"The sin of empathy" is a phrase attributed to family systems psychologist Dr Edwin Friedman. Matt Waldock of Manchester City Church explores why empathy is unhelpful in ministry and compassion is a better way of thinking.

Compassion is suffering with someone
Empathy is feeling the pain that they feel
But you cannot help someone if you are in pain yourself
The person with the most anxiety often has the most power
We need to pay attention to how other people's anxiety effects our own
It is not our job to shrink other people's pain

TOOLBOX:

Coaching Leaders to Multiply

Matt's Talk Notes

Lauren Errington's Seminar on Ministry

311: How can my help get in the way of my caring

Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss

CREDITS:
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363: Empathy vs. Compassion In Ministry (Matt Waldock)