Taking Care of Yourself (Murray)

 In our fast-paced digital world where everyone is always on the move, it happens quite often that we end up not taking good care of ourselves.  We are in a hurry, so we eat convenient foods that are unhealthy, foods that are not good fuel for our bodies and brains.  We don't have time to …

The Mentality of Abuse

In the past few years, I've written several posts on church bullies and abuse (also here).  These two topics overlap and I've studied them on and off for some time.  Another resource that has to do with these topics is Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy …

Confidentiality in Counseling and Church Discipline?

When a pastor, elder, or other Christian mentor/counselor in a church is dealing with a another person’s sin issue, is 100% confidentiality biblical?  Jay Adams argues that it is not.  He makes a good case for this in The Handbook of Church Discipline.  Here’s an edited summary of his argument which specifically has to do …

Unspoiling Your Children

I’m not sure what to think of this: one of my favorite parenting books isn’t a Christian one.  I do, of course, believe we should raise our children in a distinctly Christian manner, centered around God and his Word.  And of course there are helpful Christian parenting books out there (some unhelpful ones as well!).  …

The Unbiblical (and Common!) Way to Handle Reports of Abuse in the Church

In their helpful book on abuse in the church, Jeff Crippen and Anna Wood give an outline of what typically (and sadly!) happens when a victim goes to her pastor for help.  In other words, the following is an outline of how abuse is sometimes swept under the rug in Christian churches.  Why am I …