World Mental Health Day: 5 things to pray for your church
It’s a heart-breaking fact that there are large numbers of people in our churches who are struggling with their mental health. Depression, anxiety, self-harm and eating disorders – bipolar, schizophrenia and so much more besides are the daily experiences of many who follow Christ. And whether those struggles last a few weeks or a lifetime, […]
Praying for leaders
Leadership is a hot topic these days. Over the years we have seen a huge number of wonderful examples of people who have led us well. In our world, our churches and our families there are many whose leadership brings both justice and joy – and it’s right to celebrate those who have led us […]
Liturgy and Pastoral Care
The different facets of the Christian life are designed to overlap. As we look at the various things Christians believe and do, it’s wise to think of them as part of a whole – part of a life of discipleship – not different aspects that stand alone. Pastoral care is no exception to that rule. […]
‘I have seen the Lord!’
‘I have seen the Lord!’ (John 20:18) So came Mary Magdalene’s words on the first Easter day. It had been a turbulent period to say the least. After betrayal, arrest and a sham trial, Jesus had been crucified and buried. For a little while it had seemed as if death and evil had won the […]
Church talks: communities where conversation matters
Talking ChurchResidential Conference, March 2022 Session 2 Download slides ↗
When life is good
When it comes to biblical counselling, we tend to assume it’s a discipline for dealing with what’s hard. The suffering of illness – the injustice of abuse – the lingering pain of grief – the snares of anger, anxiety or addiction – are the typical topics about which people want to talk. And that makes […]
New Year, New You?
There’s something about the turn of the year that always feels “new”. It’s not just having a new date in the calendar or a new book in which to write the to-do lists but there’s a sense of a fresh start, a chance to regroup and do things differently. It’s at this time of year […]
Stepping back
There are moments when we have to carry on. Moments when the stakes seem too high, the deadline too close, the people involved too important to consider stepping back. That’s what we tell ourselves, anyway. Moments when we’re leading and others are relying on us. Moments when we’re counselling and there doesn’t seem to be […]
Helping the hurting on Hallowe’en
In a few short days, a significant proportion of the western world will be celebrating Hallowe’en. Some will set their sights on gathering with friends, dressing up and consuming a considerable quantity of sugar. Others will indulge in the horror-fest laid on by many a media outlet this week. Most will pass through the day […]
Help! I can’t stop scrolling
“I scrolled ‘til it hurt!” So came the sheepish self-disclosure over a coffee last week. I knew what she meant. I’d been there too in recent months. That state when you’re sitting somewhere comfortable, holding your phone and passing image after image before your eyes. Not just for a moment but for what seems like […]
