Spiritual health

Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie: Good enough can be a gracious plenty in the face of impossible expectations

In their new book of devotions, Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie of the Everything Happens Initiative offer brief reflections, resonant prayers and actionable next steps for those who want off the path of relentless individual perfectionism.

Candice Marie Benbow: Beyond brokenness — God wants us whole, well and thriving

In her new book, a writer and public theologian reframes God’s loving expectations for us using a vision of fullness and self-expression, right down to the lipstick.

What if we are all burned out?

Listening intentionally and responding to specific symptoms of burnout are good practices within churches — and can benefit their communities, writes the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By David L. Odom Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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Healing our image of God

Our notions of God are inevitably colored by our wounds and constrained by the limits of what we imagine to be possible. It’s so easy to mistake the flood of self-rejecting voices for God’s voice.

By Jean Neely Scholar and writer

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Growing beyond rage into hope and collective healing

The tragedies of the world provoke understandable rage. But focusing on existential gratitude and connection creates space for transformation, writes the director of the Thriving in Ministry Coordination Program at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Alaina Kleinbeck Director, Thriving in Ministry Coordination Program

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Rediscovering rest in all its forms

We live in a culture of exhaustion and sometimes don’t even know what type of rest we need.

By Kerry McLeish Spiritual director

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Living into joy, late in the pandemic

A walk by a stream prompts a writer and spiritual director to wonder: Could a fresh understanding of joy help restore us?

By Samuel Rahberg Director, Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary

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Clinging to hope in pandemic times

Despair is an understandable response to the world around us, writes an author and independent scholar living with bipolar disorder. But she finds hope in her trust that God is with her through it all.

By Jean Neely Scholar and writer

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John Swinton: Helping Christians with mental health issues starts with better language

Those with severe mental health issues are often misunderstood by people of faith, but churches have a responsibility to listen to and see each person as a person, says a professor and author.

Who cares for the shepherds? The secondary trauma of faith leaders must be addressed

The toll of the last six months on clergy requires a sustained response, from the seminary and denominational levels as well as congregations, writes an expert on faith and mental health.

By Jessica Young Brown Licensed clinical psychologist

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The fear God gives us

Fear is not the antithesis of faith and truth; nor does it indicate a lack of trust in God, writes a pastoral care professor and licensed clinical psychologist. Indeed, God created us with fear to keep us safe.

By Chanequa Walker-Barnes Associate professor, McAfee School of Theology

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