Author: Brad Hambrick

What Don’t Churches Offer More Groups-Based Counseling?

What Don’t Churches Offer More Groups-Based Counseling?

Posted by | Jan 5, 2022 | |

It seems odd that churches, which do so many things in groups, don’t have more groups-based counseling options. But, as odd as it may be, based on the sparsity of groups-based curriculum available, it is seemingly an underdeveloped facet of church life. Yes, there are a few curriculums available for church-based counseling groups. Still, most church-based counseling literature is focused either on individual/marital counseling or one another (i.e., friendship) ministry. Continue Reading →

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Doubting Salvation, OCD, and Religious Scrupulosity

Doubting Salvation, OCD, and Religious Scrupulosity

Posted by | Apr 23, 2021 | |

You may see the phrase “religious scrupulosity” and think, “Scrabble jackpot!” But for those who experience an unrelenting and irrational preoccupation with guilt, this struggle is life-altering. Though this subject can be a bit technical, we need to understand how the experience of common guilt is different from religious scrupulosity if we are going to minister well. Continue Reading →

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Anger with God Amidst Great Pain

Anger with God Amidst Great Pain

Posted by | Jan 25, 2021 | |

When you have the opportunity to listen to someone who is angry at God, you will undoubtedly hear a story of great pain. People don’t get mad at God when life is good. For that matter, people usually don’t get mad at God unless He is a significant figure in their life. This means if we can avoid being distracted by their anger, we will learn two important things about our friend. Continue Reading →

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Memorial Ceremony for an Unborn Child

Memorial Ceremony for an Unborn Child

Posted by | Dec 9, 2020 | |

Grieving the loss of an unborn child can be particularly difficult. No one else had the privilege of knowing your baby and, therefore, many of the rituals of grief (i.e., sharing pictures or stories of how the lost loved one touched others’ lives) cannot be engaged. Because no one else knew their baby, parents often try to take this journey of grief alone. Continue Reading →

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Adding Counseling Experience to Gifts and Training

Adding Counseling Experience to Gifts and Training

Posted by | Sep 28, 2020 | |

Let’s start by asking a question, “Are education, gifting, and experience the same thing?” The obvious answer is, “No.” But clarifying the differences can be difficult. An athlete may be exceptionally gifted. Good coaching (i.e., education) cultivates that gift to reach more of its full potential. But there is a type of refinement that only happens from “in-game experience.” So, now we ask another question, “Is the same concept true for counseling? Do education, gifting, and experience provide different types of benefits in the development of a counselor?” Continue Reading →

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