Insights from in and around the association
UBA Voices
Marco Polo and a Pastor's Need to be Known
Certain pressures accompany the role of pastoral ministry. If pastors don't have a way to relieve that pressure, their world can easily become dark, lonely, and isolated. It's similar to the one in the pool with their eyes closed calling out “Marco!" But they find no one to respond.
Behind the Curtain: Isolation and the Pastor's Wife
Let's push past the small talk and discuss a common problem in many of our churches. As a minister's wife, it can be very lonely and hard to build true friendships with people inside the church. However, the church community shouldn't leave anyone isolated—especially not its leaders and their families.
Courageous Comfort: 3 Ways the Church Ministers in Grief
I am so glad my church did not shy away from us in our grief. Like the courageous firefighters who jumped into dangerous waters to search for my son, my church selflessly jumped into the whirling, battering waters of grief with us.
How to Care for Someone Walking Through Trauma
The Church walks with people in all seasons of life—especially some of the lowest. How can you care for others and yourself as you minister to those experiencing physical or emotional trauma?
4 Additional Griefs when Someone You Love Dies—And How to Find Hope Again
This article contains pieces of my laments from after my son died: anguish, guilt, doubt, fear, and learning to walk again.
I try to capture the experience of each affliction to help normalize the “crazy” you may be feeling. Then I try to help you with the harder part of lament—the part where you choose to trust.
When Grief Comes to Church: Grief and the Individual
How does grief impact an individual? How can we minister in and amongst deep tragedy in our churches?
What is Mindfulness and How Should Christians Relate?
Mindfulness has become popular throughout our culture, but how should Christians think about it?
Mental Health in the Church
Mental health and psychology have become the common language for our people, especially among younger generations. How should leaders relate?
When Ministers Should Refer Someone to a Christian Therapist or Counselor
Pastors and ministry leaders are called on to deal with the whole gamut of issues. But when should a minister refer a church member out to a professional counselor or therapist? And how?
Student Ministry Leaders Point to Youth Mental Health Crisis
Teens have felt the effects of the pandemic in many ways, and the effects will likely be long-lasting. It’s a chance for churches to serve well.