As a pastor I am deeply concerned for the rising struggle with mental health in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. I recently sat down with two clinical psychologists, two Christians in the church I serve, Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Buddy Mendez, and they shared with me that “whatever level of stress, anxiety, or…
Loneliness
May Our Longing to Gather Grow
Last week I hosted a video call with all our shepherding elders and their wives, simply to connect and share some updates about how we are responding as a church in this crazy time. Our shepherding elders provide care for people, counsel people, pray for people in our church, and serve in a myriad of…
5 Things Christ Will Reverse What the Coronavirus Has Revealed
The Coronavirus crisis has revealed what we already knew. It has alerted us, all at once, to the pain and suffering around us and within us. Here are five things I have been grieving, five things the global pandemic has painfully reminded me of: 1. The brokenness of our world We live in world that…
Loneliness in the US, the UK, the Garden of Eden, and the Church
Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, believes it is not good for you to be alone. In fact, the former Surgeon General is on a crusade against loneliness because of the damage that loneliness produces in people’s lives. According to Murthy loneliness is the biggest health problem facing our country. About his…
“Christmas Makes me Sad/Glad” and 3 Reminders for Us Preachers
Christmas season tends to bring out emotions in all of us – some emotions of sadness and some of gladness. A recent Google search of “Christmas makes me sad” turned up 347 million results with lots of articles telling us why Christmas makes us sad. Psychologist Ken Duckworth commented “Holidays are a great example of…
Why You Can’t Have Friends Without Conflict
Loneliness seems to be on the rise. So much so that Britain appointed its first ever “Minister of Loneliness” to work to combat the rising problem of loneliness in the country. Research uncovered that nearly 9 million people in the Country “often or always feel lonely.” Why is loneliness on the rise? What values have…
Bowling Alone, Church Alone?
Harvard professor Robert Putnam wrote Bowling Alone, which has been called a landmark book by many sociologists. Written nearly twenty years ago, it has proven to be prophetic. Putnam’s book was based on research about the deterioration of community in American culture. He researched lots of community organizations and networks but the title comes from…
Three Types of Friends Every Leader Needs
Some have lamented that leadership is lonely. The unique pressure and responsibilities that leaders face can push some leaders to isolation. But wise leaders reject the temptation to remove themselves from others. Great leaders know they need others for both encouragement and wisdom. Here are three types of friends that every leader needs: 1. A…
Links for Leaders 11/6/15
Cultural circumstances and technological advances change the way we live and work every day. In 2016, there are bound to be some dynamic changes in the workplace, and good leaders effectively lead change. Here are six ways our work may change in 2016. “As the organization grows – as strategy changes – additions in structure have…