Author: Joe Keller

Hopeless?

Hopeless?

Posted by | Jun 10, 2022 | |

It seems to me that people have lost hope these days. This loss has not happened overnight but over time. The things that promise human flourishing have become shallow expressions of their presented self. No one wakes up and desires to be hopeless. But, when seemingly insurmountable challenges blockade the end road of their hope, the energy and desire to hope again become less and less attractive. The hope that comes through government, physical health, ethnic unity, and economic security has been challenged and, in some cases, destroyed. The only logical conclusion is to rely upon the self to provide the things promised by the object of hope. Continue Reading →

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Ministry Motivation Matters

Ministry Motivation Matters

Posted by | Dec 17, 2021 | |

There’s a fine print in the biblical counselor’s job description that everyone acknowledges but rarely talks about. Unfortunately, the biblical counselor can become the object of criticism and malice from those receiving their care. The expressions and content of the counseling context can come under question and be reframed as harmful instead of helpful to the counselee. In these times, the counselor must give a ready defense that connects the heart motivation of counseling with the methodology under question. The counselor’s godward motivation is the foundational defense against misunderstood ministry efforts. Continue Reading →

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Having the Hard Conversation

Having the Hard Conversation

Posted by | Aug 11, 2021 | |

One of the most common crossroads I encounter when counseling those dealing with anticipating a hard conversation is helping them “want to want” to have the conversation. Of course, I empathize—you would have to be spiritually masochistic to enjoy the possibility of an uncomfortable conversation. Hard conversations range the spectrum from awkward moments to unwelcomed confrontations. However, there is a crossroad of conviction that we must navigate to compel ourselves to pursue something unlovely with genuine love. Let’s consider a few of the compelling reasons and practical considerations for having the hard conversation. Continue Reading →

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The Power of Trust in an Untrustworthy World

The Power of Trust in an Untrustworthy World

Posted by | May 8, 2020 | |

We live in remarkable days. We have access to more information on more topics than ever before in human history. We can get almost any information anywhere at any time. The real challenge today is not the gathering of data, but prioritizing what is accurate, relevant, and insightful. Trusted information has the capacity to influence and shape not only individuals but societies as a whole. Continue Reading →

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Caring for People Who Are Different Than You

Posted by | Oct 16, 2019 | |

People are different. Very Different. Head to your local mall, and it won’t take very long to figure that out. At times, it seems as though the things that previously united us together as a society are now fewer than what divides us. The church stands in the midst of this fragmented society bearing the high call and commitment to unity. This unity goes far deeper than liking the same sports team, living in the same neighborhood, or even being in the same nuclear family. The incredibly diverse unity that the people of God can enjoy comes through the transformational work of the gospel. Continue Reading →

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