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In the light of God’s presence, you can see your shadow self. But most people hide their shadow and so it brings them pain and problems. Jesus’ best friend John had a problem with his shadow. He was usually friendly, considerate, and supportive of others — probably a Helper 2 on the Enneagram — but…
“I’m fine,” we say. Men especially do this to be “strong” — much to the disappointment of family and friends (especially women!) who want more connection. Burying emotions is actually a weakness that disrupts life and ministry. Bill Gaultiere and John Loppnow, fellow pastors and counselors, share how they connect with their emotions and with God. John introduces “Immanuel Journaling” as a tool for self-awareness and prayer.
Most of us use our successes to hide our sense of failure. We’d be better to fail into Jesus’ arms of grace. Fail? Yes. Let me show you what it means to admit our failures and receive grace. I was a hero child. I was all about hitting home runs, getting straight A’s, and being…
As Christians we may think we’re being humble by disregarding our emotions and needs to focus on other people. It’s not true and it doesn’t work! Humility is not thinking less of yourself — it’s thinking of yourself less. But what does that saying really mean? In actuality, “thinking of yourself less” may prove to…
Let me tell you about a man I’ll call Eddie. Over the years I’ve talked with lots of people like him. Many of the pastors and leaders we help are like him. I used to be a lot like him myself! Eddie is a pastor with a doctorate degree in ministry. He’s a dynamic preacher…
“If we walk in the light, as [God] is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). What does it mean for you and I to “walk in the light” of God? Nick is a pastor who is…
A holy and happy hermit came to the outskirts of a village and settled down under a tree for the night. He got out his Bible and was about to say his prayers, which he always prayed in Jesus’ name, when a villager suddenly came running up to him and exclaimed, “The stone! The stone!…
As a new parent, young ministry leader, and recently licensed Psychologist I was doing my best to serve Christ but I was struggling with anxiety and depression. God led me to move from the psychotherapist’s chair to the client’s couch. I sought help in my own psychotherapy. Ministry Leaders Need to be Led Being in…