Yes, according to Jesus! He blesses you and calls you into ministry: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). We may think being salt and light means preaching sermons or trying to convert people to our faith. Actually, it’s more like what we call “Soul Shepherding.”…
In Dr. Bobby Clinton’s study of 3,500 leaders for Christ it was found that only one-third of leaders finished well. Many drop out (usually due to burnout). Some have a moral failing. The majority plateau (fade into a slow fail). In the Bible this same pattern holds true. Out of 49 leaders featured in the Bible only 13 of…
Emotions get a bad rap in many of our Christian circles today. They’re vulnerable and get broken. They’re messy and don’t look right. We prefer thinking, analysis, doctrine, and three steps to a better life. “Believe and do what’s right,” is the typical message for how to follow Jesus and grow spiritually. “Emotions are the…
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…
Who are the greatest entrepreneurs and leaders in history? What executive leader in business, government, or nonprofit has had the greatest impact on our world? In America we might think of names like Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, Martin Luther King, Jr., Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, John Rockefeller, or Estée Lauder. Many other world leaders might…
As a Christian psychologist it’s been important for me to look to the Lord Jesus Christ as the perfect psychologist. I look to him as my counselor. I study him and his ways to learn how to be a better counselor. I rely on his Spirit present in my counseling office as I care for…
This article features simple, step-by-step instructions on how to lead a Lectio Divina group. These instructions are meant to go along with Soul Shepherding’s library of Lectio Divina Guides, each of which provide the format we use. I’m assuming that you have some knowledge and experience of with Benedict’s 6th Century way of reading and…
What is Biblical meditation? Here are some key Bible verses on imagination and examples of Biblical meditation techniques for counseling, spiritual direction, small groups, soul care, prayer, and Christian discipleship.
This questionnaire assesses your spiritual and psychological journey using the LIFE in CHRIST developmental stages we teach on our TLC retreats for pastors.
These right-brained approaches to understanding your spiritual journey are refreshing and helpful aids to Christian formation and spiritual direction.