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.
Five Reasons to Include Women on Your Church Staff by Michael Kruger
What I am arguing for here is that, as a church grows, hiring additional pastors should not be the only option considered. There are other types of paid staff that bless the ministry of the church, including ministry roles filled by women. Hopefully this post will at least put that option on some folks’ radar screens. OK, so here are five reasons to consider hiring women on staff.
- If you enjoyed this article you will probably also appreciate this article by Katie Persinger – Above Reproach, Not Unapproachable.
Abuse, the Church and Me Too with Elyse Fitzpatrick (Podcast) by Chris Moles
- As we think about how we address abuse in the church, I believe this article is important- Why We Should Always Teach Romans 13 with Romans 12.
Grace-Paced Living in a Burnout Culture by David Murray
Although no two burnouts are the same, as I’ve counseled increasing numbers of Christians through burnout, I’ve noticed that most of them have one thing in common: there’s a deficit of grace. It’s not that they don’t believe in grace. Many of them are well-grounded in “the doctrines of grace.” Many of them are pastors and preach grace powerfully every week. The “five solas” and the “five points” are their theological meat and drink. Yet grace is missing in five vital areas. There are five disconnects between theological grace and their daily lives.
- If you realize you need to address burnout after reading this article, consider my podcast “Burnout: Not the Purple Heart of Ministry.”
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Three Wrong Assumptions by Robert Jones
While the Bible gives us absolute truths that apply to every person, no two people are the same. Heather’s experience is not the same as any personal experience you had, any case study you read or heard about, or any person you previously counseled. Heather is Heather, and no one else. Counsel Heather.
- If this article reminds you of your need to grow in listening in such way that allows you enter another person’s life, consider this article How to Listen Well: Marital Communication 101 (which applied to more than marriage).
The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise by Wendy Suzuki
What’s the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory — and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- In the opening segment of the seminar on depression, I examine a myriad of things – like exercise – that benefit our brain health.
What I’m Reading
The Counselor’s Guide to the Brain and Its Disorders by Ed Welch. This counselor’s guide ebook* presents clear and accurate information about the body and brain so that two extremes can be avoided: the assumption that human behavior is simply and comprehensively an act of the will unaffected by brain/body/chemical mechanisms and, on the other side, the assumption that human behavior is essentially biological functioning that is exclusively dictated by brain/chemical mechanisms.
This resource is a handbook for Christian counselors of all sorts to explain the functions of the brain and to provide a framework for counseling and pastoral care that is thoroughly biblical and also sensitive to the complexities of physical existence.
Tweets of the Week
Writing to women is my way of making “eye contact” with them: "I see you. You can do this. Theology is not just for men." I don't apologize for that.
— Jen Wilkin (@jenniferwilkin) February 26, 2018
Idolatry is our desire to domesticate God so that he can be useful without being a nuisance.
— John Ortberg (@johnortberg) March 1, 2018
Great relationships aren't built in a day – great relationships are built daily.
— Dave Adamson (@aussiedave) March 2, 2018
Meaningful Meme
On the Lighter Side
Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.
[Daylight savings]
Most people: “I hate losing an hour of sleep.”
Parents: “This really messes with my kids’ sleep routines.”
Parents of newborns: “What month is it? Where am I? Is there a God?”
— Chris Pappalardo (@ChrisJPappa) March 10, 2018