Spiritual and Emotional Wellness
Transformation @The Intersection of
Emotional Brokenness and Biblical Meditation.
Transformation occurs when you apply to emotional brokenness the power of the Holy Spirit, which is released through biblical meditation. The outcome is "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality."
In other words, transformation is produced by applying the Holy Spirit’s power to emotional brokenness. This power is released through biblical meditation. The end result is Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
On this journey we will travel the road to emotionally healthy spirituality, experiencing the dynamics of transformation.
Before we can reach our destination, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, we need to stop at the intersection of emotional brokenness and biblical meditation to get directions on how to experience transformation, which must take place in an individual before s/he can experience emotionally healthy spirituality.
Webster defines transformation from the theological perspective as, “A change in disposition, heart, character, or the like; conversion. [1913 Webster] .
In the biblical sense it involves primarily changing the way we think, as Paul states in Romans 12:1 (….”transformed by the renewing of the mind.”-).Transformation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit and The Word of God. All Christians can experience transformation and can help others to experience transformation . You do not need to be a professional counsellor to help facilitate this work in the life of an individual. However there are exceptions , in some cases mental heath issues require professional help.
Every follower of Christ is called to the ministry of counselling to some degree. Unfortunately the Church today is guilty of referring almost all counselling needs to professionals. The major obstacle to being involved in this ministry seems to be a feeling of inadequacy. Although it is true that we may be inadequate, yet God has provided the resources for us to be able to help people to become transformed. Christians need to be educated in how to use these resources. The Church should be training them to become effective in this desperately needed ministry.
In the New Testament words for counselling are addressed to all Christians.
Parakaleo (107 times in New Testament): encourage, comfort, exhort
See 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 10:25 for this as an important ministry all Christians.
Didasko: (97 times in New Testament) teach, instruct (formally or informally)
See Colossians 3:16 for this as an important ministry all Christians.
Noutheteo (11 times in New Testament): admonish; counsel
See Romans 15:14 and Colossians 3:16 for this as an important ministry all Christians.
Elencho (17 times in New Testament): reprove, expose, convict, refute
See 2 Timothy 4:2 for this as an important ministry all Christian workers.
Epitimao: (33 times in New Testament) rebuke, warn, tell sternly
See 2 Timothy 4:2 for this as an important ministry all Christian workers.
In summary, Who does this? All Christians
The goal? Transformation
The content? The Word
The context? The Christian Community
The resources? Prayer, Bible, Holy Spirit, Professionals.
The Outcome? Emotionally healthy spirituality.
In the next post we will explore Biblical Meditation which is one of the keys to Transformation.
REMEMBER: It is better to meditate than to medicate, but if you must ,be sure not to take pills without skills.
Medicine will address the symptoms but Skills will address the problem. They work together for a better outcome.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Spiritual & Emotional Wellness @ Pastor's Inn
Spiritual & Emotional Wellness @ Pastor's Inn
Transformation through Biblical meditation &emotional healing.
Transformation producing emotionally healthy spirituality is facilitated by the release of the Holy Spirit’s power at the intersection of Biblical meditation and emotional brokenness.Emotionally healthy spirituality is manifested in a life that is:
· Anchored in the love of God. Matt. 3:17.
· Free from illusions of performance, possessions and popularity. Lk. 4:1-12.
· Balanced between doing and being. Jo. 6:15.
· Jesus-Prime Example
As an Ordained Minister and a Registered Professional Counsellor my main concern is spiritual and emotional wellness. In addition to being the Pastor at Bethel Assembly in Woodstock New Brunswick, my wife and I operate Pastor’s Inn as a part of Pastor’s Inn Ministries. This ministry is approved by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Maritime District, however, it is available to all denominations. Below you will find our Vision statement and Mission statement.
Pastor’s Inn Ministries.
Mission Statement
To provide ministry for wholistic transformation in a safe, confidential and relaxing environment through retreats, competent professional counselling , coaching, and educational presentations in person and online..
Vision Statement
To facilitate wholistic transformation of lives through a process of Biblical meditation and emotional healing.
More details concerning Pastor’s Inn can be found at http://www.pastorsinnministries.com./
hdluff@nb.sympatico.ca
Transformation through Biblical meditation &emotional healing.
Transformation producing emotionally healthy spirituality is facilitated by the release of the Holy Spirit’s power at the intersection of Biblical meditation and emotional brokenness.Emotionally healthy spirituality is manifested in a life that is:
· Anchored in the love of God. Matt. 3:17.
· Free from illusions of performance, possessions and popularity. Lk. 4:1-12.
· Balanced between doing and being. Jo. 6:15.
· Jesus-Prime Example
As an Ordained Minister and a Registered Professional Counsellor my main concern is spiritual and emotional wellness. In addition to being the Pastor at Bethel Assembly in Woodstock New Brunswick, my wife and I operate Pastor’s Inn as a part of Pastor’s Inn Ministries. This ministry is approved by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Maritime District, however, it is available to all denominations. Below you will find our Vision statement and Mission statement.
Pastor’s Inn Ministries.
Mission Statement
To provide ministry for wholistic transformation in a safe, confidential and relaxing environment through retreats, competent professional counselling , coaching, and educational presentations in person and online..
Vision Statement
To facilitate wholistic transformation of lives through a process of Biblical meditation and emotional healing.
More details concerning Pastor’s Inn can be found at http://www.pastorsinnministries.com./
hdluff@nb.sympatico.ca
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Church and Mental Illness
Spiritual & Emotional Wellness
“LIGHT IN THE NIGHT.”
“The Lord turns my darkness into light.”2 Samuel 22:29
According to Frank Stirk in an article published at
http://www.canadianchristianity.com/ A recent study by Baylor University in Texas found that out of 293 church members who asked their pastors for help with their own or a family member's diagnosed mental illness, 32.4 percent were told they "did not really have a mental illness, and that the cause of their problem was solely spiritual in nature (eg., personal sin, demonic involvement)." They were also advised to stop taking their medications.
Now, I advocate, “ it is better to meditate than to medicate”, but to advise people to stop taking their medicine in my view is extreme. What do you think?
The study clearly points out just how wide spread the notion is that mental illness is solely connected to a spiritual problem.
The article quotes Warwick Cooper, pastor of counselling and family ministries at The People's Church in Toronto.
“Perhaps the biggest obstacle the mentally ill in the pews face is the persistent and widespread belief that their problem is essentially spiritual. "Most churches just [assume] that if you read your Bible and pray and go to church, that surely is all you need to do," he said "But it's not helping."
I agree with Cooper. I would be interested in hearing your view.
If you would like to respond to this post or any post with a question concerning Spiritual and Emotional Health, I will do my best to give you an answer.
“LIGHT IN THE NIGHT.”
“The Lord turns my darkness into light.”2 Samuel 22:29
According to Frank Stirk in an article published at
http://www.canadianchristianity.com/ A recent study by Baylor University in Texas found that out of 293 church members who asked their pastors for help with their own or a family member's diagnosed mental illness, 32.4 percent were told they "did not really have a mental illness, and that the cause of their problem was solely spiritual in nature (eg., personal sin, demonic involvement)." They were also advised to stop taking their medications.
Now, I advocate, “ it is better to meditate than to medicate”, but to advise people to stop taking their medicine in my view is extreme. What do you think?
The study clearly points out just how wide spread the notion is that mental illness is solely connected to a spiritual problem.
The article quotes Warwick Cooper, pastor of counselling and family ministries at The People's Church in Toronto.
“Perhaps the biggest obstacle the mentally ill in the pews face is the persistent and widespread belief that their problem is essentially spiritual. "Most churches just [assume] that if you read your Bible and pray and go to church, that surely is all you need to do," he said "But it's not helping."
I agree with Cooper. I would be interested in hearing your view.
If you would like to respond to this post or any post with a question concerning Spiritual and Emotional Health, I will do my best to give you an answer.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Secrets to Emotional Health
Obviously this would be a subject of interest to me as a Minister and a Counsellor. Nevertheless I believe it is an important subject for everyone. In the workplace for example the three major areas of concern as far as emotional health is concerned are,depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Julie Spain has created a web page http://www.secretstoemotionalhealth.com./ This site offers some great advice. She also offers a mentoring program. If you should happen to suscribe to her program please pass on that you learned about it from me.
Another great site is http://www.drgrantmullen.com./ Stay healthy.
It's better to meditate than to medicate
Another great site is http://www.drgrantmullen.com./ Stay healthy.
It's better to meditate than to medicate
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