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IBCD
Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola

Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine...

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Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris

Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

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Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt

Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine...

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Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman

Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

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Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy

Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

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Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2022

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2022

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host approachable biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its inception, the show has been streamed nearly 175,000 times in 50 different countries. We're thankful to the...

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Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies

Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tim Challies about his book, Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God. Some of...

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Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop

Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Mark Vroegop about his Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Devotional Journal. Some of the questions...

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Hope + Help for a Psychiatric Diagnosis with Ed Welch

Hope + Help for a Psychiatric Diagnosis with Ed Welch

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for a Psychiatric Diagnosis with Ed Welch About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Ed Welch about his book, I Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis: What Does the Bible Say? Some of the...

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Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith

Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Esther Smith about her book, A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted...

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Top 10 Podcasts of 2021

Top 10 Podcasts of 2021

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host accessible, biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its launch, the show has been streamed nearly 114,000 times in 50 different countries. We're thankful to the many...

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Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill

Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Megan Hill about her book, Patience: Waiting with Hope. Some of the questions addressed in this interview...

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Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch

Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch Special Coupon Code for Hope + Help Podcast Listeners! Now through March 31st, get an additional 25% off the already discounted website price of A Small Book about Why We Hide: How Jesus Rescues Us...

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Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick

Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Brad Hambrick about his book, Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt Toward Hope. Some of the...

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Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett

Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jenilyn Swett about her book Singleness: Living Faithfully. Some of the questions addressed in this...

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Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts

Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author and Pastor John Crotts about his book Hope: Living Confidently in God. Some of the questions...

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Importing Trouble: The Cost of Caring for Abusers

Importing Trouble: The Cost of Caring for Abusers

  An email lies in wait in the inbox. A quiet request is made for help in the middle of the sanctuary. A text bubble pops up. The small point of contact that begins a counseling case can quickly ripen into knowing far more about particular situations in a...

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Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2020

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2020

The Hope + Help Podcast is a great addition to the IBCD family. Christine is a wonderful host who draws wisdom from leaders within the Biblical counseling movement to provide her listeners with content that is both scriptural and practical. This podcast is a...

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A Phased Reopening of a Formerly Abusive Marriage

A Phased Reopening of a Formerly Abusive Marriage

  During the COVID crisis, restrictions have been put in place which have sometimes kept people apart for the purpose of safety. For counseling cases in which there has been marital abuse the victim often must be separated from the abuser for the sake of safety....

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The Battleship of Abuse

The Battleship of Abuse

  Do you remember playing the game Battleship when you were a kid? You would try to discover where your opponent had stationed his ships on a grid representing the ocean so you could shoot and sink them. One shot, however, wouldn’t sink a battleship. Some ships...

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Covid Fallout: Navigating Fear & Anxiety

Covid Fallout: Navigating Fear & Anxiety

  Navigating Fear and Anxiety in the Age of Covid Fear, stress, anxiety, worry…call it whatever you want, it’s everywhere right now.  There’s nothing like a global pandemic, a government-imposed shutdown, record levels of unemployment, and civil unrest to bring...

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When Will Change Take Place?

When Will Change Take Place?

by Dr. Jim Newheiser During the past twenty years of working in a church-based biblical counseling ministry, in which I have tried to put these principles for change into practice, I have observed three general outcomes. Some counselees are quickly and radically...

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Don’t Do It Alone

Don’t Do It Alone

All marriages face disagreements. All Christian couples should agree that marriage sanctifies. Dave Harvey titled his popular book, “When Sinners Say I Do,” cleverly encapsulating the reality of each spouse’s condition. Because we’re sinners, it is wise to cultivate...

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A Biblical Counseling Approach to a Divided World

A Biblical Counseling Approach to a Divided World

by Scott Mehl This is a particularly intense season in the world for all of us, and biblical counselors are no exception.  In fact, as biblical counselors, the recent increases in anxiety, fear, anger, and marital conflict probably have us busier than ever.  I know...

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Managing the Structure of Your Counseling Sessions

Managing the Structure of Your Counseling Sessions

by Greg E. Gifford, PhD Every counseling session has a goal. If you’re meeting with a counselee for the first time, you are seeking to gain a trusting relationship, instill hope, and gather data. However, if this is your twelfth time meeting with a counselee, you are...

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Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney

Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Brad Bigney via Facebook LIVE about his book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden...

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Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney

Hope + Help LIVE Friendship Discussion Panels

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help LIVE for Heart Change with Brad Bigney About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Pastor Brad Bigney via Facebook LIVE about his book, Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden...

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Finding a “New Normal” After Suicide Loss

Finding a “New Normal” After Suicide Loss

As dark as life gets when you lose someone to suicide, you can truly experience hope. You may have serious doubts today, and wonder how you can possibly go on, but you will survive. Your life will never be the same—that is true. Fellow survivor Albert Hsu wrote, Those...

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Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman

Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Pregnancy with Gloria Furman About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Gloria Furman about her book,  Labor with Hope: Gospel Meditations on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood....

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Hope + Help for Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Charles Hodges

Hope + Help for Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Charles Hodges

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Charles Hodges About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Charles Hodges about his book, Good Mood, Bad Mood: Help and Hope for Depression and Bipolar...

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Talk to Me, Don’t Text Me

Talk to Me, Don’t Text Me

I once heard Sam Crabtree, who wrote one of my favorite books “Practicing Affirmation”, say that he had thought of writing a follow-up volume about “Practicing Correction”. But he said that if he did so, it would need to be a much longer book. This is because Sam...

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Book Review: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Book Review: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Years ago, I saw a picture colored by a small kid sitting in a church service. Looming over the whole page was a big-headed man on a big platform behind a big pulpit holding a big Bible, with a prominent scowl and dark, frowny eyebrows. I don’t know the artistic...

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Hope + Help for Parenting Methods with Jim Newheiser

Hope + Help for Parenting Methods with Jim Newheiser

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews author and IBCD Executive Director Dr. Jim Newheiser about his book, Parenting is More Than a Formula. During the conversation, Jim summarizes common Christian parenting...

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Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert

Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Evangelism with Becky Pippert About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Becky Pippert about her book, Stay Salt: The World Has Changed, Our Message Must Not. During the...

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Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon

Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Finding Identity with Quina Aragon About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Quina Aragon about finding identity in Christ. Quina reflects on being a child of Filipino and Jamaican...

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Beyond Preparation

Beyond Preparation

As a fledgling counselor, I put a lot of time, toil, tears, and sweat into session preparation. I devoured every Scripture and supplemental resource on an endless list of topics. I wanted to be prepared for anything. Are you deathly phobic of mayonnaise? I’ve read all...

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Hope + Help for Bullied Children with Tim Keeter

Hope + Help for Bullied Children with Tim Keeter

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Tim Keeter about his book, Help! My Child is Being Bullied. The conversation also features insights from Tim's 21-year-old son, Gabe, who endured bullying as a child. During...

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Hope + Help for Valuing Friendship with Drew Hunter

Hope + Help for Valuing Friendship with Drew Hunter

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Drew Hunter about his book, Made for Friendship: The Relationship That Halves Our Sorrows and Doubles Our Joys. During the conversation, Drew explores God's design for...

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Not So Fast

Not So Fast

I’m a patient woman. I can wait in the self-checkout line at least 26 seconds before I start deep-sighing and foot-tapping. I’ve also built up to exactly three seconds before I blast my horn at a still-stopped car when the light turns green. I can’t speak globally,...

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Hope + Help for Spiritual Warfare with Iain Duguid

Hope + Help for Spiritual Warfare with Iain Duguid

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Iain Duguid about his book, The Whole Armor of God: How Christ's Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare. During the conversation, Iain unpacks various pieces of the...

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Covenantal, Biblical Counsel

Covenantal, Biblical Counsel

I met her at Starbucks, across the street from the hospital. She was frantic. She was typically frantic when we got together, but this time it was worse. She was off her meds.[1] I studied her eyes. She told me about her nightmares and panic attacks. I found myself...

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Hope + Help for After an Affair with Michael Gembola

Hope + Help for After an Affair with Michael Gembola

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Michael Gembola about his book, After an Affair: Pursuing Restoration. During the conversation, Michael explains the short-term and long-term challenges married couples face...

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Let the Lord Use You

Let the Lord Use You

Maybe you've sat in on a few counseling sessions. Perhaps you’ve watched biblical counseling videos but have yet to officially counsel someone. You wouldn't dare. Most of us never feel ready to counsel. It’s a daunting task to put yourself out there while still...

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The Danger of Gospel-less Discipleship

The Danger of Gospel-less Discipleship

Have you ever seen someone change without the gospel? People do it all the time. They discover a new diet or decide to turn over a new leaf, and significant change absolutely takes place. Maybe they lose 20, 40, or 100 lbs.  Maybe they stop drinking and begin to spend...

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Hope + Help for the Age of Self with Jen Oshman

Hope + Help for the Age of Self with Jen Oshman

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Jen Oshman about her book, Enough About Me: Finding Lasting Joy in the Age of Self, exploring how the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to look away from ourselves in order to...

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Suffering in This World

Suffering in This World

“In this life, you will have tribulation...” (Jn. 16:33). Suffering … must we? A Biblical Example of Suffering There are numerous people in God’s Word who suffered well under provocation, for our example, encouragement, and hope (Rom. 15:4). Hannah is a wonderful...

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Hope + Help for Loss and Grief with Paul Tautges

Hope + Help for Loss and Grief with Paul Tautges

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Paul Tautges about his book, A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing, exploring how the gospel of Jesus Christ offers comfort and strength...

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Are You Burdened Out?

Are You Burdened Out?

Whether you’re a counselor, pastor, or friend, when you love hurting people you’ll eventually feel the weight of their pain.[1] And when you carry lots of people’s burdens, you may start to feel stretched beyond your limits, and spread thin, “like butter that has been...

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Book Review: Help[H]er

Book Review: Help[H]er

It isn’t groundbreaking to state that women should be involved in the care of other women in the local church, yet they are so often excluded. Help[H]er: A Churchwide Response for Women in Crisis by Bernie Lawrence and Ann Maree Goudzwaard is a concise, poignant, and...

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An Interview with IBCD Podcast Host Christine Chappell

An Interview with IBCD Podcast Host Christine Chappell

[gdlr_quote align="center" ] God works by having us become conduits of comfort to other people, so that we can pass along the good news of the Gospel to those who desperately need to hear it. – Christine Chappell[/gdlr_quote] About the Episode As the podcast completes...

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Hope + Help for Loving Messy People with Scott Mehl

Hope + Help for Loving Messy People with Scott Mehl

[gdlr_quote align="center" ] When those around you are suffering, it’s not up to them to find comfort on their own. – Scott Mehl[/gdlr_quote] About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Scott Mehl about his new...

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Counseling the Fool (Part 4)

Counseling the Fool (Part 4)

PURSUING WISDOM Do you remember Jason? I mentioned him in the first part of the blog series. He was the boy who had his heart wrapped up in folly while on a trajectory that led to destruction. Although I changed the names of other people mentioned in this blog, I want...

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Counseling the Fool (Part 4)

Counseling the Fool (Part 3)

HELPING THE FOOL CHANGE Six principles should be implemented in order to help the fool become wise and lead them to biblical change.[1] First, it is essential to show the fool from God’s Word that there is hope (Prov. 13:12; Rom. 15:1-6). Some fools will come asking...

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Counseling the Fool (Part 4)

Counseling the Fool (Part 2)

5 TYPES OF FOOLS The premise of this blog series is that there are various types and degrees of foolishness. This post will present the biblical terms related to folly, exhibiting the successive degrees of foolishness, and then revealing the heart of a fool. THE...

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Counseling the Fool (Part 4)

Counseling the Fool (Part 1)

WHAT, EXACTLY, IS A FOOL? Jason’s main goal in life was to make his mother miserable. His parents divorced when he was nine-years-old, and Jason blamed his mom for all of the hurt and pain he felt; he wanted to inflict as much pain on her as possible. But Jason’s mom...

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God’s Grace Meets Our Regrets

God’s Grace Meets Our Regrets

by Anna Mondal Do you ever feel like you’ve missed God’s will? Like you made an irreversibly wrong choice, and your life is off track forever? If I had chosen a different college major, I’d have a real job by now. If I’d been a better parent, my child wouldn’t be...

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Introducing the Hope + Help Podcast

Introducing the Hope + Help Podcast

Announcing The Hope + Help Podcast IBCD is pleased to announce the launch of the Hope + Help Podcast on Monday, February 24th. The show, hosted by author and writer Christine Chappell, is intended to provide listeners with rich, biblical conversations about life’s...

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I’m Sorry

I’m Sorry

How many times have you stood in front of the person you have offended and said these words, “I’m sorry.” Let’s dissect what these words convey. We often hear children apologize with these same words when they accidentally spill milk. They communicate, "I messed up.”...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Marsha (McGaugh) Teas

Tribute to George Scipione by Marsha (McGaugh) Teas

When I think of George (Skip) Scipione what comes to mind are two words – humble and crusty! He was an accomplished counselor, a pastor and a seminary professor with a Ph.D. after his name, but he was “just” Skip, and he made you feel very comfortable around him. I...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Betsy Smith

Tribute to George Scipione by Betsy Smith

George (Skip) Scipione was my boss from June of 1994 to 2006. I was a counselee back in 1991 and a fledgling Christian. I knew the gospel, but didn't know "worry" was a sin! My eyes were opened to Biblical Counseling and when the job came up to help manage the office...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Joel Fitzpatrick

Tribute to George Scipione by Joel Fitzpatrick

The Gift of a Good Father-in-Law: In Memory of George Scipione There has been a lot said about the way George faithfully lived his life as a Pastor, Mentor, Teacher, Counselor, and more. But, I want to tell you about what it has been like to live with George as a...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Jack Dundas

Tribute to George Scipione by Jack Dundas

Spending any time at all with Skip was such an enriching experience. Remembering his puns (about everything, nothing was off-limits), hearing him talk to students, professors, counselors, etc., but especially his prayers will always stick with me. He knew who this God...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Ann Maree Goudzwaard

Tribute to George Scipione by Ann Maree Goudzwaard

I didn’t know George “Skip” Scipione for a long time, but he really did feel like a life-long friend. That’s just how George was; hospitable, thoughtful, and kind hearted. If you were fortunate to spend any time with George and his wife, Eileen, you know what I mean....

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Tribute to George Scipione by Craig Marshall

Tribute to George Scipione by Craig Marshall

I first heard about George over a decade ago when I was a new employee at the IBCD office in Escondido. I had not met him, but he was the organization’s founder and former director, who was living on the east coast. It took me a while to connect that someone people...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Tribute to George Scipione by Elyse Fitzpatrick

I have had the immense blessing of being surrounded by numerous people, men and women, who have brought their gifts to bear in my life in ways that have transformed me for the better. George Scipione (Skip) was one of them. In some ways, he has been one of the most...

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Tribute to George Scipione by Jim Newheiser

Tribute to George Scipione by Jim Newheiser

I thank God for the life of George Scipione. He was my professor of counseling in seminary in 1987 and then my mentor as we worked together at IBCD, formerly CCEF West, beginning in 1994 (2 Tim. 2:2). George asked me to take over as Director of IBCD in 2006. George...

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Loneliness: A Pathway to God

Loneliness: A Pathway to God

by Shannon Kay McCoy “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” (Psalm 25:16) Have you ever felt utterly alone? Have you experienced the dark cloud of loneliness?  Loneliness is an unsettling feeling of disconnection from others, whether alone...

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Hope + Help for Family Worship

Hope + Help for Family Worship

About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Don Whitney about his book, Family Worship, exploring why it's important, how to deal with common stumbling blocks that arise, and practical wisdom for busy families who want...

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The Case for Counseling Through the Written Word

The Case for Counseling Through the Written Word

by Scott Mehl Over the past few months I’ve made the case for why counseling ought to take place in our homes, church offices, and public spaces. I hope that, by now, you’ve come to appreciate that counseling doesn’t just take one form, but can vary significantly in...

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Facing Seasonal Loneliness

Facing Seasonal Loneliness

Life is riddled with lonely seasons. Friends get married—you’re still single. Soldiers get deployed. Spouses separate. People disappoint and wound us. We disappoint and wound others. People die. And we are lonely. Loneliness is like a sudden tide, that, “in the most...

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Worshipping Christ Through Discipleship

Worshipping Christ Through Discipleship

As one pastor so aptly stated, “The Christian life is the discipled life and the discipling life”.[1] When the resurrected Christ met his eleven disciples on the mountain he had designated, He said to them, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the...

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Saying Horrors to God

Saying Horrors to God

You sit, sick with sorrow, as your counselee discloses stories of incest, a forced abortion, or cruel childhood neglect. And these things you shudder to think of, had to be endured.[1] What do you say in response to the unsayable? God provides (and Christ models) an...

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Book Review: “But God” by Casey Lute

Book Review: “But God” by Casey Lute

The Focus The tagline for "But God…" reads, “the two words are the heart of the Gospel”. Casey Lute offers commentary on nine crucial points in Scripture in which we see the God of Salvation enter the picture and save. This look at the beauty of the gospel inspires a...

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The Case for Counseling in Public Spaces

The Case for Counseling in Public Spaces

I’ve previously made the case for why counseling should take place in our homes as well as why it should take place in church offices. However, these aren’t the only two options when it comes to biblical counseling. The truth is, biblical counseling can (and often...

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Book Review: Money: Seeking God’s Wisdom

Book Review: Money: Seeking God’s Wisdom

Dr. Jim Newheiser’s expertise is taking a worldly problem and paring it down to its biblical definition and solution. In the Lord’s wisdom, he has orchestrated a pattern to moneymaking and wealth management. He designed work as something good, present before the fall...

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Battling Discontent with God

Battling Discontent with God

It doesn’t take much to see we live in a discontent society. Turn on any television and within seconds you will observe it. But discontentment is not just isolated to the world. Often Christians battle discontentment in their own hearts. Discontentment seeks to...

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Consider Wildflowers

Consider Wildflowers

“Stop and smell the roses,” they say. As if you didn’t have eighty-eight thousand tasks, as if you didn’t have deadlines or drama or diapers. In our rapid-fire, tech-oriented society, who has the luxury of stopping to sit in nature like a bohemian free spirit? Even in...

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Right Passage, Wrong Verb

Right Passage, Wrong Verb

I believe we have missed the mark in ministering to women held captive by their husband’s cruel words. I want you to know that the reason I feel I have permission to say this is that I am one of the chief offenders. I’ve been a biblical counselor for over ten years,...

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The Shape of Oppression: Part 2

The Shape of Oppression: Part 2

A few years ago my favorite[1] professor at RTS Charlotte wrote a book called What’s your Worldview? In it, he used an interactive method similar to the Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) children’s gamebook series. It invited the reader to “make key decisions or...

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Covert Patriarchy: Part 4

Covert Patriarchy: Part 4

This is the last in a four-part series on ways complementarian men can degrade into patriarchy in the way they consider their wives’ interpretation of and reaction to situations and their desires. Today's post concludes this series with a word on theological aptitude....

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Covert Patriarchy: Part 4

Covert Patriarchy: Part 3

Part 2 of this series looked at the first two ways in which complementarian men slide into functional patriarchy. Today’s discussion adds the navigation of a husband’s and wife’s desires. 3) Desires Desires are good, God-given impulses, and human life would grind to a...

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Covert Patriarchy: Part 4

Covert Patriarchy: Part 2

Part 1 established that a husband’s status as leader within the family is not derived from his superiority in wisdom or morality. Complementarian men are quick to acknowledge this truth, but a gap often exists between ideas and life. This post looks at the first two...

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Covert Patriarchy: Part 4

Covert Patriarchy: Part 1

I am what is often called in theological terms a “strong complementarian.” I hold to the traditional Christian position that church leadership should be comprised of men and that women ought not to teach mixed-group adult church gatherings. I also believe that God has...

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The Shape of Oppression: Part 2

The Shape of Oppression

Earlier this year, a friend came to town to take a class at a local seminary. She knew I was training as a domestic abuse advocate, so she asked if we could get together and talk about one of her counseling cases. When we met for breakfast, I sat quietly listening as...

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Educating your Elders about Abuse

Educating your Elders about Abuse

Well-meaning church leaders often fail to distinguish between ordinary marital conflict and situations in which one spouse is abusing the other. The abusive spouse, usually the husband, is often able to manipulate inexperienced counselors by deflecting attention from...

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The Case for Counseling in a Church Office

The Case for Counseling in a Church Office

Last month I made the case for why biblical counseling should often take place in our homes. Of course, you’ll notice that in my entire post I never quoted a single Bible verse that required personal ministry to take place in the home. That’s because there isn’t one....

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Book Review: The Gospel Comes with a House Key

Book Review: The Gospel Comes with a House Key

A Life of Hospitality In The Gospel Comes with a House Key [1], Rosaria Butterfield invites us into a life of sacrifice and open doors. She has lived it and she surely has stories to tell. Most of the book is written anecdotally, offering a personal glimpse into the...

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Forgiveness: The Pathway to Freedom

Forgiveness: The Pathway to Freedom

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13) Relationships are difficult. Interaction with others is essential—which means that someone will...

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Confronting the Winsome, Manipulative Husband

Confronting the Winsome, Manipulative Husband

For six months I met with a husband who was so likeable! He talked of how he struggled to be obedient to God, how his faith was existent, just waning, and how he wanted to love his wife but simply didn’t know what to do. Six months of this! And in that six months, his...

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The Case for Counseling in Your Home

The Case for Counseling in Your Home

Whenever someone reaches out to meet with you, whether it’s a friend who sends you a text, or a church member who has asked the church staff for someone to talk to, there are all sorts of initial questions you might have.  You’ll probably want to have a general idea...

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Helping the Hopeless: God’s Nearness is Your Good

Helping the Hopeless: God’s Nearness is Your Good

Often when counselees succumb to fear and doubt over troubling circumstances, they allow it to rule the day and consequently feel helpless and hopeless. So where should their help come from when they feel all hope is gone? Where can they turn when their suffering...

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Put Off, Be Renewed, Put On

Put Off, Be Renewed, Put On

There are a few passages within biblical counseling that encapsulate tenets that are crucial to counseling—Proverbs 4:23, the heart; Matthew 12:34, communication; 1 Corinthians 10:13, hope; Ephesians 4:22-24, the process of change. Having an understanding of these...

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The Rest of the Story

The Rest of the Story

by Ann Maree Goudzwaard A particularly fruitful exercise in the practice of biblical counseling is data gathering. The Personal Data Inventory helps counselors discover basic information about the counselee and the nature of their problem. Counselors can refer back to...

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What’s in a Name?

What’s in a Name?

I have a rather difficult name. Ever since I was a child I’ve had to explain it. I have two first names but no middle name, and, for some reason, this doesn’t make sense to people. Additionally, “Ann Maree” doesn’t roll naturally off the tongue. Typically, folks (my...

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Identifying with Our Idols

Identifying with Our Idols

“Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” (Ps. 115:8)  Many chefs love cooking with a unique food called tofu. It is a bean curd made from soybean and milk pressed into solid white blocks. It is one of the most versatile foods—which can be...

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The Blessings of Counseling Children – Part 1

The Blessings of Counseling Children – Part 1

This article is the first in a series focused on counseling the young members of our community. It addresses the importance of speaking the Word of God to the children among us. Biblical counselors should be equipped to help children who need counseling. Children are...

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Called to Peace: A Book Review

Called to Peace: A Book Review

Unfortunately, too many Christian women have to endure the heartbreak of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, too many pastors and biblical counselors are ill-equipped to deal with the trauma and complexity of abuse cases. Unfortunately, some of us deal with abuse cases not...

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Gaze on God and Imitate What you See

Gaze on God and Imitate What you See

Louis Berkhof makes an interesting comment. He says, “None of the attributes of God are incommunicable in the sense that there is no trace of them found in man.”[1] In light of Berhof’s thought, listen to the words of 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, with unveiled...

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When You Hear “I Can’t”

When You Hear “I Can’t”

“I can’t.” “I’ve hit my limit.” “It’s just too hard.” “This situation makes me respond that way.” “I can’t help myself.” If you’ve spent any amount of time ministering to others, I’m sure you’ve heard these kinds of statements. They are the statements of the...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

The Gospel Divides Families {Transcript}

What do you do when someone you love leaves? And how do you pursue someone who has hurt you, who has sinned against you?
Whether you are dealing with an unfaithful marriage partner, a rebellious child, or a wayward friend, the counsel you offer needs to be pursued in a gospel-rooted approach, grounded in truth and practiced in the midst of Christian community.
This resource was recorded live at the 2018 Institute: Loving Wayward Souls: Grace for our Prodigals

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

When to Stop Counseling

Bob Goudzwaard and Jim Newheiser walk through one of the IBCD handouts which lists eight cues that signal a counselee’s readiness to move from official counseling into a more casual discipleship relationship in his local church.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Interview with Shannon McCoy pt 2

Craig continues speaking with counselor and speaker Shannon McCoy about the issue of “instant gratification” and how to cultivate spiritual disciplines to counterbalance this problem. Shannon also describes what it is like to be a woman in the biblical counseling world and how she creates different opportunities to practice one-another care.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Counseling an Abuser: 3 Steps

Domestic violence is something that no one counselor ever wants to encounter, but with a reported 1 in 3 women claiming to have experienced violence by an intimate partner, the unfortunate reality is that men in our churches do abuse their wives. The church should be lauded as an advocate for the oppressed as well as an entity calling abusers to true repentance, but too often she has fallen short of this ideal. Thanks be to God that even in a complex issue like domestic violence, both abusers and their victims can have hope in the gospel.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Help Strengthen the Local Church

Supporting IBCD supports the ongoing development and distribution of these quality counseling resources freely and without advertisements. Even the smallest gift helps equip churches in one-another care.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Communication Guidelines

13 guidelines, provided by Timothy Keller, for godly communication, backed up by their scriptural basis, reminding of the various areas that can be worked on for improvement.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

5 Resources for Helping Sexual Abuse Victims

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are virtually overwhelmed with the hashtag #metoo, identifying people who have suffered at the hands of an abuser.As each high profile case hits the headlines, our hearts are burdened by the victim’s suffering and we long to help. Over the years, IBCD has invited pastors and counselors to share with us how to speak the truth of God’s love tenderly to those who have been abused. The Word of God is a powerful comfort that rescues the weak and needy (Ps 82:1-4). We want you to know that these solid, biblical resources are now located together in one place and can be easily accessed as you seek to minister the love of God.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

029 Interview with Ed Welch {Clip 2 |1:36}

It shows Scripture’s sophistication, understanding addictions where it’s voluntary, we do it because we want it, we love it, we love it more than life itself, but it’s also this abject slavery and it’s controlling us and telling us what to do even if we want to get out of it

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

¿Qué es la consejería bíblica 2?

Hay varias maneras que los Cristianos confrontan los asuntos de la consejería. Esta sesión dará un resumen de cuatro de ellas. Va a mostrar que la consejería bíblica es la mejor manera para ayudar a las personas con sus problemas espirituales que son la raíz de sus dificultades.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

¿Qué es la consejería bíblica 1?

La idea de la consejería es una idea bíblica que tiene la noción de pastorear a las personas. Es la responsabilidad de los líderes de la iglesia pastorear las ovejas y esto incluye ayudándolas con sus problemas espirituales. Hay respuestas bíblicas para los problemas que tienen la gente. Esta sesión dará un resumen de lo que es la consejería bíblica y explicar la diferencia entre la consejería bíblica y la psicología.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Gracia para cuando las cosas son difíciles

Las pruebas son experiencias ordinarias para cristianos que viven en un mundo caído. Puedes confiar que Dios está obrando en tus pruebas y que usa las pruebas para ayudarte a crecer. Esta sesión te ayudará ver la bondad de Dios en tus pruebas.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Palabras tiernas o palabras destructivas

Hay más que ciento cincuenta referencias en el libro de Proverbios que nos habla de nuestra manera de hablar. Esta sesión tendrá que ver no solo de lo que sale de nuestra boca, sino también de lo que se encuentra en nuestro corazón. A medida que nuestro corazón cambia, nuestra manera de hablar cambiará.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

027 Q & A Feeling Stuck in Counseling

What practical things should we do in situations where the problems are circular and there never seems to be any change? How should we feel when people don’t take our counsel? In this episode IBCD Executive Director Jim Newheiser joins Craig Marshall to answer a listener’s question about feeling stuck as a counselor.

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Happy Father’s Day from IBCD

Happy Father’s Day from IBCD

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 18. We wanted to remind our supporters that if you do your shopping at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate to IBCD. Simple click the address above to access Amazon through IBCD's unique charity link. We also wanted to highlight some...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

024 Q & A on Demons

How should we think about a case where a person appears to have strange voices speaking through them? Is there merely something wrong physically or could a spiritual problem be at work? IBCD Executive Director Jim Newheiser joins Craig Marshall to answer a listener’s question about spiritual warfare.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

019 Interview with Aaron & Ellie part 2 {Transcript}

In March of 2016 we filmed our 6th observation case featuring Dr. Charles Hodges who offered counseling care for a couple struggling with the complexities of Bipolar Disorder. Recently we sat down with the real-life Aaron and Ellie for the CDC Podcast to talk about their unique perspective on this particular medical diagnoses.  This is the second episode of a 2-part interview with “Aaron & Ellie.” Listen in as they continue their discussion and hear their real-life stories about dealing with Bipolar Disorder and the people who “try” to help.  They also articulate their hope for these videos to further the conversation about this and other medical diagnoses and give people a framework for caring for a family struggling with these complex issues.  You can listen to Part 1 here.

Related Links
• To listen to this episode: 018 Interview with Aaron & Ellie part 2
• Subscribe to the podcast
o subscribe via RSS
o subscribe via iTunes
• Meet Aaron & Ellie (2 min Trailer)
• Purchase Aaron & Ellie | Counseling Care for Bipolar Disorder
• Listen to Charles Hodges on Counseling People With A Psychological Diagnosis (59 min)
• Listen to Charles Hodges on Good Mood Bad Mood – Help For Bipolar Disorder (68 min)
• Read Good Mood Bad Mood by Charles Hodges

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

018 Interview with Aaron & Ellie part 1 {Transcript}

In March of 2016 we filmed our 6th observation case featuring Dr. Charles Hodges who offered counseling care for a couple struggling with the complexities of Bipolar Disorder. Recently we sat down with the real-life Aaron and Ellie for the CDC Podcast to talk about their unique perspective on this particular medical diagnoses.  This is the first episode of a 2-part interview with “Aaron & Ellie, in it our host Craig Marshall discuss with them their background with Bipolar Disorder and why they were uniquely qualified to accurately portray a couple struggling with Bipolar Disorder.  They also offer from real life experience advice for the average Christian in how they can best come alongside and do life with a person who may have a medical diagnosis and their family.
Related Links
• To listen to this episode: 018 Interview with Aaron & Ellie part 1
• Subscribe to the podcast
o subscribe via RSS
o subscribe via iTunes
• Meet Aaron & Ellie (2 min Trailer)
• Purchase Aaron & Ellie | Counseling Care for Bipolar Disorder
• Listen to Charles Hodges on Counseling People With A Psychological Diagnosis (59 min)
• Listen to Charles Hodges on Good Mood Bad Mood – Help For Bipolar Disorder (68 min)
• Read Good Mood Bad Mood by Charles Hodges

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

005 Counseling in Cases of Adultery {Transcript}

Executive Director Jim Newheiser talks about key issues related to dealing with the aftermath of unfaithfulness including important data gathering questions, how to approach emotional affairs, what each spouse needs to hear most when adultery has taken place, and common pitfalls in helping these situations.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

011 Interview with Milton Vincent {Clip 1 | 01:17}

Long story short, it was probably about 14 years ago that I was reading Romans 5 and it’s like the lights finally turned on. I realized that, “Wait a minute. I’m justified all day, every day, good days, bad days, waking or sleeping solely based on the performance of Jesus and not mine, and I’m always under God’s gracious favor.” I don’t know why I didn’t see that before, but seeing that in that moment as I read Romans 5, just seeing a man who was resting in his justification while I was wrestling over mine. I wouldn’t have set it in those terms, but that’s what was happening.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Help Translate Jeremy & Crystal

Muchos de ustedes nos han contactado respecto a la necesidad de recursos y capacitaciones de consejería bíblica en español. Estamos  gustosos de anunciar que finalmente tenemos una respuesta. La Fuente, una iglesia en Quito-Ecuador, esta dispuesta a realizar el doblaje en español de nuestros Videos de Observación ” Jeremy y Crystal”  dirigidos a la consejería en un caso de pornografía.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Congregational Access Packages {CAP}

We are currently working on the release of our Supporting Church Program.  Due to the nature of the Supporting Church Program we are also redesigning the function and purpose of the Congregation Access Packages. These changes are necessary to provide the best user...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

019 Interview with Aaron & Ellie part 2

This Fall we released our 6th observation video featuring Dr. Charles Hodges counseling a couple struggling with the complexities of Bipolar Disorder. Recently, our host Craig Marshall sat down with the real-life Aaron and Ellie to talk about the experiences that have given them a unique perspective on this particular medical diagnoses. Listen in as they continue their discussion and hear their real-life stories about dealing with Bipolar Disorder and the people who “try” to help. Their hope is for these videos to further the conversation about this and other medical diagnoses and give people a framework for caring for families with similar struggles. This is the second episode of a 2-part interview with “Aaron & Ellie.”

read more
Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

018 Interview with Aaron & Ellie part 1

This Fall we released our 6th observation video featuring Dr. Charles Hodges counseling a couple struggling with the complexities of Bipolar Disorder. Recently, our host Craig Marshall sat down with the real-life Aaron and Ellie to talk about the experiences that have given them a unique perspective on this particular medical diagnoses. They also offer practical advice for how Christians can come alongside individuals and the families of those with similar struggles. This is the first episode of a 2-part interview with “Aaron & Ellie.”

read more
Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Imperfect Pastor Discount Form

Thank you for your interest in attending the 2017 Ministry Weekend.  Please fill out the form below and our staff will reach out to you with the discount code if you qualify.  For more information about the event please visit: The 2017 Ministry Weekend. [ninja_forms...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Podcast Question Submission Form

We appreciate all the feedback we receive from our audience. Your questions and comments help us to shape upcoming podcast episodes. Please fill out the form to submit your question or comment.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

017 Interview with Debbie Dewart

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Our guest Debbie Dewart spoke at the conference on effectively ministering in a world with a rapidly changing legal landscape. In this episode host David Wojnicki talks with Debbie about her choice to pursue both law and seminary degrees, including how those two worlds overlap in her work as an attorney writing briefs for the Supreme Court. They also discuss the need for churches to be aware of various laws and how they can work to protect themselves and their ministries from possible litigation.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

016 Interview with the Scipiones

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Our guests George and Eileen Scipione recount how they found each other at the beginning of the biblical counseling movement, share their unique perspective on developing the role of the female counselor and offer advice and wisdom gleaned from 45 years of marriage. George is the founder and former Director of IBCD (formerly CCEF West). He currently serves as Director of the Biblical Counseling Institute for Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

015 Interview with Brian Borgman {Transcript}

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Our guest is Brian Borgman from Grace Bible Church in Minden Nevada. In this episode our host David Wojnicki and Brian Borgman discuss his book Feelings and Faith and how emotions play an important role when counseling. They also spend some time with Pastor Borgman’s other book, After Their Yours: The Grace and Grit of Adoption, and discuss how to be compassionate to parents with adopted children. They finish the conversation with Brian expressing his desire for biblical counselors to be engaged in and equipped to address issues regarding same-sex attraction in love and gentleness.

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Meet Jeremy & Crystal

Meet Jeremy & Crystal

  About “Jeremy & Crystal” Jeremy is a church-going, hardworking husband and father of four whose long-standing enslavement to pornography is tearing his family apart. His wife Crystal is threatening to move out following a recent incident in which their...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

015 Interview with Brian Borgman

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Our guest is Brian Borgman from Grace Bible Church in Minden Nevada. In this episode our host David Wojnicki and Brian Borgman discuss his book Feelings and Faith and how emotions play an important role when counseling. They also spend some time with Pastor Borgman’s other book, After Their Yours: The Grace and Grit of Adoption, and discuss how to be compassionate to parents with adopted children. They finish the conversation with Brian expressing his desire for biblical counselors to be engaged in and equipped to address issues regarding same-sex attraction in love and gentleness.

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Meet Aaron & Ellie

Meet Aaron & Ellie

About “Aaron & Ellie” Aaron and Ellie have turned to biblical counseling on the heels of Aaron’s most recent manic episode which ended in his hospitalization. Aaron has had several such episodes over the years and this time Ellie feels that she is at her wit’s...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

014 Interview with Martha Peace

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Martha Peace joined our host Craig Marshall to discuss her journey to become a biblical counselor, the message she wants to express in her books, and the need to have a high view of God. Martha Peace is a ladies’ Bible teacher and biblical counselor to women through the Faith Biblical Counseling Center located at her home church, Faith Bible Church, Sharpsburg, Georgia. She conducts seminars for ladies and is the author of seven books including The Excellent Wife and Damsels in Distress and co-authored with Stuart Scott, The Faithful Parent. Her latest book co-authored with Pastor Kent Keller is Modesty: More Than a Change of Clothes. Martha worked for eight years as a counselor to women at the Atlanta Biblical Counseling Center. She is currently an adjunct faculty member of The Master’s University. She and her husband, Sanford, have two grown children and twelve grandchildren.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

013 Interview with the Duguids

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Our guests were Iain and Barbara Duguid. Iain is a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, a pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Glenside PA, and an author of numerous books and commentaries including The Song of Songs: An Introduction and Commentary. His wife, Barb, is the author of Extravagant Grace: God’s Glory Displayed in Our Weakness, and Prone to Wander: Prayers of Confession and Celebration. In this episode our host, Craig Marshall, talks with them about how they came to be speaking at a biblical counseling conference and their passion to help believers grow in their understanding of the gospel. They discuss together their desire to help Christians understand their present struggles with sin in light of God’s sovereignty and grace.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

012 Interview with Sam Allberry

This interview was recorded live on-site at the 2016 IBCD Summer Institute entitled Disordered Desires: Bringing Grace to Modern Sexuality. Our guest, Sam Allberry, is a pastor and author based in the UK. He is a speaker for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, an editor for The Gospel Coalition, and is the author of Is God Anti-Gay?, James For You, and Why Bother with Church? In this episode our host, David Wojnicki, talks with Sam about how he became a pastor. Sam also explains how he can be described as a Christian who experiences same-sex attraction but not be defined by that description. He articulates the need to converse about homosexuality in the context of a gospel framework of repentance and faith. He also explains how the church must provide true family and community for those who are struggling with same-sex attraction and turning from a homosexual lifestyle.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

009 Calling Down Fire From Heaven

Have you ever wanted to call down fire on someone for what they did wrong? It may sound extreme, but in this episode IBCD Executive Director Jim Newheiser talks about a passage from Luke 9:51-55 and how we often are not all that different from the disciples.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Zondra Scott

Zondra, saved out of a non-Christian home and a former respiratory therapist, has been in full time Christian ministry with her husband Stuart for 35 years. She has served the Lord, by His grace, as a pastor’s wife, counselor, teacher and musician. Zondra has had many...

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3 Questions with Caroline Newheiser

3 Questions with Caroline Newheiser

What do you see as some of the key issues facing women counselees today? A number of issues come to mind. So many women come to the counseling office with poor theology and a lack of familiarity with the Bible. There is nothing more important than knowing God (Jn...

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How Can Your Church Help?

How Can Your Church Help?

In three weeks, our 2016 Summer Institute "Disordered Desires" will kick off and we'll be tackling some of the most pressing questions of our time here in San Diego. As cultural attitudes on sex and marriage continue to shift, the church has a greater opportunity than...

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From the Directors (April 2016)

From the Directors (April 2016)

2016 is already proving to be a year of exciting transition and growth! After months of work we were able to launch our new website which works better with mobile devices, gives us more control of our content, and will enable us to make and distribute helpful...

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

007 Interview with Danielle part 2

This is part 2 of a two part interview with Daelynn Romo. Daelynn is the wife and mother of three, an active church member and a friend of IBCD.  She is also the face of Danielle, a counselee in one of IBCD’s Observation Videos.  At the urging of her husband, Danielle comes to seek counsel from her pastor’s wife after an old struggle with an eating disorder re-emerges.  We asked Daelynn to talk with us about her experience and to share her own story.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

006 Interview with Danielle

Daelynn Romo is the wife and mother of three, an active church member and a friend of IBCD.  She is also the face of Danielle, a counselee in one of IBCD’s Observation Videos.  At the urging of her husband, Danielle comes to seek counsel from her pastor’s wife after an old struggle with an eating disorder re-emerges.  We asked Daelynn to talk with us about her experience and to share her own story.  This is part one of a two-part interview with Daelynn.  Stay tuned for part two on 5/20/16.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

005 Counseling in Cases of Adultery

Executive Director Jim Newheiser talks about key issues related to dealing with the aftermath of unfaithfulness including important data gathering questions, how to approach emotional affairs, what each spouse needs to hear most when adultery has taken place, and common pitfalls in helping these situations.

read more
Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

The Sin Test

A compilation of helpful questions for use in probing the heart for places where sin might be harbored. This can be helpful in drawing out and identifying sin.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Seven Steps of Parenting

A weekly log for parents to record their implementation of seven elements of good parenting. Examples include praising the children and being a proper example.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Solutions to Fear

A handout of Scripture passages specifically related to eight common fears with suggestions for how to overcome them.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Self-Sacrificing Love

A handout detailing 20 aspects of the self-sacrificing love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The negative, positive and extra aspects of such love are detailed in rich description.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Reading Report Form

A one-page reflection sheet that can be used in accompaniment with any reading assignment. This sheet is designed to help counselees engage with and apply the material.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Questions Mentors Ask

A list of 15 questions for use in counseling and discipleship. These questions are helpful for anyone seeking to come alongside someone and help them articulate what is in their heart.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Respecting Your Husband…

A 12-question quiz for wives to examine whether their actions communicate respect or disrespect to their husbands. Each question includes the biblical basis for self-reflection.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Recovery Plan After Failure

An 11-step guide for counselees if failure in fighting a sin occurs. This handout helps one think biblically about the sin and reminds of the grace and forgiveness of God.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Problem-Solution Sheet

A worksheet with a 4-step graphic organizer designed to aid counselees in reflecting on a particular problem they face, their current response to it and how to respond biblically.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Personality Inventory Chart

An extensive assignment for family members to reflect on themselves and one another. Topics include identifying qualities and characteristics, determining patterns of conflict, and understanding communication styles.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Identifying Personal ‘Idols’

An in-depth guide for examining personal expectations and desires that, when unmet, can lead to various Idols of the Heart. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED.  WHEREVER THERE ARE QUOTES THE LETTER “P” SHOWS UP INSTEAD.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Manipulation Test

A 20-question quiz for parents to aid them in determining the degree to which their children may be manipulating them. This quiz is adapted from The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

“Log List” Matthew 7:3-5

An 8-step guide for identifying possible logs in the eye of one who wants to help someone caught in sin. This helps establish a proper heart attitude before approaching another brother.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Journal of Upsets

An adaptable journal for recording when and where events in life provoked a person to become upset or react in a sinful way, calling for reflection and proactive thinking about the event.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Idolatry Repentance Plan of Action

A worksheet providing points of reflection for thinking about sinful patterns and setting goals for new behaviors. This follows the biblical model of “putting off” and “putting on.”

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Identifying Pride

A suggestive list of how pride can influence people to sin in particular instances. This list culminates in a prayer of repentance for the specific ways one has acted in pride.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

The Panic “Fear” Attack

A handout for understanding panic and fear attacks based on 2 Tim 1:7 and 1 John 4:18. It defines panic and fear attacks, offers clues for identifying them and explores common causes.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Family Budget

A simple spreadsheet with suggested categories for use in establishing a family budget. Helpful for providing guidance and establishing a wise financial plan.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

50 Questions to Ask Your Wife

A list of 50 questions for husbands to ask their wives. These questions will help them grow in understanding of the woman God has given them and how they can love and serve her better.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Fear Homework Assignment Samples:

11 possible homework assignments for counselees who struggle with issues of fear, worry, and anxiety. This list includes reading assignments, scripture memory and journaling activities.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Communication: Discussion Questions

An outline guide for walking through a plethora of scriptures concerning communication, calling for reflection and journaling on these specific passages.  THIS ONE IS WEIRD IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS NOTES THAT SHOULD GO ALONG WITH JIMS MESSAGE OR SOMETHING. MAYBE DUMP IT? ALSO TYPOS IN POINT IV

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Christ-Centered or Child Centered?

A handout contrasting characteristics children learn when the home is focused on Christ or when the home is focused on them. This handout is adapted from The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Conference Table Guidelines

A handout outlining the purpose and procedures for Conference Table discussion. This handout is useful for counselees to review before beginning a discussion during the week.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Biblical Process of Change

A graphic organizer depicting how thoughts and motives drive our feelings and choices resulting in the production of good or bad fruit. This handout is based on Eph 4:22-24 and Col 3:1-17

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Is Your Repentance Genuine?

This worksheet highlights the characteristics of worldly sorrow in contrast to godly sorrow. Help the counselee examine his life and seek by God’s help to move from being characterized by the top part of the list (worldly sorrow) to the bottom part of the list (godly sorrow).

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

2 Corinthians 5:9

A graphically-driven handout to accompany biblically-based teaching from 2 Corinthians 5:9. MAYBE DUMP THIS ONE.  IT DOESN’T SEEM SELF EXPLANATORY. OTHERWISE AT LEAST GIVE IT A TITLE?

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Worry Homework 

9 possible homework assignments for counselees who struggle with worry. This list includes reading assignments, scripture memory and journaling activities.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Are You a Fool?

A survey for self-reflection on 19 characteristics of the wise person portrayed in the book of Proverbs contrasted with their negative counterparts. 

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Anger/Heart Journal

A side by side journal for reflection on situations that provoked anger and the heart attitude behind someone’s response.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Unfaithfulness Assignment

A handout of reading and reflection assignments for anyone seeking to rebuild their marriage after an affair. This includes specific exercises for both the offending and the offended parties.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Submission… What is it?

A handout describing the characteristics of biblical submission: what it is not and what it is. This is adapted from The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace.

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

Child Rearing

A short handout describing 7 basic principles of godly parenting. This should be used in conjunction with the Seven Steps of Parenting weekly log. TONS OF TYPOS IN 3-6

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Essentials Preview – Part 2 (Scott Mehl)

2 Ways to Handle Hurts

A graphically driven handout to accompany biblical teaching on responding when hurt, contrasting possible natural responses with responses that rely on God’s supernatural grace.

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Hope + Help for Processing Disability with Paul Tautges

Hope + Help for Processing Disability with Paul Tautges

 Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Paul Tautges about his book, When Disability Hits Home: How God Magnifies his Grace in Our...

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