Her lip began to quiver as she shared with me the latest update on her family. Their daughter had divorced last year, and her son with disabilities had to move home due to the mistreatment he received while away at college. Adding to that, they had just buried her father-in-law. Her grief was contained but, […]
Category: Pastors/Church Ministry
Tools for Those in Need of Mental Health Support
An Interview with Joe Padilla
Few things are more acutely examined than the human body. Of all its organs, the brain is the most complex. No other organ controls human functioning like the brain. However, what makes the brain totally unique is its connection to our overall well-being. The brain affects how we function physically, emotionally, relationally, personally, and spiritually. […]
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When the Life You’re Living Is Not the One You Wanted
It started 20 years ago. In God’s sovereign economy, it was planned before creation. At first, I called it a “difficult situation”—a “testimony in the making” that I believed would eventually pass. I Didn’t Want This That’s often my mind-set when life gets rough; I tell myself, This is tough, but God is good and […]
How to Turn That Frown Upside Down
A simple shift in thinking makes all the difference.
[guestpost] Let this article by my Dad, Chuck Swindoll, bless you this holiday season! [/guestpost] Too often, we pastors tend to wear our smiles upside-down. The burdens of ministry—especially during the busy holidays—often cause our joy to droop into deep-wrinkled frowns. In case you need a little help with this assignment, read through this psalm […]
Change: The Road to Healing with Hope
Today I chose to take another route home after taking my son to school. Typically, I race straight home or to the office, directly to my desk and dive in to work. Today was different. I needed space—which is getting harder to come by in our town. I realized this as I navigated my way […]
Fresh Hope for YOU and the Church
An Interview with Brad Hoefs
When you hear the word church, what comes to mind? Do words like comfort, connection, authenticity, excitement, joy, acceptance, or support surface? Or do words like . . . Condemnation Judgment Rejection Fear Chastisement Anger Bubble up? Our world today is desperate for hope. The church is the community God ordained to offer the hope […]
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Seeing in the Dark: Mental Health in the Church Today
An Interview with Kay Warren
You may be shocked by what you are about to read: After cancer and heart disease, suicide accounts for more years of life lost than any other cause of death. 41,149 suicides were reported in 2013—that’s two suicides for every reported murder, one suicide death every 12.8 minutes1“Facts and Figures,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, […]
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Reframing Ministries: Discover Purpose, Passion, and Perspective!
Sometimes, we get stuck in life’s ruts. Ever feel stuck? If so, you don’t have to remain there! Insight for Living Ministries can help you climb out . . . with Reframing Ministries. If the name Reframing Ministries is unfamiliar to you, that’s okay, because it’s the brand new name for the Special Needs Department […]
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Hope, Healing, and Mental Health
An Interview with Dr. Matthew Stanford
In any given year, 1 in 5 people will struggle with a mental health issue. If we said 1 in 5 people will have a compromise in physical health, we would start a prayer chain. But mention that the compromise is a mental health issue, and most people scatter, label, judge, and disappear. We tend […]
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What You Must Know about Fish Tanks and Church Fights
Jesus fed the five thousand with some loaves and a couple of small fish. Obviously I’m not Jesus, and I was ready to flush some small fish. Here’s how things went down: For Christmas, we purchased a simple, soothing 10-gallon fish tank for my son Jon. Nothing fancy, but from the packed tank they were […]
Six Ways to Support Mental Health: A Revolutionary Model
An Interview with Kay Warren
Mental illness is a hot topic these days. For some it raises red flags of concern; for others it raises eyebrows in judgment. In spite of the fact that the Bible presumes and addresses the brokenness of the human heart and mind (take a look at Psalm 31:12; Proverbs 17:10; Ephesians 2:3; and James 4:8 […]
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Revolutionary Steps toward Mental Health and the Church
This is a guest post written by my friend Joe Padilla. I pray it sheds light into a struggle you might be facing today. When it comes to mental health difficulties and support from the church, the Mental Health Grace Alliance has heard it all! Let’s look at the three major frustrations we face and […]