It was a hard year – plagued by medical issues and a death in the family – that impelled Albury couple Paul and Margie Sheely to focus on their mental wellbeing. They decided to do our Press On course. Serving in ministry, the Sheely’s soon saw the benefit the course could be to their wider church community. Now 40 people are being encouraged to ‘Press On’, as they do the course at Albury Presbyterian Churches!
In these videos, the Sheelys share why they decided to do the course themselves, the benefits they experienced, and how they went on to share the course with others in their church.
How do you usually respond to someone who is wrestling with spiritual concerns? We’re likely to listen, pray, offer care, counsel, and comfort from God’s word. But (very) occasionally, this is entirely the wrong approach. That’s because the need for ongoing reassurance may indicate an underlying mental health condition known as scrupulosity – a sub-type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
“I don’t know how to relate. What will I say? I don’t understand them!” Have you thought this about a different generation? This article from Amy Yeung suggests a framework that could help us care well, no matter what generation someone is from.
Pastoral care takes place in many different contexts and capacities. You might offer care to those in your family, your friendship network and your church community. A toolbox of resources can equip you in these various contexts and roles.
Caring is not so much about fixing a need or solving a problem – it’s about showing up and being there as a willing servant of Christ. It lets another know they are seen and valued.
