In the Wake of Minneapolis: Why We Must Be Honest About the Mental Health Crisis in the LGBTQ Community
On the morning of August 27, 2025, during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, a 23-year-old transgender individual, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire through stained-glass windows, killing two […]
Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Listening & Encouragement
AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]
Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Dignity & Presence
AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]
Pastoral Burnout: Getting Below the Surface
Author’s note: This is my second article dealing with pastoral burnout. Recent Barna research revealed that 33% of ministers had given serious thought to quitting. My own research for a […]
David and Bathsheba and Affairs in Your Church
I recently preached through the story of David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel 11:1-27 on a Sunday morning. There are several important learnings from within this story, as well as […]
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Unique Characteristics of a Christian Counselor (Part 4)
*Editor’s Note: this is Part 4 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have […]
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Additional Traits That Contribute to Successful Youth Counseling (Part 3)
*Editor’s Note: this is Part 3 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have […]
The Fear of All Somes: Rethinking Our Fearful Reflexes
Fear is a necessary emotion. People who backpack in isolation in the mountains should worry about running out of water. Boaters should take precautions to avoid high waves. Drivers should […]
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: The “Big 3” Characteristics (Part 2)
*Editor’s Note: this is Part 2 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have What […]
Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Do You Have What It Takes? (Part 1)
“Kids respond to people whom they sense have a feel for what they’re going through.” —Rich Van Pelt, Intensive Care: Helping Teenagers in Crisis[1] “Leaders must not wait until they […]
Why Isn’t Jesus Enough to Fix My Mental Health Issues?
If you’re wrestling with this question, then I’m glad you’re curious and I’m also sorry for what you’re going through. In what follows, I’ll try to respond to this question […]
Having Anxiety? Remember the Sabbath.
*Editor’s Note: Why should we “remember the Sabbath”? Jesus once explained that “the Sabbath was made for man’’ (Mark 2:27a, NIV). He must have wanted us to understand that God […]
What Anxiety Means and How Christians Can Respond
What Anxiety Means and How Christians Can Respond Andrew Haworth explains that fear is a response to a real threat, while anxiety is a similar response to something uncertain or […]
Adolescent Drug Use: Why Do They Do It?
Adolescent Drug Use and the Hidden Motivations Teens Carry Curiosity and the thrill of the forbidden can look harmless at first, but they can open the door to real danger. […]
A Few Keys to Reconciling Broken Relationships
How to Reconcile: 3 Keys to Restoring Broken Relationships Begin by acknowledging the brokenness, because healing can’t start while the damage—or your part in it—is minimized or denied. Humility replaces […]
Let Go or Be Dragged: 4 Things to Let Go Of
Let Go or Be Dragged: Freedom from What Holds You Let Go or Be Dragged shows how clinging to the need to be right traps you in self-righteousness, while surrendering […]
On Gender and the Bible: Thoughts of a Theologian and a Therapist on the Transgender Debate (Part 11)
Transgender Debate Part 11: Biblical Clarity for Today’s Questions Transgender Debate Part 11 affirms God made humans male and female, grounding identity in creation and biology. Key definitions like gender […]
Stop Comparing Your Church: Why Contextualization, Missiology, and Authenticity Matters
Contextualization in Your God Given Church Setting Contextualization counters comparison. When pastors are tempted to measure their ministry against other churches’ highlight reels, remembering their own unique context protects them […]
The People of God Refuel in the Desert
People of God Strength in Desolate Places Desert encounters with God show that the People of God can become strongest against temptation when they withdraw like Jesus to lonely places […]
Worship Leader Q&A: What Happens When Worship Leaders Doubt?
Worship Leader Q&A: Leading Worship Amid Doubt Biblical models of worship in doubt show how figures like the desperate father, psalmists, and Abraham still turn to God even while wrestling […]
Worship Leader Q&A: What Steps Invite the Skeptic Back?
Skeptic Back in the Journey to Wholehearted Worship Honest stories from worship leaders walking through divorce, grief, and doubt help skeptics see that broken people can still sing about God’s […]
6 Principles for Doubting Well
Doubting Well in Honest Christian Faith Readers learn to name different levels of doubt, from core questions about God to secondary church issues, so they don’t abandon faith unnecessarily. This […]
Worry: The Acceptable Sin?
Acceptable Sin in the Form of Worry Jesus exposes worry as more than an acceptable habit, calling disciples to trust the Father’s care instead of living like fearful slaves. Anchoring […]
4 Observations from the Frontlines of Disciple Making
Frontlines of Disciple Making in Today’s Church Frontlines of Disciple Making begins with creating deep belonging, where genuine friendship and shared struggle move people from mere churchgoing to committed disciples […]
There Are Two Crosses in the Life of a Christian
Life of a Christian – Walking the Path of Two Crosses Carrying the two crosses reveals true discipleship. Christ’s cross brings salvation, while our cross calls us to die to […]
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Three Unforgivable Sins — Drinking, Smoking, and Cussing (Part 3)
Progressive Christianity Part 3: Lessons in Grace and Drift Progressive Christianity Part 3 traces how childhood taboos about drinking, smoking, and cussing slowly gave way to a “liberated” lifestyle that […]
Pain and the Necessity of Pruning
Pain in Pruning: Lessons for Growth Amid cultural upheaval and personal loss, God is actively shaping character rather than promising a pain-free life. Scripture reveals that the Father prunes fruitful […]
A Microscopic Killer Gone Viral
Microscopic Killer in Isolation: Gospel Hope Linking the pandemic’s loneliness and loss to humanity’s deeper “infection” of sin reveals our universal need for Christ’s healing life. Through John 11 and […]
Everybody Is Recovering from Something
Recovering — Steps to Spiritual Health Powerlessness led to trust in God, beginning a Scripture-shaped transformation marked by honest surrender and dependence on His strength. Through the twelve steps—surrender, confession, […]
Youth Suicide Prevention: Risk and Response
Youth Suicide Intervention—QPR Actions Direct questions open the door: ask clearly about suicidal thoughts, using wording you can say, to surface real risk. Compassionate listening persuades toward help: avoid judgment, […]
Letter to Someone Struggling with an Anxious Heart
Anxious Heart — A Letter of Peace From racing thoughts to simple prayers, the writer brings fear to Jesus and invites family support to re-center trust. Scripture anchors courage: Psalms […]
Youth Suicide Prevention: Dos and Don’ts
Suicide Prevention in Youth Ministry Detect clusters of clues—behavior changes, withdrawal, prior attempts, and talk of hopelessness—and treat them as urgent. Start compassionate conversations by asking directly about suicidal thoughts, […]
6 Lies That Sink Marriages
6 Lies That Sink Marriages — Practical Guardrails Reject “greener grass” fantasies and fairy-tale expectations; intentionally nurture your spouse and grow together through every season. Seek outside support when needed—trusted […]
7 Rules Healthy Couples Set for Themselves
7 Rules Healthy Couples — Marriage Habits That Endure Community with peer and mentor couples offers honest support in hard seasons and keeps the relationship from isolating. Prioritizing dates, shared […]
God Is the Healer of Your Wounds
God Is the Healer — Jehovah Rapha and True Restoration From Psalms to Hebrews, Scripture affirms that God binds the brokenhearted, answers distress, and invites confident grace-seeking. In honest prayer […]
Discouragement & Dropout: Why Ministers Leave the Ministry
Why Ministers Leave the Ministry — Causes and Care Unrealistic ideals collide with reality, so mentoring that names failures and models growth helps ministers navigate weekly crises. Unhealthy leadership cultures […]
When You Talk to Yourself, What Do You Say?
When You Talk to Yourself — Core Insights Explore how self-talk shapes attitudes, resilience, and daily discipleship, with practical ways to bring thoughts under the light of Scripture. Recognize negative […]
6 Hidden Signs of an Unhealthy Marriage
6 Hidden Signs of an Unhealthy Marriage and What They Reveal Emotional distance often begins subtly, turning relationships into routines that lack real connection and spiritual intimacy. Neglecting forgiveness and […]
Reasons Why Adolescents Attempt Suicide
Suicide — Understanding Why Teens Consider It Motives range from escaping “intolerable” situations to punishing survivors or seeking attention—each still requiring serious care. Pressures like avoiding punishment or burdening family, […]
What Does God Think about My Mental Disorder?
Mental Disorder and God’s Redemptive Purpose John 9:1–3 reveals suffering can display God’s works, reframing mental disorder from punishment to a place for His glory. Rather than hiding in stigma, […]
Exposing Some Common Myths about Suicide
Common Myths about Suicide and What Really Helps Research shows many who die by suicide do signal intent; learn to catch direct and indirect warnings. Pastors should ask plainly about […]
Should You Consider Prison Ministry?
Should You Consider Prison Ministry — Visiting & Discipling Rooted in Matthew 25:35–36, this piece shows how visiting, prayer, and steady mentoring cultivate disciples behind bars. Despite limited access and […]
How Can I Reach Out to a Lonely Person in a Year of Loss?
Lonely Person — Outreach that Heals Begin with a caring check-in: listen without fixing, acknowledge loss, and show up consistently, as Darius does for Ming. Offer practical help and safe […]
Grieving a Lost Life and a Lost Culture
Grieving a Lost Life and a Lost Culture — Honoring Life’s Value Through a father’s miscarriage loss, the piece contrasts Scripture’s view of children as blessing with a culture that […]
When Am I Getting off Social Media?
Getting off Social Media — Discernment for Digital “Third Places” Documentary insights and personal research show platforms hijack attention, fuel mental strain, and deform virtue, making quitting a daily temptation. […]
A Fatal Misstep in Addiction Recovery
Addiction Recovery in Daily Dependence Overconfidence invites relapse since neuroplasticity keeps learned cravings, leaving former addicts permanently vulnerable. Ongoing community—AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery—and steady habits sustain sobriety and resist isolation. […]
Jesus, Suicide, and Our Lowest Points
Jesus – Care at Our Lowest Points From Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–38) to Mark 2:17, He acknowledges deep anguish and invites the broken to His healing. Prayer, gratitude, and corporate intercession […]
When Advice Isn’t Helpful
Advice — Listening Before Speaking When mistakes happen, people often need care more than lectures; be present like Job’s friends were—before they started talking. Social posts and quick opinions can […]
Caution Fatigued, Yet?
Caution Fatigued in the Pandemic: Persevering with Wisdom Recognize caution fatigue can cloud judgment and tempt risky behavior; choose wise, others-first practices anchored in Galatians 6:9 and Ephesians 5:15. Pray […]
Are You Feeling Alone?
Are You Feeling Alone: Communion at the Table Amid isolation and online church, the author hears “Come to the table” and recognizes Jesus’ invitation to fellowship. Remembering the Lord’s Supper, […]
Stay Curious in Relationships
Stay Curious in Disciple-Making Conversations Quiet presence and thoughtful questions helped a grieving father feel heard without advice. Curiosity over personal agendas keeps the focus on the other’s story, building […]
Room for Grief: The Missing Component of Evangelism
Evangelism in Grief-Aware Discipleship Recognizing the five grief stages helps you meet seekers where they are rather than forcing quick decisions. Instead of taking resistance personally, keep studies centered on […]
Letter to a Christian Going through Trauma
Letter to a Christian in Trauma: Hope & Practical Steps From a pastor-father who survived his daughters’ devastating crash, this letter assures you’re seen, heard, and able to keep moving. […]
Grieving the Beliefs You Leave Behind
Grieving the Beliefs — Walking Through Change Recognizing denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance helps Christians process loss as old views yield to biblical convictions. Examples such as resurrection hope, […]
How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Truth
Truth in Discipleship and Healing Hearts Truth from God releases people from emotional trauma, opening the way to love Him and others more fully. Emma’s story shows how internalizing the […]
How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Grace
Grace and Discipleship in Overcoming Emotional Trauma Grace transforms emotional wounds into love. Leonard’s journey shows how receiving God’s grace released him from shame and anger, enabling deeper love for […]
How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Time
Time in Discipleship: Healing Through Patience Time allows God’s work to unfold, reminding us that emotional healing cannot be rushed but requires His perfect timing. Restoration happens gradually, combining prayer, […]
Discipling Busy People Online (and More), Part 2
Discipling Busy People Online Part 2 and Its Practical Insights Discipling Busy People Online Part 2 demonstrates how flexible online groups make space for discipleship despite hectic schedules. The article […]
Discipling Busy People Online (and More), Part 1
Discipling Busy People Online Part 1 and Practical Rhythms Discipling Busy People Online Part 1 reveals how online platforms like Zoom help overcome logistical barriers to consistent discipleship. The article […]
Gen Z and Mental Health – Interview with Gary Zustiak
Interview with Gary Zustiak on Gen Z Challenges Interview with Gary Zustiak highlights rising anxiety and depression among Gen Z and the cultural forces shaping their struggles. Interview with Gary […]
Kobe, Shaq, & Learning from Loss
Learning from Loss – What Shaquille O’Neal’s Grief Teaches Us Shaq’s experience shows that legacy fades, but relationships endure. His sorrow over Kobe’s passing shifted focus from trophies to time […]
When You Can’t Trust Your Brain
When You Can’t Trust Your Brain: Breaking the Cycle When You Can’t Trust Your Brain, trauma distorts truth. Emotional memories stored in the hippocampus can trigger irrational and harmful reactions. […]
How Fear Cripples Faith
Fear and the Imagination That Limits Obedience Fear thrives in unfamiliar territory, convincing us that we’re unprepared to face what we’ve never experienced. Rather than protecting us, fear distorts strength, […]
Embracing the Truth about Your Adoption
Truth about Your Adoption and Spiritual Identity Discover how the Truth about Your Adoption reveals God’s plan to bring you into His family and give you a new identity in […]
Defeating Anxiety: Not an Either-Or
Defeating Anxiety — Integrating Faith and Wise Care Rather than either-or, the article urges combining prayer, Scripture, counseling, and—when needed—medication to steady mind and heart. From a pastor’s panic attack, […]
The 3 Spheres of Addiction
3 Spheres of Addiction: Exploring the Whole-Person Impact Addiction isn’t just chemical. The article explains how biology—such as genetics and prescribed painkillers—can set the stage for substance dependence. Pain drives […]
Church, I’m Afraid We Have an Anxiety Problem
An Anxiety Problem: How Churches Can Grow Through It Anxiety often shapes church decisions. Many church conflicts, leadership burnout, and member departures stem more from anxiety than theology. Ministers absorb […]
Church and Culture: An Interview with Christian Ray Flores
An Interview with Christian Ray Flores: Faithful Responses in a Shifting Culture Christian Ray Flores speaks to the Church’s cultural calling. This interview explores how the Church can influence society […]
How My Dad’s OCD Trained Me for Ministry
How My Dad’s OCD Trained Me for Ministry: What Church Leaders Can Learn Living with OCD built emotional radar. Growing up in a household shaped by anxiety taught the author […]
Choosing Joy with OCD and Messy Children
OCD and Messy Children — Practicing Presence over Perfection Relationships before chores. From Luke 10’s Mary and Martha, Jesus redirects priorities so time with Him and with kids outranks spotless […]
Why Do So Many Ministers Drop Out of Ministry? How We Can Help
Why Do So Many Ministers Drop Out of Ministry — Action the Church Can Take Parents are urged to give their best to God by encouraging gifted sons and daughters […]
Why Do So Many Ministers Drop out of Ministry: 6 Reasons
6 Reasons Why Do So Many Ministers Drop out of Ministry: Eye-Opening Insights Financial stress takes a toll on ministers’ well-being. Many pastors face mounting pressure with limited benefits and […]
Don’t Plant Flowers in the Desert
Flowers in the Desert: A Leadership Lesson on Knowing When to Walk Away Discover why Jesus told His disciples to move on when people rejected the message—and what that means […]
God Does Not Want You to Deal with Your Stuff Alone
God Does Not Want You to Deal with Your Stuff Alone: Why Repentance and Community Matter Why does God involve others in your repentance? Scripture shows that repentance isn’t meant […]
Shane Wood on Being a Scholar and a Christian
Shane Wood on Being a Scholar and a Christian – Key Insights from His Journey Holding Faith and Scholarship in TensionShane Wood discusses the challenge of balancing his academic pursuits […]
5 Important Things New Ministers Need to Know
5 Important Things New Ministers Need to Know for Starting Strong Spiritual health is foundational – New ministers must guard their relationship with God to avoid burnout and lead from […]
Untangling Addictions with Marcus De Carvalho
Untangling Addictions with Marcus De Carvalho: Breaking Free Through Faith and Neuroscience Untangling Addictions with Marcus De Carvalho explores how addiction alters brain chemistry through dopamine and neuroplasticity. Discipleship can […]
Is Anxiety Interfering in Your Relationship with God?
Is Anxiety Interfering in Your Relationship with God? Understand Its Spiritual Impact Is anxiety interfering in your relationship with God through fear-based faith? When fear replaces reverence, even worship can […]
It’s OK Not to Be OK: A Q&A on Mental Health and Following Jesus
Q&A on Mental Health and Following Jesus – What You’ll Learn from This Interview Mental health struggles don’t disqualify faith. This candid Q&A on Mental Health and Following Jesus reveals […]
Pornography: Everyone’s Battle
Pornography is Everyone’s Battle: Biblical Warnings and Steps to Freedom Pornography is invading homes, hearts, and churches. This article unpacks alarming statistics and the spiritual consequences of today’s porn epidemic. […]
From Hurt to Healing
Hurt to Healing – How God Transforms Pain into Purpose Those closest to us can hurt the most. Emotional pain often comes from those we love, but God offers restoration […]
4 Ways to Treat the Prisoner as a Person
4 Ways to Treat the Prisoner as a Person in Light of Biblical Justice Treat the prisoner with dignity and compassion. Many incarcerated individuals are awaiting trial and deserve humane […]
Is it safe to follow my feelings? (Reflections on Lukianoff & Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind – Part 2 of 3)
Is It Safe to Follow My Feelings When They Distort the Truth? Emotional instincts may mislead. The article explores how modern culture promotes emotions as the ultimate authority, using The […]
The Problem of Addiction Today
The Problem of Addiction Today: How Emotional Pain Fuels a Growing Crisis The problem of addiction today is more personal than ever. What once felt distant now touches nearly every […]