pastoral counselling – Page 8

Facing Depression

I’ve previously shared this testimony on YouTube. Here’s an audio version for those who prefer to listen to podcasts whilst walking, running, driving etc.

I’ve written before on Faithroots about depression and have recently contributed to a book on the subject. Here I want to talk about another aspect of mental health sometimes linked to depression. When I was signed off sick by my GP I was diagnosed with Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder (no the anachronym for that… Continue reading Anxiety

You say: Stop listening to the lies you and others tell you about yourself.

Here’s the audio and video versions of today’s #DailyDose. We often listen to lies about who we are both, including the lies we tell ourselves. We need to hear God’s truth.

I’ve got a theory

On faithroots Live this week, I was looking at the Theory of Evolution. Now, I’m a Young Earth Creationist which means I fundamentally disagree with Evolutionary Theory, however, I think that it is vital we evaluate the strongest form of an opposing argument. So, one thing that I took time to do was to respond… Continue reading I’ve got a theory

The Wounded Christian – love letter to a broken child of God – Book Review

The wounded Christian is a book by John Piper, no not THAT John Piper, but by another Christian with the same name although also based in the States. This John Piper is originally from the UK and as a child experienced a strong calling to serve God on the mission field. In his case, his… Continue reading The Wounded Christian – love letter to a broken child of God – Book Review

Our attitude to mental health may indicate the extent to which we have dealt with the toxic problem of Prosperity Teaching

If I told you that you probably did not need to persist with the chemotherapy, or that you did not need to see a surgeon to get your broken bone reset, you just needed to pray and repent of your sin, how would you respond? Not only would you recognise this as ridiculously nuts but… Continue reading Our attitude to mental health may indicate the extent to which we have dealt with the toxic problem of Prosperity Teaching

Wrestling with my thoughts -Book Review

Sharon was a high flying, top grade medical student when things began to unravel as she headed towards her final exams. An eagle-eyed, loving aunt first spots the signs that things are not right when Sharon visits her in Los Angeles. What initially looks like a dose of depression to be brushed off spirals into… Continue reading Wrestling with my thoughts -Book Review

Bullies in the workplace

“I would not be saying that, given the current economic climate if I were you.” The words are etched on my mind. I’d disagreed with one of our directors and he had not taken kindly to it. He was known for his temper and he was known to be one of the Managing Director’s henchmen.… Continue reading Bullies in the workplace

Towards a theology of depression

Over the last few months, I’ve been involved with a few projects and numerous conversations relating to the experience of Christian workers with depression. One thing that has come out so often is the extent to which the sufferers and their churches simply were not ready for it when it hit. At theological college you… Continue reading Towards a theology of depression

Reflections on Grief

“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall see God” These reflections arose from a sermon preached some time back on 2 Samuel 1. Mourning the death of a faithful servant of God This year we have stopped to mourn on a couple of occasions. As a church, we said goodbye to one of our… Continue reading Reflections on Grief