This was a tough week in our country. In western Pennsylvania and multiple other communities across the country, hatred was on full display as bullets flew and lives were lost. The carnage and discourse over the last week has been unsettling as we all grapple with why our country continues to settle our divisions by shooting up political rallies, retail stores, nightclubs, … Read More
Why Churches Feel Overwhelmed by Counseling
I recently spent a week at one of the largest pastor’s conferences in the United States to share how BCC seeks to help churches. As I talked with many pastors, a few themes stood out to me about care and counseling in the local church. Most churches and pastors are overwhelmed and don’t know what steps to take to improve … Read More
Two Essentials of Christlike Care
Jesus cares for addicts… and corrupt politicians. Jesus cares for the sick… and adulterers. Jesus cares for the homeless… and rich people. The left side of those three sentences would gain approval from most inside and outside the church. The right side might be harder for us to agree to. Jesus cared for all people in a complicated world, one … Read More
How the Bible Addresses Trials, Transitions, and Dealing with Unwanted Change (Part 2)
I recently met with a man devastated by the loss of his lucrative job and the career path he so carefully sacrificed for and cultivated. It felt unfair that his rival took the leadership position and laid him off with a minimal severance. Now he’s struggling to concentrate and provide as a day trader, drinking too many days away, completely depressed, and … Read More
How the Bible Addresses Trials, Transitions, and Dealing with Unwanted Change (Part 1)
“I didn’t want to move to Illinois. I hate it here, and my dad keeps moving us every time he gets promoted for his stupid job. Sure, we got rich, but I got more lonely. It’s not even worth it to try to make friends anymore. Life was so much better for my family in Tennessee. I find it hard not to hate … Read More
Top Four Questions About Premarital Counseling
Our counselors meet with a lot of married couples in difficult situations. I’ll confess a thought that sometimes goes through our minds is: “Why did you get married??” We probably wouldn’t ask that question out loud, but any experienced counselor will tell you it’s crossed their mind. A common denominator in many of these cases is that the couples had … Read More
Why the Gospel Matters in Counseling (Part 2)
Isn’t it odd that some Christians in the mental health field act like the Gospel and the Bible aren’t needed in the counseling office? The Gospel is good news for every person who chooses to trust Christ and accept the gift He offers: new life in Him. Life change happens when the broken begin living for God rather than self. The … Read More
Why the Gospel Matters in Counseling (Part 1)
Isn’t it odd that some Christians in the mental health field act like the Gospel and the Bible aren’t needed in the counseling office? The Gospel is good news for every person who chooses to trust Christ and accept the gift He offers: new life in Him. Life change happens when the broken begin living for God rather than self. The … Read More
Understanding the Need for Culturally Aware Biblical Counseling
The southern preacher powerfully concluded his sermon on marriage, “Nearly every marriage problem I see in my office is a failure of married couples to ‘leave and cleave’ – and ignoring this biblical principle simply ends in disaster.” It shook up my counselee because he listened carefully and took complete notes. The preacher even created a “warning checklist” – “living … Read More
