Theology of Power - One-day Seminar
PT 551: One Credit Seminar
This seminar will examine the proper understanding of power from a theological perspective, expose the common abuses of power and develop a trajectory to redeem its proper use
This form is for those who are not currently enrolled students at Missio, but would like to take a 1 credit hour seminar as an audit for personal enrichment. The cost to audit a 1 credit hour seminar is a special reduced price of $99 to be paid via Paypal once you complete this form. You will be redirected to the payment page.
Please note the following:
- Enrolled students have priority for face to face classes. There are a limited number of seats. For most one credit hour seminars we are able to accommodate 5-10 in person audit students.
- If you choose the online option, you are able to follow a live-streamed version of the class. You do not have permission to to record or distribute the live-streamed content.
1 Credit Hour Seminars Payment
1 Credit Hour Seminar Courses Payment
Thank you for registering for the upcoming 1 Credit Hour Seminar. Simply fill in your first and last name and the course you are taking. On the next screen put in a tuition of $99 and you will be able to pay via credit card, debit card, or through your Paypal account. You are not forced to have a Paypal account to make a payment.
1 Credit Hour Seminars Audit Registration
1 Credit Hour Seminar Course Audit Registration
This form is for those who are not currently enrolled students at Missio, but would like to take a 1 credit hour seminar as an audit for personal enrichment. The cost to audit a 1 credit hour seminar is a special reduced price of $99 to be paid via Paypal once you complete this form. You will be redirected to the payment page.
Please note the following:
- Enrolled students have priority for face to face classes. There are a limited number of seats. For most one credit hour seminars we are able to accommodate 5-10 in person audit students.
- If you choose the online option, you are able to follow a live-streamed version of the class. You do not have permission to to record or distribute the live-streamed content.
Confronting the #MeToo / #ChurchToo Crisis
Confronting the #MeToo/#ChurchToo Crisis
The #MeToo/#ChurchToo sexual abuse crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing the 21st Century Protestant church. The avalanche of #MeToo and #ChurchToo stories from victims of sexual abuse perpetrated both outside and inside the church and of cover-ups to protect perpetrators, blindsided Protestant leaders who thought this was a Roman Catholic problem. Major news media’s investigative reporting corroborated the fact that, instead of providing safe haven for victims and being at the forefront in combatting this crisis, many Protestant churches are complicit.
This seminar will examine the crisis from multiple angles for pastors and ministry leaders. How does church teaching about women and men create an environment that is conducive to sexual abuse and to the protection of perpetrators? How do #MeToo narratives in the Bible provide a vital pastoral resource for raising awareness and creating safety for victims to find help and the care they need? Trauma counseling, legal, and pastoral experts will provide crucial guidance to church leaders in securing professional and legal help, avoiding common mistakes when allegations surface, and becoming leaders in combatting this serious crisis.
Instructor: Carolyn Custis James
Carolyn Custis James (B.A. Sociology, M.A. Biblical Studies) is an activist, blogger, and award-winning author. Her books include Finding God in the Margins, Malestrom, Half the Church, and The Gospel of Ruth. Her first book, When Life and Beliefs Collide, demonstrated the importance of theology for women and has been influential in encouraging women to pursue seminary education.
Carolyn blogs at www.carolyncustisjames.com and as a Leading Voice at Missio Alliance. She has also published articles for Huffington Post/Religion.
She was founder and president of the Synergy Women’s Network for women active in or preparing for ministry occupations. She is a consulting editor for Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament. She speaks at church conferences, colleges, and for other Christian organizations both in the US and abroad and is a frequent guest lecturer at various theological seminaries.
Carolyn is a member of Evangelicals 4 Justice – an eclectic network of evangelical thought leaders and activists dedicated to making broad cultural impact through prophetic witness to the whole church.
She also serves on advisory boards for:
- Logia – an initiative of the LOGOS Institute at the University of St. Andrews, UK committed to seeing Christian female scholars become more visible and valued in the academy and the church.
- Institute for Bible Reading – dedicated to facilitate and energize a twenty-first century Bible reading movement.
Her work focuses on the intersection between Christianity and twenty-first century cultural issues facing women and men globally and has earned her recognition by Christianity Today as one of “50 Evangelical Women to Watch.”
Class Details and Registration
Date: This course took place on Saturday, November 9, 2019.
Credit: You can no longer take this course for credit, but you can stream the content through Vimeo for personal enrichment or church training.
Total Time: 6 hours of teaching
1 Credit Hour Seminars
1 Credit Hour Seminar Courses
1 Credit Hour Seminars at Missio Seminary are specialty classes designed to handle some of the most difficult issues in pastoral ministry today. MDiv students are required to take three 1 Credit Hour Seminars during their program.
Those who are not currently students are also invited to take these courses for credit or as an audit. The cost to audit the 1 credit hour seminars is a special reduced price of $99.
Upcoming 1 Credit Hour Seminars
On Earth as It Is in Heaven: God’s Calling for Christians to Take Action on the Climate Crisis
Instructor: Allen Drew
Saturday, April 24, 2021
8:30 AM to 4:30 pm via Zoom
To audit the course for personal development go to the registration page.
Past 1 Credit Hour Seminars
Racism as Ministry Context (Fall 2020)
Missional Church Planting (Spring 2020)
Confronting the #MeToo / #ChurchToo Crisis (Fall 2019)
- To view free recordings of this seminar, visit missio.edu/metoo-churchtoo.
Ministry to People Experiencing PTSD (Spring 2019)
Experiential Learning (Fall 2018)
Radical Hospitality (Spring 2018)
A Missional Response to Pornography (Fall 2017)
What are professors saying?
Continue to Press: A letter from the Editor
A recording of Missio's 52nd Commencement is available here.
Lamenting in Seasons of Suffering
One helpful practice when walking through a season of suffering is writing a lament or a series of laments
Sunday’s Sermon
We share in the grief of friends and family who lost loved ones to the unspeakable violence in Buffalo
Hands on the Gospel Plow Webinar
Take an insightful journey with us as we delve into the missional history of the Black church moderated by Missio’s Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Urban Initiatives, Dr. Clarence E. Wright.
Black History Month Video Message
As we celebrate Black History Month at Missio Seminary, President Frank James shares the impact Black missional leaders have had on him and his missional journey.
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
When Moderation and Justice Collide
Somehow justice, mercy, and humility belong together in a Christian social ethic. I think that is at least part of what MLK was telling us.
A Catalyst for Senior Pastoral Leadership
An excerpt on Senior Leadership from Pastor Keon Gerow and Dr. Sean Wise
Biblical Seminary Memories with Dr. Newman
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Dr. Bob Newman shares stories of the BTS/Missio younger years.
Online Master of Arts in Missional Ministry
Online Master of Arts in Missional Ministry
An Online MA in Missional Ministry supports any contextual ministry with core curriculum featuring practical ministry, biblical studies, and missional theology.
Encouraging students to explore the character of God within the context of the unfolding drama of Scripture’s story is our goal. MA in Missional Ministry students are equipped to understand the Scriptures fully and to apply them practically to their community and context.
Students from any state can take Missio’s online courses. We are approved to offer online education in 49 states through SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (see here for information), and the state of California does not require any additional approvals at this time (see here for information).
Why the Online MA in Missional Ministry Degree
Missio’s unique approach to ministry focuses on our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and a generously orthodox faith. We teach ministry from a missional theology perspective, encouraging students to explore the character of God within the context of the unfolding drama of Scripture’s story, a unique learning experience.
No Need to Relocate
One of the greatest obstacles to theological education can be location. Students enrolled in our Online MA in Missional Ministry remain in their current context and ministry.
Minimal Residency
For this program, we require two on-campus residencies in Philadelphia. These consist of a Friday night and Saturday, including an in-class experience with relational and spiritual development.
Real-Time Classes
Lectures are live with the ability to ask questions and interact with the faculty and fellow students.
Diverse Learners
Our students and faculty come from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and denominational backgrounds creating a dynamic classroom experience.
Curriculum
Core Courses – 18 Credits
Foundations
Hermeneutics
Reading the OT Missionally
Reading the NT Missionally
Theology 1
Formation and Mission
Ministry Courses – 18 Credits
Leadership Development
Homiletics
Organizations and Change
Community and Mission
Christianity and World Religions
Ministry Internship
Electives – 12 Credits
We offer four online elective courses for the program. You may also choose to substitute an online elective with a traditional course on campus in Philadelphia or by taking a class at another accredited seminary.
Total Required Credits - 48
Program Format
Students in the Online MA in Missional Ministry take live-streamed courses. These courses are offered in a 5-week format. Classes are every Tuesday night from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. Each five week course also includes one Saturday class from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
If students desire to complete the program in two years they must attend courses from September through the end of June. There are two on-campus residencies built into the program which include a Friday night and all day Saturday stay in Philadelphia during the first year, and a similar residency during the second year.
Live-streamed courses include the ability to ask questions and interact with the faculty member and other students. There are also other online requirements in many classes including online message boards through Missio’s eCampus (Moodle).
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.
What are professors saying?
Continue to Press: A letter from the Editor
A recording of Missio's 52nd Commencement is available here.
Lamenting in Seasons of Suffering
One helpful practice when walking through a season of suffering is writing a lament or a series of laments
Sunday’s Sermon
We share in the grief of friends and family who lost loved ones to the unspeakable violence in Buffalo
Hands on the Gospel Plow Webinar
Take an insightful journey with us as we delve into the missional history of the Black church moderated by Missio’s Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Urban Initiatives, Dr. Clarence E. Wright.
Black History Month Video Message
As we celebrate Black History Month at Missio Seminary, President Frank James shares the impact Black missional leaders have had on him and his missional journey.
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
When Moderation and Justice Collide
Somehow justice, mercy, and humility belong together in a Christian social ethic. I think that is at least part of what MLK was telling us.
A Catalyst for Senior Pastoral Leadership
An excerpt on Senior Leadership from Pastor Keon Gerow and Dr. Sean Wise
Biblical Seminary Memories with Dr. Newman
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Dr. Bob Newman shares stories of the BTS/Missio younger years.
Diploma Program
Diploma in Biblical & Missional Theology
The Diploma program has been developed specifically for people of high Christian character who are serving or called to serve in missional ministry leadership and who are capable intellectually and academically, but who, for various reasons, have not earned a college degree or perhaps may have earned a degree in a discipline unrelated to biblical or theological studies. This program exists to enable such persons to gain biblical, theological, and church historical knowledge at a credible level (at a level comparable to undergraduate/college level) and hone their ministry gifts, skills, and tools, within a missional theological and ministerial framework. The curriculum seeks to cultivate Christian leaders who are biblically grounded, theologically sound, contextually astute, and spiritually faithful, useful for Christ’s service as servant-leaders of God’s people.
Rev. Dr. Phil Ginyard was instrumental in the formation of the Diploma Program and Missio Seminary is grateful for his vision and leadership. To read more about his involvement, CLICK HERE.
Why choose our Diploma program?
The goals of the diploma program reflect the goals of Missio Seminary’s Master of Divinity program; and, indeed, the program is designed in such a way that students who excel in this program may be eligible for admission into the MDiv degree program (see details below).
In addition, the diploma program is designed for people who have been out of school for a while or who may need to be re-oriented to an academic environment through a transition program that will foster confidence and promote achievement based on hard work. The diploma program is designed, like Christ does in the spiritual realm, to meet people where they are in the academic realm – and enable them and teach them how, step by step, to reach higher and go higher and achieve more.
Details on pathway to the MDiv degree
- Students who complete the Missio Diploma Program AND are recommended by the program Director can succeed in being accepted as students in the MDiv degree program and may proceed with confidence in their ability to do successful graduate degree work.
- While one does not have to complete the Missio Seminary Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology to be considered for special admission into the degree program, nor does a student who has completed the diploma program have any guarantee of admission into the MDiv program, the reality remains that chances of acceptance and later success are much higher for students who complete the Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology highly successfully than those who seek admission without such.
Enrollment in the Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology program does not guarantee entrance into the degree program. Only students who perform in this program at an exceptional level will be recommended; and, even then, the Admissions Committee decides each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Available tracks and curriculum
| Class # | Course Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 1 | The Biblical Plotline |
| 2 | Introduction to Higher Education Research, Biblical & Theological Reading & Writing | |
| 3 | Biblical Genres | |
| 4 | Exegeting My Context | |
| 5 | Transformational Leadership | |
| Winter, Spring, Summer | 6 | Introduction to Biblical Cultures |
| 7 | Academic Skills Lab | |
| 8 | Intro to Systematic Theology | |
| 9 | Intro to the Torah & the History of Israel | |
| 10 | Intro to Old Testament Theology | |
| 11 | Intro to the Kings & Prophets of Israel | |
| 12 | Intro to Hermeneutics | |
| 13 | Intro to the Gospels | |
| 14 | The Story of the Church | |
| 15 | Introductory Homiletics |
| Class # | Course Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 16 | Intro to New Testament Theology |
| 17 | Conflict Resolution Skills for Ministry Leaders | |
| 18 | The Life, Ministry, & Theology of Christ | |
| 19 | Intro to the New Testament Epistles | |
| 20 | Application of Social Media in the Church Environment | |
| Winter-Spring | 21 | Church Organizational Administration |
| 22 | Intro to Missional Theology | |
| 23 | Transforming the Church from Attractional to Missional | |
| 24 | Evangelism in a Post-Christian Culture | |
| 25 | Developing a Multi-Racial/Multi-Ethnic Ministry |
How long will it take?
The Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology program can be completed in two years. However students may pursue the program on a part-time basis for all or part of their course of study. Classes are scheduled for Thursday nights and some Saturdays.
What are the entrance requirements?
Missio welcomes men and women who have a high school degree or GED to apply for the diploma program. We also require a recommendation from your pastor and a PA Child Abuse History Clearance. Prior study in Bible or theology is not required. This program is for students who are U.S. citizens. If you are an international student looking for a similar program please see our Advanced Cultural Studies program.
What is the cost?
You can find the cost for tuition for the Diploma program on our Tuition and Fees page.
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.
What are professors saying?
Continue to Press: A letter from the Editor
A recording of Missio's 52nd Commencement is available here.
Lamenting in Seasons of Suffering
One helpful practice when walking through a season of suffering is writing a lament or a series of laments
Sunday’s Sermon
We share in the grief of friends and family who lost loved ones to the unspeakable violence in Buffalo
Hands on the Gospel Plow Webinar
Take an insightful journey with us as we delve into the missional history of the Black church moderated by Missio’s Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Urban Initiatives, Dr. Clarence E. Wright.
Black History Month Video Message
As we celebrate Black History Month at Missio Seminary, President Frank James shares the impact Black missional leaders have had on him and his missional journey.
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
When Moderation and Justice Collide
Somehow justice, mercy, and humility belong together in a Christian social ethic. I think that is at least part of what MLK was telling us.
A Catalyst for Senior Pastoral Leadership
An excerpt on Senior Leadership from Pastor Keon Gerow and Dr. Sean Wise
PULPIT Program
What is PULPIT?
PULPIT (Program for Urban Leaders and Pastors in Transition) is a monumental program for Missio Seminary and will equip pastors in the Philadelphia metro region with effective strategies to thrive personally and professionally. The program will involve expert teaching/training, small group learning, large group retreats, multi-generational cohort-based peer groups, and individual activities.
PULPIT is funded through the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry initiative that supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they create or strengthen pastoral leadership in Christian congregations. This has been a grantmaking priority at Lilly Endowment for nearly 25 years. “Leading a congregation today is multi-faceted and exceptionally demanding,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “When pastors have opportunities to build meaningful relationships with experienced colleagues, they are able to negotiate the challenges of ministry and their leadership thrives. These promising programs, including PULPIT, will help pastors develop these kinds of relationships, especially when they are in the midst of significant professional transitions.”
We Had a Joyous Time Honoring Our Colaborers in the Ministry
Why PULPIT?
- More than 1/3 of pastors are a high or medium risk of burnout (Barna Group, 2017)
- 43% of pastors are at high or medium relational risk in family, friendships, or other close relationships (Barna Group, 2017).
- All classes and programs are available on-line. The majority of our on-line classes are in a synchronous format. This means that you can engage with your professors and classmates from the comfort of your own home! For more information please contact our admissions department here.
Program Details
PULPIT is a two year program that will strengthen, equip, and support pastors in the Philadelphia metro region with the aim of producing healthier pastors (personally and professionally) and churches and increasing effective cooperation among pastoral leaders in the region. PULPIT will accomplish this by:
- Equip pastors to engage urban issues (e.g., gentrification, increasing immigrant and refugee populations, and issues of social justice) that directly impact their ministry.
- Develop healthy support systems for pastors through peer and mentoring communities
The PULPIT program will involve multiple opportunities for expert teaching/training, small group learning, multi-generational, cohort-based peer groups, and individual activities. The two year program will be built around the following 12 modules:
| Ensuring Clergy Wellness: Mind, Body and Spirit | Clergy Addictions and Substance Abuse |
| Leading through Life Transitions and Church Trauma | Spiritual Formation of the Pastor and Church Leader |
| The Productive Pastor and Church Leader: Principle Driven-Leadership | Urban Community Transitions and Congregational Change |
| Family Systems and Boundaries that Determine Healthy Relationships | Ministry of Presence in the Neighborhood |
| Practical Principles for Managing Money for Life and Ministry | Engaging Diversity |
| Power Dynamics and its Impact on Clergy and Ministries | Building Partnerships among Diverse Pastors |
These modules will be facilitated through the following structure:
Large Group Multi-Day Retreats (2x per year)
- Three-day retreats will have specific topics addressing key areas of pastoral health and will include two teaching modules relevant to that retreat’s theme. Small and large group learning will take place to engage material and allow for application to each person’s unique context.
- Time will be provided for individual reflection, assessment, prayer, and worship.
- Due to COVID-19 retreat formats are subject to change
Retreats
Fall 2019 | Summer 2020
Personal and Professional Assessments
- Program participants will use 360 degree assessments at the beginning and end of the two year program to measure personal growth, develop continued growth goals, and provide evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.
Small Group Cohort Meetings (9x per year)
- Cohorts will have up to six-eight participants
- Diverse cohorts include pastors of various ages and stages of ministry and community agencies to provide generational, professional, and cultural diversity, as well as represent leaders from a variety of perspectives and faith traditions.
- Cohorts will include early-, mid-, and late-career pastors.
- Cohorts will lead to deeper peer relationships, ministry partnerships, and stronger church unity across the Philadelphia metro region.
- Cohort members will support one another as each seeks to apply the teaching/training from the retreats to their individual contexts and implement action steps resulting from the retreats.
- Each cohort will be led by trained mentor facilitators to keep cohorts on track with program goals. These mentor facilitators will also provide small group processing and teaching in the retreats
Tuition
The total cost for the two year program is $1,500 for all activities which includes retreats, program materials, specialized seminars, professional coaching and personal assessments.
PULPIT Tuition Policy
The payment schedule for AY 2021-2023 is listed to the right. All payments are due on the 15th of each month.
A late payment of $5 may be assessed each month if billed charges are remitted 5 days beyond the due date. Please have your student ID # available.
Online payments guideline:
Please use this link to make online payment: https://missio.edu/pay-your-bill-now/
NOTE: Please refer to paragraph three of the payment instructions.
Is this program right for me or my pastor?
- Are you a pastor or ministry leader?
- Are you looking for ministerial and spiritual development?
- Are you in the midst of a transition in pastoral ministry? (e.g. – entering ministry, leaving ministry, leadership transitions, building changes, or some other form of transition)
- Are you looking for additional training on key urban issues in Philadelphia?
- Are you in need of personal and professional revitalization?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions then PULPIT could be a good fit for you. Click the button to start your journey to thriving in ministry.
PULPIT Program Testimonials
“[Missio’s PUPIT Program] allowed me to see the areas where I am hard on myself, and what I lack in self-care.” READ MORE
– Minister Michael H. Lee Jr.
Program Leadership
Cohort Leaders (2021-2023)
Cohort Leaders (2020-2022)
Cohort Leaders (2019-2021)
Online Counseling Continuing Education
Online Counseling Continuing Education Training
The Convenience of Continuing Education from the Comfort of Your Home.
Missio Seminary is no longer an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP), effective April 6th, 2023 and will no longer be authorized to offer or grant NBCC continuing education credit.
However, Missio remains a nationally accredited graduate school. Courses offered in psychology and counseling still meet the requirements of acceptable continuing education by both the State Board of Psychology and the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors (based on PA code 49.36 (a) (3)). The steps to apply for CE credits are as follows:
- Watch the video series.
- Click the button and pay for your credits.
- Upon payment, you’ll receive a link to take a short survey and quiz.
- If you get 7+ out of 10 questions correct on your quiz, you’ll be emailed a PDF copy of your personalized certificate that can be printed as needed.
Understanding and Responding to Dissociation
Abstract: In this two-part session (worth 1.5 CE credits), Dr. Langberg, clinical faculty with Missio Seminary and GTRI, examines the experience of dissociation, the process of “leaving” the present, and provides 10 principles for working with clients diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Those who complete the video training will be able to:
- Identify the signs and symptoms of dissociation
- Help others recognize and stop reliving past traumatic experiences
- Recognize diagnostic features of Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Explore 10 principles and cautions for those working with DID clients
Narcissism and the System it Breeds
Abstract: Dr. Langberg, clinical faculty with Missio Seminary and GTRI, lectures on the characteristics of narcissistic leaders and the temptations for organizational systems to support them. Those who complete this five-part session (worth 1.5 CE credits) will be able to:
- Identify common features of narcissistic leaders and organizations
- Examine individual and system vulnerabilities to toxic leadership
- Summarize best practices for therapy with narcissistic individuals
- Compare leadership style of Jesus Christ and egocentric and demanding church leaders
Making the Church a Safe Place
Abstract: In this two-part session (worth 2 CE credits), Dr. Monroe, Taylor Visiting Professor of Counseling & Psychology at Missio, will explore how faith communities can unintentionally create additional distress for those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Those who complete the video training will be able to:
- Identify common struggles of trauma survivors in faith communities
- Understand the impact of trauma on brain functioning and interpersonal relationships
- Recognize the tendency to over-spiritualize invisible wounds
- Identify leader, lay, and counselor interventions to improve the church experience of those suffering from PTSD
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.
What are professors saying?
Should You Get A Doctorate in Counseling or Psychology?
In recent weeks, I have had several students ask me about the pros/cons of doctoral programs in psychology. I would point those who know they want to attend a traditional clinical psychology program to this book by the APA. It offers lots of helpful data on programs and what they require.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Considering Systemic Abuse: Impact and Response
At the 2015 Community of Practice put on by the American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing Institute, Dr. Diane Langberg spoke about systemic abuse and the need for dissidents within the Christian community to stand apart for victims of abuse.
0 Comments1 Minute
Working with Chronic, Ongoing Trauma
Most trauma recovery interventions assume that the traumatic experience of a client is now over. But what of the person who continues to remain in a traumatic environment (e.g., soldiers at war, civilians caught between warring parties)?
0 Comments1 Minutes
Regarding Jerry Sandusky, Institutions, and Hating the Right Thing
Jerry Sandusky: football hero. Jerry Sandusky: non-profit charity for troubled boys. Jerry Sandusky: pedophile.
0 Comments6 Minutes
Our Backwards Savior
The radical nature of Christianity is becoming more apparent to me as time goes by. It is my hope and prayer that this recognition is the work of God pressing my mind into the shape of the mind of Christ.
0 Comments7 Minutes
The Spiritual Impact of Abuse
We know from both the literature and from experience that trauma and abuse violate every aspect of the child—their world, their self, their future and their faith. A child is, by definition, in process. Children are vulnerable, dependent and easily influenced.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Making Barrios Beautiful
Every so often in my life, God has taken part of His Word and pushed me deeper into its meaning than ever before. He did that for me last week with a Scripture that I have loved, treasured, and lived by for many years.
0 Comments4 Minutes
Counseling a Dangerous Profession?
I wonder how many of us who are involved in counseling think of ourselves as engaging in a dangerous profession? After all, I am sitting in a nice chair, inside a nice office, talking to people. How could that be dangerous?
0 Comments5 Minutes
Child Sexual Abuse Survivors and Malleability
People often comment about the resiliency of children when they are facing devastating circumstances such as divorce, death of a parent or abuse. Somehow the comment makes everyone feel better. Unfortunately, it is not true. To be resilient means that when something happens, you return back to your original emotional and cognitive shape. That would mean a child becomes who they were before the traumatic event took place. An abused child does not become as if he or she were never abused.
0 Comments8 Minutes