Archive for the ‘Counseling’ Category
Posted on April 30, 2010 - by Admin2
Moral Earthquakes
By David Sutton
In 1989, an expectant crowd was listening to the national anthem at beautiful Park in San Francisco. The stadium was filled to capacity, and everyone was there to have a good time watching the Oakland As and the San Francisco Giants compete in game three of the World Series.
About halfway through the national anthem, the ground beneath the stadium began to shake furiously to the shock and dismay of the crowd. Thousands of crazed fans, fearing the stadium might collapse beneath them, stampeded from the stands. In the following moments, all around the San Francisco Bay area, bridges were falling, freeways were wobbling, homes toppling, and entire neighborhoods were set ablaze. (more…)
Posted on April 5, 2010 - by Admin2
Confidentiality
By Dennis Wiggs
Pastors are entrusted with privileged information that should not be shared with others. The young pastor must learn early in his ministry that this information must be kept confidential. An effective ministry depends upon a trusting relationship between church member and pastor. If a member of the congregation cannot trust the minister, who can be trusted? (more…)
Posted on February 25, 2010 - by Admin1
How To Beat Temptation
By Mike Mounts
It’s near midnight. The moonlight I casts its reflection on the warm I waters of Tampa Bay. There’s a gentle southwest breeze. A perfect night . . . for fishing. For the last four hours I’ve walked the southeast side of the Skyway Bridge, trolling an eight-inch Cisco Kid up and down the bridge, with one thing in mind: land a snook (Florida’s game fish).
Because of the time, and because I was on my honeymoon (l wouldn’t recommend this to all newlyweds), I needed to leave. But before I left, I wanted to make one more cast. Just one more trip to the bend and back.
Then it happened. (more…)
Posted on February 25, 2010 - by Admin1
Helping Hurting People
By Paul V. Harrison
We live in an age burdened by emptiness. Modern day man tires himself out with the trivial, all the while wondering why he is so weary with life. Even Christians sometimes suffer from purposelessness and boredom.
Jesus addressed this problem with a divine paradox: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. . . .” The way to rest, Christ said, is to work. The way to fill a life with purpose is to pour it out for others. But just how are we to launch out on these missions of mercy? (more…)
Posted on February 25, 2010 - by Admin1
Do Money and Marriage Mix?
By Clarence Burton
An usher was passing the offering plate at a large church wedding. One of those attending looked up, quite puzzled. Without waiting for the question the usher nodded his head and said, “l know it’s quite unusual, but the groom requested it.” Perhaps that’s a good way to start the marriage. (Just joking.)
“Money! Money! Money! That’s all I hear.” Elvira said to the counselor as she and her husband sat in his office. Money problems are common to many families.
A survey was made of 100 families, with one of the questions asking, “What is the most common family problem?” Eighty-two out of the 100 stated, ”Financial.” (more…)
Posted on February 24, 2010 - by Admin1
Alone Again
By Bert Tippett
It all started when a pastor friend asked if I had read “The Widow’s Mite” in the January 2008 issue of Christianity Today. (more…)
Posted on February 24, 2010 - by Admin1
‘Til Death Do Us Part?
By R. F. Smith, Jr.
He was about 50. Came to his pastor with a question about that part of the marriage ceremony which says, “‘Til death do us part.” Wanted to know if after death—in heaven—he would still be married to his wife.
The pastor figured something deeper was behind his question. He asked him why he wanted to know. (more…)
Posted on February 24, 2010 - by Admin1
When Divorce Comes to Church
By Jim McAllister
They stood before me proud, excited and obviously very much in love. There seemed to be nothing but happiness ahead of them. They were young but mature. They were Christians and members of the church. They were friends of the pastor and closely involved with many key members of the church. They both had good jobs, and their first home was a nice house in the suburbs, not much trouble anticipated here. They should live happily ever after.
But something happened. (more…)