pastor

A Better Question: Podcast Episode 004

A Better Question: Podcast Episode 004

In this episode, Lamar Hardwick examines how our theology influences disability ministry and how the experience of disability influences our understanding of God, faith, and life. We will talk about how understanding disability doesn’t begin with having all the right answers, but how understanding disability requires that we ask the right questions. 

When You Should Leave a Church

When You Should Leave a Church

Ideally, every person is welcome and embraced by a church as Christ welcomes and embraces all with unconditional love. That, unfortunately, is not always expressed by the church. I believe in those moments when we do feel we need to leave, God’s love will guide the conversation and direct us towards a place that will be more welcoming and open to expressing the love of Christ for all people.

Strengthening Mental Health, Relationships and Connection: A Direction for the Church in 2021

Strengthening Mental Health, Relationships and Connection: A Direction for the Church in 2021

A few months ago, Barna Group released a book titled Restoring Relationships that looks at their research on the challenges individuals and couples are experiencing with mental, emotional, and relational health, and how the church could help. Updated for the impacts of COVID-19, the research also looked at pastors’ mental health. But the most important question of all, which can help inform ministry for 2021, may be this: do people still feel connected during the pandemic?

Building Mental Health Awareness In Churches This October

Building Mental Health Awareness In Churches This October

Two times of the year are devoted to building awareness about mental illness. In October, Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4 – 10; October 10 is World Mental Health Day. The hope is that within these days, weeks, and months when we bring awareness, specifically through the Church, that we can reduce stigma and bring the Church to the forefront of conversations about mental illness.

Who Wants a Pastor Who Takes Depression Meds?

Who Wants a Pastor Who Takes Depression Meds?

I had an appointment with my doctor, to adjust to my medication for an ongoing health condition, and to get a prescription for depression. When the doctor asked why a pastor would want to take depression medication, I responded, Who wants a pastor who can’t care for the sheep because I’m just too depressed? An important post about the need for pastors to care for their mental health needs.

Redeeming What Was Broken: The Case for an Online Pastors' Retreat

Redeeming What Was Broken: The Case for an Online Pastors' Retreat

When COVID-19 began disrupting the world this spring, the Key Ministry team prayed and sought how we could support the emotional and mental health needs of pastors. We came to the realization that an online retreat for pastors might provide a necessary and beneficial respite. But in some ways, this retreat may even be redemptive for the broken paths of ministry families from previous generations.

Hope for Troubled Minds: How Intercessory Prayer May Help Mental Illness

Hope for Troubled Minds: How Intercessory Prayer May Help Mental Illness

Guest blogger Tony Roberts shares some of his experiences of living with bipolar disorder, including how he has learned to move beyond his brain’s single-minded focus with the discipline of intercessory prayer.

Six Scriptures to Help Choose Faith Over Fear

Six Scriptures to Help Choose Faith Over Fear

I am scared of all the ‘what-if’s’ of coronavirus. Being a pastor doesn’t somehow mystically make me immune to that. You are probably scared, too. This is where knowing The Word becomes imperative.

Christ-Like Responses to Tricky Situations in Worship

Christ-Like Responses to Tricky Situations in Worship

Families and individuals affected by disability deserve our respect and prayerful care. Their uniqueness deserves our attention. We need to accept and respond to others as we would like others to respond to us. Here are some ways for churches to cultivate a Christ-like response to special needs families and tricky situations in the worship service.

Your Church Doesn't Need An Expert To Start A Special Needs Ministry

Your Church Doesn't Need An Expert To Start A Special Needs Ministry

When it comes to special needs ministry, what if God isn’t waiting for us to have all of the answers, but God is waiting on us to simply accept the assignment of loving our neighbors as ourselves?