Biblical counselor Lois Kehlenbrink, sister of Paul's wife, shares her experiences training and counseling pastors and ministry leaders worldwide. Topics include the significance of community in prayer, the impact of Lois' work on people's lives and marriages, the importance of understanding personal stories in ministry, and recognizing God's guidance in life.
Understanding the redemptive narrative of the Bible helps individuals see suffering through a new lens and embrace God's grace.
The curriculum 'How People Change' guides individuals to develop a biblical perspective on suffering and rely on God's grace and goodness.
Counselors, including pastors, should invest time in listening to clients' stories to better understand their struggles and guide them towards healing and transformation.
Deep dives
Lois Kalenbrink's Journey: From Brokenness to Counseling Ministry
Lois Kalenbrink, a biblical counselor and licensed therapist, shares her personal journey from brokenness to becoming a counselor. She highlights the importance of understanding the redemptive narrative of the Bible and how it shapes our understanding of suffering and God's grace. Lois emphasizes the need for pastors and leaders to be counseled themselves, as they often carry their own wounds and struggles from their past. She teaches leaders to teach others how to counsel using the gospel framework outlined in the curriculum 'How People Change' and emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and applying the gospel in everyday life.
The Transformative Power of the Gospel
Lois Kalenbrink teaches pastors and leaders the curriculum 'How People Change', emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel in everyday life. By understanding the redemptive narrative of the Bible, individuals are able to see the brokenness and suffering in the world and in their own lives through a new lens. The curriculum guides individuals through an understanding of their own story, the impact of the fall, and the beauty of the cross. It helps individuals develop a biblical perspective on suffering and encourages a reliance on God's grace and goodness. Lois highlights the importance of teaching leaders to counsel others using the gospel-centered framework and the significance of understanding and applying the gospel in all areas of life.
The Impact of Personal Stories in Counseling
Lois Kalenbrink emphasizes the importance of personal stories in counseling, both for pastors and non-pastors. By understanding an individual's family dynamics, experiences, and losses, counselors can help uncover patterns and wounds that have shaped their clients' perspectives and struggles. Lois highlights that pastors, in particular, often carry their own brokenness from their family of origin and need support and counseling themselves. She advocates for taking the time to listen to clients' stories, trace their losses and pains, and walk through their complete journey to better understand their struggles and guide them towards healing and transformation.
Providing Counseling Ministry to Pastors
Lois Kalenbrink provides counseling ministry to pastors, teaching them how to counsel and support others in their congregations. She focuses on the importance of pastors embracing their own brokenness and seeking personal counseling to address their wounds and struggles. By doing so, pastors can lead and counsel from a place of vulnerability, empathy, and understanding. Lois emphasizes that pastors should not be expected to have it all together, and that by embracing their own journey and relying on the transformative power of the gospel, they can provide effective and compassionate counseling to others.
The importance of dealing with past pain and wounds
It is crucial to confront and heal from past pain and wounds in order to lead well and minister effectively. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can hinder one's ability to lead with compassion and empathy. By working through one's personal story and acknowledging the wounds of the past, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, understanding the root causes of their struggles and temptations. This process allows for healing and transformation, enabling leaders to extend the compassion of Jesus to others.
Understanding suffering and its role in shaping us
Suffering plays a significant role in shaping a person's identity, perspective, and relationship with God. It is through our personal experiences of suffering that we gain insights into the love and redemption of God. Delving into the suffering of the past can help individuals comprehend their own brokenness and bring about repentance and transformation. By empathizing and walking alongside others in their pain, we reflect the love and kindness of Jesus, offering them understanding and helping them to discover the redemptive power of their own suffering.
In this month's episode, Paul and Shelby are excited to introduce you to someone special - Lois Kehlenbrink.
Lois is a biblical counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. She also happens to be the sister of Paul's wife, Luella!
Lois trains and counselors pastors, their wives, and ministry leaders all around the world. In this interview, you'll experience how the gospel truly connects to and transforms everyday life.
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