When I decided to pursue a dual graduate degree in divinity and mental health counseling in the mid-1990's, a close colleague offered a warning: Watch out. Those kinds of programs emphasize feelings, and feelings only draw us away from truth and turn us inward. A few months ago, Scot McKnight addressed a recent 'resurgence', you … Continue reading Is empathy sinful?
Q & A: Is it enough to remove a narcissistic leader from a church? Is there more to do?
I've been involved in a number of situations over the years where toxic leaders were removed, and it takes courage for an elder board or organization to do this. But these are often months-long processes and weary leaders sometimes feel like "we've done what we can, let's just move on." I'll sometimes challenge them to do the deeper work of dismantling and re-imagining the system around that leader to which I'll be met with an exhausted stare or look of confusion. I'll admit - I'm weary by then, too. It takes exceptional courage, resilience, and intentionality to dig even deeper.
Yes, there is more to do, much more.
to the courageous explorer of her soul
When therapists enter into the "wild and precious lives" (Mary Oliver) of our clients, we go as guides accompanying courageous explorers of a vast and unknown wilderness. We enter expectantly into scarred and yet sacred terrain. At times, our courageous explorers take us to particular places of remembered grief. At other times, we stand with … Continue reading to the courageous explorer of her soul
A sabbatical writing project
I was trained in “story work” and narrative therapy. Intuitively, I started shifting from this years ago. In time, I saw why through the combination of contemplative spirituality, neuroscience, trauma theory, and internal family systems. These awakened me to the significance of the present experience, embodiment, and perhaps most importantly, God’s presence “nearer than our … Continue reading A sabbatical writing project
Being Known (A New Video Course)
Friends, I'm so happy to introduce a new video course - Being Known: Exploring Shame, Story, and Renewed Desire. A course designed for pastors and ministry leaders, but hospitable to everyone, BEING KNOWN is a four-video series that invites you to experience God's curious and generous invitation in the three questions of Genesis 3. Where … Continue reading Being Known (A New Video Course)
Weariness and Hope
One of the privileges of therapeutic work is being welcomed into the inner life and sacred story of another human being. Yet, when you engage the story-work with someone who is diagnosably narcissistic, (in much the same way as it works with an addict) you enter through armored walls of certainty protecting cherished securities built … Continue reading Weariness and Hope
a short look back at the birth of a book in a pandemic and…what’s next
Friends, what a year. I was in Pasadena from March 9-13, 2020 teaching a doctor of ministry course for Fuller Seminary on conflict, anxiety, and transforming cultures. In that course sat a physicist-turned-pastor who'd worked in Wuhan, China and who shared stories of the lab thought to be the epicenter of a growing concern. Throughout … Continue reading a short look back at the birth of a book in a pandemic and…what’s next
Further Reflections on Narcissism: My Calvin U Lecture
Manuscript: When Narcissism Comes to Church: Further Reflections Calvin University Noon Lecture Series Sept. 3, 2020, 3:00pm Glad to be with you today, even virtually. My daughter is now a sophomore at Calvin, and when I first got invited to speak I imagined a day on campus, maybe working at Peets with Emma, visiting Jack … Continue reading Further Reflections on Narcissism: My Calvin U Lecture
I See You
Something felt different as I emerged from the waves a week ago. My feet were back in familiar sand that held a thousand memories, from boogie-boarding with Dad to seminary study sessions to my daughters first introduction to the mighty force of the Atlantic. Within 30 seconds of dropping my bags I was body-surfing, carried … Continue reading I See You
Podcasts Podcasts Podcasts
In the last months, I've done dozens of podcasts and webinars. You can find them all with a Google search. Below are a few. Enjoy! BOUNDARIES AND NARCISSISM with Dr. Alison Cook THE NINE (Enneagram) FACES OF NARCISSISM with Ian Morgan Cron CRAFT AND CHARACTER podcast with Steve Carter https://www.cdfcapital.org/chuck-degroat/ NARCISSISM IN THE CHURCH with … Continue reading Podcasts Podcasts Podcasts