am merely indicating that I believe it made a unique contribution or raised an important subject for consideration.

A Time for Choosing: Biblical Counseling, Southwestern Seminary, and Standing with the Weak, Oppressed, and Abused by Heath Lambert

Dr. Patterson did express regret over his comments. That is a cause for gratitude for all Bible-believing Christians, serving as a clear indication that the climate in our contemporary context requires Christian leaders to back down from such harmful comments. Even though Christians should be grateful for that climate and for the expressions of regret it produces, we also must admit that it is not enough. Such expressions fall far short of a true reckoning with the biblical data that rules such harmful comments out of bounds. Such mild expressions fail to come to terms with the real and profound hurt caused by the words and actions of people who should know better. The Christian community is right to expect more, and to demand better.

• While I grieve that it is needed, I greatly appreciate this statement from Dr. Lambert. To help the church grow in this area of ministry we created this resource for our pastors and small group leaders – If I Learn of Abuse When Am I Mandated to Report and What Should I Do Even When I’m Not Mandated to Report?

5 Things I Learned about Depression in Ministry by Tony Rose

Depression is spoken about often but seldom understood. I recently read a statement in a well-known Christian publication, “I’ve never met a bout of depression that a good night’s sleep wouldn’t fix.” I can tell you the author had never met depression. Here are five things I have learned, not just about depression, but through it.

• I greatly appreciate Pastor Rose’s vulnerability and insight. I hope this resource can aid this important conversation – “1 Minute VLOG: How Can We Disciple a Friend Who Struggles with Anxiety or Depression?“

A Hidden Epidemic God Hates by Steve Hoppe

What do these three scenarios have in common? A spouse or parent is committing domestic spiritual abuse. While these examples may seem extreme, I assure you they’re not. During my time as a marriage counselor and pastor, I’ve seen cases of spiritual abuse in the home that would make your skin crawl.

• If you benefited from this article, you might also enjoy this case study from the Marriage with a Chronically Self-Centered Spouse series.

When Should a Pastor Recommend a Psychiatrist by Michael Emlet (2 Minute Video)

• I am grateful for the quality of conversations being had on this subject and pray this post – 50 Good Mental Health Habits – can contribute to this conversation.

7 Money Tips for Singles by Art Rainer

While married couples tend to have more expenses, this does not mean that singles do not experience their fair share of financial stressors. Being single has its financial advantages and disadvantages.

• If you enjoyed this article, you might also benefit from What Is a Budget?: 8 Definitions for a Misunderstood Document.

What I’m Reading

Domestic Abuse: Recognize, Respond, Rescue by Darby Strickland. Abuse in a marriage is a difficult problem but there is comfort in knowing that the Bible points the way toward answers. While it may not use the language of victims and abusers, it has plenty to say about the oppressed and their oppressors, and how much God opposes oppression.

Experienced family counselor Darby Strickland shows counselors and concerned family and friends how to recognize and uncover abuse, then uses Scripture to show what is truly happening in oppressive marriages. She explains how abuse confuses the oppressed into thinking they are to blame, then equips us to be the wise, informed defenders and advocates they need. Learn how to walk patiently with victims and guide abusers toward repentance, through Strickland’s concrete suggestions for comforting and protecting the oppressed while reorienting the heart of the oppressor.

Tweets of the Week

 

Meaningful Meme

On the Lighter Side

Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.