Episode #11 Show Notes

Host: Warren Lamb

Guest Host: Connie Lamb

Guest: Alisa Keeton

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Warren and special Guest Host Connie Lamb welcome Alisa Keeton, founder of Revelation Wellness, to discuss the transformative power of viewing our bodies as gifts rather than problems. Alisa shares her personal journey from a life entrenched in diet culture to one that embraces faith and wellness. The conversation delves into the harmful effects of body shame, the importance of community in healing, and the distinction between valuing our bodies for their abilities rather than vanity. Alisa emphasizes the need for compassion and curiosity in our relationship with our bodies, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as God's creations.

Takeaways

• Alisa Keeton emphasizes that our bodies are gifts to be stewarded, not problems to be solved.
• The journey to wellness involves breaking free from toxic shame and diet culture.
• Community plays a crucial role in healing and self-acceptance.
• Curiosity about our bodies can lead to compassion and understanding.
• Fitness should focus on the ability of the body rather than vanity.
• The church has a responsibility to address body image issues and promote healthy perspectives.
• Perfect love from God casts out fear and shame associated with body image.
• Healing cannot occur in isolation; we need each other.
• Understanding the nervous system is one key to achieving wellness.
• Our identity in Christ is foundational to how we view our bodies.

Relevant Links

Mentioned Resources

• The Body Revelation: Physical and Spiritual Practices to Metabolize Pain, Banish Shame, and Connect to God with Your Whole Self (Alisa Keeton)
• Revelation Wellness (Alisa Keeton’s website)
• Revelation Wellness (YouTube Channel)
• Healthy & Whole Podcast (Apple Podcast link, but found on most podcast platforms)
• Heir to the Crown: A Mind-Body Devotional for the Daughters of God (Alisa Keeton)
• What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?: Answers to the Big Questions of Life (Ed Welch)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “You can’t heal what you hate. Hatred closes the door to transformation and leaves us in a pool of toxic shame.”

Episode #10 Show Notes

Hosts: Kimberly Willess, Warren Lamb

Guest: Melissa Daugherty

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Kimberly and Warren talk with Melissa Dougherty, an author and apologist, about her book 'Happy Lies' and the New Thought movement. Melissa shares her spiritual journey from New Thought to Christianity, exploring how seductive New Thought beliefs can be and how they appear in modern Christianity. The conversation explores the meaning of suffering, the importance of surrender in the Gospel, and the false idea of human goodness. They also examine how consumerism affects spirituality and why true healing comes through Christ. Melissa mentions her future research plans, including a detailed examination of influential figures in the New Thought movement and their impact on Christianity.

Takeaways

• Melissa Dougherty's book 'Happy Lies' explores the New Thought movement.
• She shares her journey from New Thought to Christianity.
• New Thought beliefs are often mistaken for Christian teachings.
• The seductive nature of New Thought makes it difficult to identify.
• Suffering is viewed differently in New Thought compared to Christianity.
• The need for surrender to God's will is emphasized in the Gospel.
• Human goodness is an illusion in the context of sin.
• Consumerism influences modern spirituality and instant gratification.
• True healing comes through a relationship with Christ.
• Melissa plans to research influential figures in the New Thought movement.

Relevant Links

Mentioned Resources

• Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World (Melissa Daugherty)
• Melissa Daugherty YouTube Channel
• Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel (Kate Bowler)
• The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between (Greg Koukl)
• The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Carl R. Trueman)
• Biblical Counseling and Mental Disorder Diagnosis (Jenn Chen)
• Science Fictions: How Fraud, Bias, Negligence, and Hype Undermine the Search for Truth (Stewart Ritchie)
• Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience (Sally Satel and Scott O. Linienfeld)
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Michael Scheeringa)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “Surrender isn't giving up; it's finally letting the right Person be in charge.”

Episode #9 Show Notes

Host: Warren Lamb

Guest: Pastor Trey Richardson

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Warren interviews Pastor Trey Richardson, who shares his journey in pastoral ministry, emphasizing the importance of trusting in the sufficiency of Scripture for biblical counseling and soul-care, especially for those with a serious mental health diagnosis. He discusses the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues and how God's Word can bring healing and transformation. The conversation highlights the significance of community support, the power of prayer, and the role of family life in shaping one's ministry. Pastor Trey encourages ordinary believers and pastors alike to trust in the sufficiency of Scripture and to approach mental health care with confidence and compassion.

Takeaways

• God's Word is sufficient for healing and transformation.
• Prayer is a powerful tool in soul care.
• Church community support is essential for those with “mental health” struggles.
• Pastoral care ought to focus on applying Scripture to real-life situations.
• Family life often shapes one's approach to ministry and counseling.
• Confidence in God's Word can empower pastors to help others.
• Diagnosed mental illness does not limit God's ability to bring change.
• Ordinary believers can play a role in soul-care without formal training.
• Taking thoughts captive is crucial for those with mental health challenges.
• The journey of healing often requires patience and consistent care.

Relevant Links

Mentioned Resources

• Christian Counseling & Education Fellowship (CCEF)
• Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications (Michael R. Emlet)

Other Links

• Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ (Truth in Love curriculum)
• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “Transformation in Christ is a process, not an event. We didn’t get ‘messed up’ overnight, and we don’t experience healing and growth overnight. Neither do the people we help.”

Episode #8 Show Notes

Hosts: Kimberly Willess, Warren Lamb

Guest: Kelli Russell

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Kimberly and Warren interview Kelli Russell, a leader in Christian conciliation and biblical counseling. They discuss Kelli's journey into this field, the importance of understanding trauma in conflict resolution, and the role of forgiveness in reconciliation. The conversation emphasizes the need for safety, building rapport, and training believers in biblical peacemaking. Kelli shares her vision for Grace Matters, the ministry she leads, and the impact of community education on conflict resolution.

Takeaways

• Kelli Russell is a leader in Christian conciliation and biblical counseling.
• Understanding trauma is crucial in conflict resolution.
• Building rapport takes time and is essential for effective reconciliation.
• Safety is paramount when dealing with abuse in reconciliation processes.
• Christian conciliation aims to restore relationships, not just resolve conflicts.
• Training believers in biblical peacemaking is vital for community health.
• Forgiveness does not mean enabling harmful behavior.
• Every reconciliation case is unique and requires a tailored approach.
• The goal of reconciliation is to achieve peace and understanding.
• Love and compassion are key components in resolving conflicts.

Relevant Links

Mentioned Resources

• The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict (Ken Sande)
• Help! I'm in a Conflict (Life-Line Mini-Book) (Ernie Baker)
• Grace Matters (Kelli’s ministry organization)
• RW360: Relational Wisdom 360
• Institute for Christian Conciliation
• Ambassadors of Reconciliation
• Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ (Truth in Love curriculum)
• Forgiveness: It May Not Work the Way You Think It Does (Warren Lamb)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “Peacemaking is an ending of hostilities; pacifying is a pausing of hostilities.”

Episode #7 Show Notes

Host: Warren Lamb

Guest: Dr. Steve Swartz

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Warren is joined by Dr. Steve Swartz who presents his carefully researched biblical case that verbal/emotional abuse (reviling) can constitute abandonment under 1 Corinthians 7, potentially providing biblical grounds for divorce. Drawing from 25+ years of pastoral ministry and rigorous hermeneutical study, Dr. Swartz challenges the church to recognize that protecting the vulnerable takes precedence over preserving marriages at all costs. His work represents a significant development within Reformed theology, maintaining fidelity to Scripture while expanding the understanding of how God's Word addresses domestic oppression. This conversation challenges pastors, counselors, and church leaders to examine whether their theology truly protects the oppressed or inadvertently enables oppressors. Dr. Swartz's work represents courageous scholarship that maintains biblical authority while advocating for those trapped in covenant betrayal.

Takeaways

• Biblical fidelity doesn't require rigidity - Careful hermeneutics can expand our understanding without abandoning core principles
• The vulnerable matter more than institutions - Jesus came to set captives free, not preserve marriages at any cost
• Abuse is a gospel issue - Persistent, unrepentant abuse reveals an unregenerate heart
• Churches need reformation - Many inadvertently protect abusers while further traumatizing victims
• Courage is required - Confronting influential abusers may cost churches financially, but purifies them spiritually.
• Churches often commit "secondary abuse" by mishandling initial disclosures
• Women often fear disclosure because of widespread church failures in handling abuse
• Successful, influential men who are revilers often receive protection rather than discipline
• One hour of counseling barely scratches the surface - pastoral humility is essential

Relevant Links

Dr. Swartz Resources

• Abuse, Abandonment, and Divorce: Confronting the Reality of Marital Abuse with Foundational Issues, Biblical Compassion, and Exegetical Objectivity (Steve Swartz)
• Shattered Shepherds: Finding Hope in the Midst of Ministry Disaster (Steve Swartz)
• Sermon Series “Steadfast in the Faith” (Listen in reverse order)

Other Books Mentioned

• Narcissism (Volume 1): Unmasking the Avatar (Biblically) (Warren Lamb)
• Behind the Veil: Exposing the Evil of Domestic Oppression and Providing Hope (Warren Lamb)
• Not Under Bondage: Biblical Divorce for Abuse, Adultery and Desertion (Barbra Roberts)
• Called to Be Holy: The Discipline of the Church (Jeremy Walker)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog
• Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ (Truth in Love curriculum)

Warrenism of the Week: “All abuse is evil; all abuse is destructive; NO abuse is permissible by God.”

Episode #6 Show Notes

Host: Jinda Reinig

Guest: Connie Lamb

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Jinda interviews her mom, Connie Lamb, as she shares her profound journey living with a degenerative disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth) and chronic pain. She discusses the challenges of maintaining faith in the midst of suffering, the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, and how understanding God's sovereignty plays a role in her life. Connie emphasizes the significance of community support, the impact of scripture, and the necessity of grieving the loss of life that has been lived. Her insights offer hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their pain.

Takeaways

• Connie shares her journey with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
• Understanding one's identity in Christ is crucial during suffering.
• God's sovereignty means He is aware of our struggles.
• God’s sovereignty means He has a plan for our struggles.
• Scripture can provide strength and comfort in the battle with pain.
• Sowing and reaping is a continuous process in life.
• It's important to seek joy for strength in difficult times.
• Community support is vital for those with chronic illness.
• Labels do not define our identity in Christ.
• False theology can harm those suffering from illness.
• Grieving the loss of a former life is a necessary process.

Relevant Links

Resources Mentioned

• Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions (Greg Koukl)
• Identity: Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes (Conrod Hilario)
• Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ (Truth in Love)
• Shackles (Mary Mary)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “Being content in our circumstances does not equal being content with our circumstances. Knowing that God has brought us through other circumstances and He will bring us through these helps us focus on God more than on our circumstances.”

Episode #5 Show Notes

Hosts: Jinda Reinig, Warren Lamb

Guest: Julie Lowe

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, our hosts interview Julie Lowe, a biblical counselor, parenting expert, and author, as they discuss her journey into biblical counseling, the importance of play therapy, and the need for individualized parenting approaches. They explore the impact of technology on children, the necessity of involving parents in the counseling process, and the significance of understanding children's behavior. Julie emphasizes the importance of community support and biblical principles in parenting, while also addressing the challenges of structured parenting and the need for flexibility. The conversation concludes with encouragement for parents to seek wisdom and remain steadfast in their parenting journey.

Takeaways

• Julie Lowe's journey into biblical counseling was driven by a desire to help children and families.
• The importance of play therapy in making counseling a comfortable experience for children.
• Blending licensed counseling with biblical counseling can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
• Personal experiences as a parent shape counseling practices and understanding of family dynamics.
• Understanding children's behavior requires looking beyond surface actions to underlying motivations.
• Changes in parenting approaches have been influenced by technology and cultural shifts.
• Involving parents in the counseling process is crucial for effective outcomes.
• Empowering parents to feel equipped in their parenting roles is essential.
• The concept of fairness in parenting should be replaced with a focus on individual needs.
• Biblical principles ought to guide parenting practices, emphasizing love and understanding

Relevant Links

Books by Julie Lowe

• Child Proof: Parenting By Faith, Not Formula
• Safeguards: Shielding Our Homes and Equipping Our Kids
• Building Bridges: Biblical Counseling Activities for Children and Teens (Helping the Helper Series)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “The goal isn't to raise perfect kids; it's to point our kids to a perfect Savior.”

Episode #4 Show Notes

Host: Jinda Reinig, Kimberly Willess

Guest: Warren Lamb

Summary

In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, the hosts discuss Warren's new book on narcissism, exploring its definitions, cultural influences, and the impact on relationships and the church. They delve into the roots of narcissism, the importance of biblical counseling, and how to recognize and respond to narcissistic behavior. The discussion emphasizes the need for healing and hope for victims of narcissism, highlighting the role of the church in addressing this issue.

Takeaways

• Narcissism is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
• Cultural influences contribute to the rise of narcissism.
• Healthy parenting is crucial in preventing narcissistic traits.
• Narcissism can manifest in various relationships, including within the church.
• Biblical counseling provides a framework for healing from narcissistic abuse.
• Victims of narcissism often feel responsible for the abuser's behavior.
• Narcissists lack empathy and self-awareness.
• Recognizing manipulation is key to protecting oneself from narcissists.
• The church must address narcissism as a spiritual issue.
• There is hope for recovery and healing from narcissistic relationships.

Relevant Links

Book Mentioned

• Narcissism (Volume 1): Unmasking the Avatar (Biblically) (Warren Lamb)

Other Links

• Truth in Love Biblical Counseling
• Warren’s Blog

Warrenism of the Week: “Narcissism is a spiritual issue, not a personality disorder.”