Henri Nouwen in his book The Wounded Healer laments that most Christian leaders are not prepared to be spiritual leaders for hurting people. “Our service will not be perceived as authentic,” Nouwen warns, “unless it comes from a heart wounded by the suffering about which we speak. Thus, nothing can be written about ministry without a deeper understanding of…
With Insights From Pastor Joe Johnson with Heart of the Father Ministries* Kristi and I were fortunate to receive instruction in healing and deliverance ministry in college. Many Christian pastors, counselors, and lay ministers today have not received this training and so they don’t know how to use the authority that Jesus gave them to pray…
How were you cared for as a child? How well were your needs met? What were your early experiences in your relationships with your parents and your family? And how did this affect your personality, identity, and life going forward? Relational wounds are more damaging when we’re younger, they come from a beloved and trusted…
In his book Joy Starts Here Jim Wilder says that every child and hurting person needs a Gentle Protector. A Gentle Protector is someone who has power and uses it to defend and care for those in need. I realized recently that the Gentle Protector you need (and me too!) is hidden in the Christmas story. He’s…
Have you ever seen something that brought you distress or even traumatized you? Do you have any harmful images you’ve internalized that periodically come back to upset you?
I thought I really trusted God’s goodness and love. I could tell you God was loving and good, I could even teach a Bible study on it. But God wanted to grow me and so he showed me the true state of my soul, that actually I didn’t fully trust in his goodness and love.…
The Roman centurion in the Bible story said to Jesus, “Just say the word.” He put faith in the power of Jesus’ words and his servant was healed.
Kristi and I are privileged to pray for pastors and counselors. We are honored to participate with Jesus in their ministry and to do what we can to help them not to burn out, but to remain strong in God’s grace in the difficult work of ministry. Pastor Joe Johnson is one of our friends…
Recently I led a retreat for 18 pastors and their wives who serve at churches in Mexico. It was called, “Embrace Abba with Me.” I’d like to share with you one of our times of reflection and prayer on the father wound that proved to be powerfully healing for everyone. There were many tears, hugs,…
