An interview with David Augsburger David is Professor of Pastoral Care at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. A well known author and speaker, he has written three books on the subject of forgiveness including his most recent entitled Helping People Forgive published by Westminster John Knox Press. It is written primarily for clergy and counselors. We interviewed him recently … [Read more...] about The F Word: Forgiveness and it’s Imitations
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Turning on the Light
An interview with Aaron Shepard Aaron Shepard is the program coordinator at the Plymouth House, a Twelve Step-model addiction treatment center in Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he was a guest in March 2002. The Plymouth House uses a Big Book model of Step work and inventory. We interviewed Aaron about his experience of Big Book inventory and his experience in helping others through this … [Read more...] about Turning on the Light
Kid’s Bad Decisions Do Not Mean We Are Bad Parents
by Norma Bourland Our son started using drugs when he was 14 years old. We had just moved to another state for the second time in two years, after living overseas as missionaries for the first 12 years of our son's life. This was a lot for all of us in our family to handle, especially for an adolescent. Because my husband was the pastor of a small evangelical church, we lived on a limited … [Read more...] about Kid’s Bad Decisions Do Not Mean We Are Bad Parents
Recovery Ministry in the Local Church
by Dale S. Ryan You can, of course, just pretend that it’s not there. This is a fairly common strategy. Does it work? That depends. People who struggle with addictions, people who have an addicted parent and people who have an addicted child may decide that your church just doesn’t get it and they will eventually leave. If that’s the outcome you want, then pretending may be worth considering. … [Read more...] about Recovery Ministry in the Local Church
How a Jewish Drunk Challenged My Idea of the Church: Toward an Ecclesiology of Recovery
by Matt Russell Jerry first came to Mercy Street, our church in Houston, Texas, with his AA home group. Like most regulars, he settled into his weekly spot in the fellowship hall (back-left). He listened intently, didn't sing many of the worship songs, but participated in the "Recovery and Spirituality" group that followed worship. Jerry was on the van ministry that picked up folks from various … [Read more...] about How a Jewish Drunk Challenged My Idea of the Church: Toward an Ecclesiology of Recovery
Keep Breathing
Introduction There are times in life when we have no idea what to do. It is as if we are stunned. Immobilized. It may be because things are happening so quickly that we can’t keep up. Often it is because a crisis has taken over our lives. Whatever the specific cause, there are times in life when we feel lost and confused. Few of us will go through life without experiencing such times. Even … [Read more...] about Keep Breathing
Being Held as Prayer
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10 Prayer is knowing that wherever we go, wherever we are, we are held securely by God. We might pray this way by reflecting on images of being held by Love. We might sit quietly for a few minutes and feel ourselves held securely in God’s … [Read more...] about Being Held as Prayer
Being Blessed by God as Prayer
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16 Sometimes prayer is receiving God’s blessing. Sometimes prayer is allowing Jesus to gently place his hands on us and speak words of blessing over us. To bless someone is to envision a positive future for them. It is to speak of the promise of God’s care and provision throughout their lives. We often envision … [Read more...] about Being Blessed by God as Prayer
Entrusting All to God as Prayer
Therefore, I urge you…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Prayer is an act of entrusting … [Read more...] about Entrusting All to God as Prayer
Becoming Like Little Children as Prayer
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:14 This story … [Read more...] about Becoming Like Little Children as Prayer