It’s not your job or calling in life to make people happy. And despite your best efforts, it would be impossible to do.

All of us in ministry can take heart from the Apostle Paul’s reminder in Galatians 1:10. “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

The reality of life (and definitely of ministry work) is that people complain. It may not be good or godly, but it is going to happen. Sometimes, people will even complain about you, to you, or about your loved ones. At times, people will be thoughtless in their comments. Other times, they will be downright rude.

In today’s episode, we are not going to try to pretend that these moments don’t hurt. They usually do. And we are not going to try to brainstorm ways to get people to stop complaining.

But we are not going to let those complaints control how we feel, think, or act. Instead, we are going to look at some practical tips for how you can keep a positive attitude even when people are complaining!

After all, you are not trying to please people, but to please Christ.

Join me in today’s conversation, friend.

> > Learn more about Christian counseling services in South Carolina at www.iHopeFlorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.

It might be a buzzword, a counseling cliche, or something that feels way too touchy-feely. But if you’re in Christian ministry, you need to understand empathy.

What is it? Why does it matter for Christians? Is it something you should aim for in your ministry? What would that really look like?

These are good questions - and today, I’ll share some answers! Join me to talk through what empathy is, along with 5 practical tips for how to show empathy even in your hardest ministry conversations.

Learn more about Christian counseling services in South Carolina at www.iHopeFlorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.

Grief is hard. No one likes it. It’s never easy.

But it is unavoidable.

And one of the realities of grief is that it is a special place for Christians to step in and offer care. It is a time when people need someone to come alongside them. People often turn to their faith community most especially during times of grief.

So, how does a pastor or other ministry leader better understand what’s going on when someone is grieving? How can you come alongside them and be a genuine support?

Today, I’ll share about the classic 5 stages of grief, along with some counselor tips for how to care for people well when they are grieving. Join me for today’s conversation.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

One of the most common calls that Christ gives to his followers is that they should forgive one another. It’s all over the pages of Scripture!

And it is hard.

When we sin or mess up, it is hard to apologize. We wonder what to say, how to say it, and sometimes if we even need to bother. And then, when others sin against us, we struggle to forgive.

But no relationship can be healthy, intimate, or meaningful without being able to handle apologies and forgiveness.

So today, we’ll share some tips for how to handle this important area in your own relationships, and how to help those in your church or ministry context do it too.

Let’s jump in.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.

As a Christian counseling agency, one of the most common questions that we get from our local pastors is “How can I help this couple in my church who is struggling?”

Today, let’s offer some resources!

There are plenty of ideas for conversations, questions to ask, and things to try with couples who are struggling. But one of the best ways to find a good book that can expand your own knowledge, and which you can easily offer to couples who are looking for help.

Sure, there are some great podcasts, videos, and websites to help couples. But books are a classic for a reason! Today, I walked around our counseling offices to gather up a few favorites from our own bookshelves - and I want to introduce you to them.

You can find links to each book in our blogpost for this episode.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.

Is there anything more frustrating than putting a lot of time and energy into helping someone… and they just don’t appreciate it? Or, they just aren’t getting better? You can’t see how the Lord is working or how your efforts are making a difference?

Not only is this a very frustrating experience - it can lead us into burnout.

When you’re burned out, it’s hard to care as much. It’s hard to put in the same effort and energy, certainly while maintaining joy in the process.

We all struggle at times with our ministry work and with the people we are trying to help. But the Lord calls us to stand firm! To continue encouraging and helping one another. So, join me today for 7 practical tips that will help you avoid burnout, stand firm, and continue your work to help others in the name of Christ.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.

Ministry is hard work. Leadership is hard work. Put them together?

Unless you are intentional about it, Christian leadership within a church or ministry will take a toll on you. It can quickly and sneakily start to impact your relationships, mental health, emotions, sleep, spiritual life, and so much more.

So today, let’s talk about some life habits that will help you be intentional to care for yourself, your ministry, and every area of life as you serve others. These daily habits are not magic wands to make everything better. But they will help you draw closer to Jesus and be wise in this busy, modern, technological world.

Let’s dive in.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

It is not of question of IF your ministry will touch someone who is struggling with anxiety. It’s a question of when, how often, and what will you do to help.

Anxiety is a huge problem in our culture today. And when you are concerned that someone may be struggling with anxiety, you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis or shuffle them off to a professional.

As a pastor or other ministry leader, you can help. You are called to help!

And in today’s podcast episode, we’ll help you identify some practical things you can do that will help. When someone is struggling with anxiety, these action steps and conversations will go a long way in offering encouragement, hope, healing, and care.

Let’s dive in for some practical ways that Christian leaders can help people who struggle with anxiety.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ABOUT YOUR HOST

This podcast is offered as a ministry from iHope Christian Care and Counseling, Inc. We are a nonprofit counseling center in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Our primary host is our Director: Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT, LPCS-C. You can learn more about The iHope Center at www.ihopeflorence.com.

We hope you will subscribe to our channel and share about the podcast with the other pastors and leaders in your life. There is a video, audio, and blog version of this podcast:

• LISTEN on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any common podcast app
• WATCH on the iHope YouTube channel
• READ on the iHope blog

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

REFERRALS AND DONATIONS

Our counselors are licensed in the state of South Carolina. If you are local to our state, we hope you will consider The iHope Center as a referral source for professional counseling or life coaching. We offer a 10% discount on services to full-time pastors. Virtual services are available as well.

The iHope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we are registered in the state of South Carolina as a charitable organization. If you are local to our state, we welcome your donations and gifts to support our counseling ministry. Donations allow us to keep clients' fees at 50% below the local average cost for services.

Find out more at www.ihopeflorence.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

DISCLAIMER

This podcast, as well as other resources offered by The iHope Center, should be taken as informational and educational content only. Utilizing our resources does not create a professional relationship. This podcast is not therapy. Always use your own judgment in making decisions and in making recommendations for others.

In the case of a medical or mental health emergency for yourself or someone else, please contact your local emergency department. In the USA, you can call “988” which is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Counseling Tips For Pastors And Ministry Leaders!

What’s next?

✓ Subscribe and follow the show

✓ Leave a written review and let us know what topics we should cover

✓ Click on the 3 dots above to copy the link for this episode and share with a friend or colleague

If you’re local to South Carolina, we hope you will consider us for referrals and donations to support this ministry.

Learn more about iHope Christian Care and Counseling at www.ihopeflorence.com.