Ministry Counseling

It's not just about the money. Arguments about money are by far the top predictor of divorce, says Sonya Britt, a professor at Kansas State University. "It's not children, sex, in-laws, or anything else. It's money - for both men and women." Satan seeks every means possible to destroy marriages, and creating conflict around finances is one of his favorite tactics. But there is more to money problems than not sticking to the budget.

"The thought of pushing God away doesn't seem a good option; surely I need him on my side", is often peoples' first response. And, they are right, but this is what most people are doing each day. For some reason, they think it's okay to take matters of God into their own hands. They feel it's their right to worry, doubt, judge others, seek revenge or hold bitterness in their hearts. When you hold onto these negative thoughts and feelings, they slowly fill the mind and heart.

Stages of the Soul is about making tangible spiritual progress. It’s about truly understanding - understanding like you’ve never understood before - that you are deeply loved. Author Nancy Kane walks you through five stages of the soul’s journey toward embracing God’s love. This book will help you see more clearly how the Lord tenderly guides us to greater wholeness, holiness, and love.

Your cancer diagnosis comes as a surprise and not a pleasant surprise. It is a hard and threatening jolt. Perhaps you are still in shock. Still trying to wrap your mind around the new reality of your diagnosis and what it means for your present and future. Is it possible to walk by faith on this difficult journey? David Powlison, speaking both as a counselor and as someone who has been diagnosed with cancer four times, describes the uncertainty, the physical pain, and the emotional and spiritual struggles that come with a cancer diagnosis.

This accessibly written audiobook illuminates the good news of healing and liberation the Bible offers survivors of sexual abuse. As an expert in pastoral ministry and a survivor of abuse herself, Elaine Heath handles this sensitive topic with compassion and grace.

A toxic faith needs to be deconstructed and rebuilt on the solid foundation of the true Lord Jesus Christ. Untwisting Scriptures does this by faithfully examining word meaning, context, and the heart of God for His people. This book will untwist and present the beautiful truth of God’s Word, exposing sin where it needs to be revealed, and offering hope to those who desperately need it.

I spent many years in the “hell” of bondage to sexual lust. I know the torment it brings. You feel dirty, defeated, ashamed, and hopeless. You are aware that the Bible states that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God, but you are unable to escape your enslavement to sexual lust. There is hope. I have been set free by Jesus Christ and his word. There is a biblical pathway to freedom from sexual sin. I am sharing that biblical path in this book. Your deliverance is assured, if you follow the biblical instructions and requirements listed in this book.

Christian faith isn't blind obedience to a set of rules and regulations; it is entering into a relationship with a God who pursues us - not to punish, but to love. As the leader of Central Christian Church in the self-proclaimed "Sin City, U.S.A.", Jud Wilhite has seen it all, and he knows that no matter how far someone has strayed from God, God always remains in passionate pursuit.

In this eight-session audio Bible study, join pastor and bestselling author Andy Stanley as he examines the characteristics Jesus used to define those who follow him and the implications these characteristics have for believers today.

In August of 2016, Sacred Story Institute received a letter from a federal inmate seeking spiritual advice. We are using an alias for his real name to protect him in prison, calling him Richard Rafael Roman or just simply, Ritchie. He had been given a copy of Forty Weeks by a Catholic deacon friend of his: Patrick Logsdon. Their relationship went back to 1987 when Ritchie lived in Anthony House, a Catholic transitional home for addicts and former felons seeking a way back into society. The house was run by Deacon Pat and sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Diocese of ...

Life doesn't always go the way we hope it will. Whether it's singleness, childlessness, or some other big disappointment, it's hard to be content when life lets us down. Author Jennie Pollock knows what it's like to feel discontent. Drawing on encouragements from the Bible and the stories of others, this book helps listeners to trust in God's plan for their lives and enjoy true contentment through a genuine conviction that Jesus is better than even our most keenly felt hopes and longings for this life.

A seasoned author and masterful storyteller, Tricia Lott Williford encountered the public trauma of the death of her husband, but she held quietly the private trauma that happened at the same time: grooming, manipulation, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse by a person of trust. Tricia and her therapist, Jana Richardson, LPC, have written a resource to help others recognize the veiled dynamics of abuse, where it starts, how it escalates, and how survivors can break free and find freedom.

To be pastoral is to create a sacred space and time for the other person who needs support. The caregiver is fully present, listening critically and attentively to locate the "pastoral pillars" on the way for continued support. In order to provide effective pastoral care ministry and also be able to nail down and address the core issues bothering an individual, the caregiver should look beyond the ordinary and superficial, and companion into the deep ("the shadow") with the counselee, mentee, directee, client, patient, and the like.

For Christians, particularly those in vocational ministry, the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health often creates an atmosphere of secrecy where the enemy's lies reign. Julie Busler understands the pain of mental illness and has learned that trials not only humanize us but increase our capacity to be used by God. In Joyful Sorrow, she invites us into her own journey where a mental breakdown took her from being a missionary to a suicidal patient. With vulnerability and grace, Julie demonstrates that even in the sorrow of mental illness, joy can coexist.

Does the phrase church discipline sound like an oxymoron? The church’s message is about grace, we reason, while discipline feels like the opposite of grace. In fact, Jesus taught his disciples to practice church discipline because it’s one way congregations grow in holiness and imitate God’s own love. In this audiobook, Jonathan Leeman presents biblical answers to questions about the nature and application of church discipline, conveying that Scripture presents church discipline as both loving and necessary.

Mark Meynell articulates a heart pain that most of us simply couldn't express. He connects strongly and immediately with fellow cave-dwellers.

Americans spend $13 billion a year on pornography, the regular viewing of which is linked to higher acceptance of violence against women and adversarial sexual beliefs. Therapists and pastors are not always adequately equipped to address the unique demands of competent care for those struggling with sexually addictive behaviors. Reclaiming Sexual Wholeness, edited by Todd Bowman, presents cutting-edge research from a diverse group of experts in a single, comprehensive resource intended for therapists, clergy, and others in helping professions.

Are you lonely? You're in good company! For many, lonely feelings come and go. For others, loneliness is ongoing and agonizing. Yet no matter what category you're in, there is hope. You're not alone. In this short, practical book, biblical counselor Lou Priolo helps you to assess your own experience, get to the root of your loneliness, and do some rethinking on this topic—because the way you think about being alone affects the way you feel about being alone.

The first book to link the science behind Tiny Habits to faith and trauma recovery.

There was a dark season in my life when it literally felt like an earthquake had occurred. Everything in my life seemed to be falling apart...my family, my finances, our Church. And I asked God the simple question, "Why?" This book is the result of my own search for answers. In the end, God gave me illustrations that I will share with you and brought healing to my heart and my distorted view of Him. I was able to trust Him again, even though my circumstances had not changed. I pray that God uses this audiobook to deeply impact you as well.