Discipleship – Christ Church Barnston with St Michael’s Pensby

Our purpose here at Christ Church and St Michaels is to make Jesus known and to grow together in Him.

There are several ways of defining and talking about the purpose of discipleship but a helpful one is found at the beginning of Philippians where we see Paul’s prayer for the church there:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil 1 v 9-11)

If the end goal of discipleship is that we become more like Jesus, it is great to know that we are in this together. Discipleship is for everyone and everyday. Every Christian should be discipling someone else, be discipled by someone else or be doing both.

As we think about how we can be helping one another grow, we hope some of the articles and podcasts below will be helpful both in our own individual walk with the Lord as well as equipping us to walk alongside others well. This is an on-going process but as we all make small, regular steps forward in our Christian walk, transformation and growth happens. Do contact Joanna at joannahill@barnston.info with any questions or for further information.

Mental Health

Asking for help – a helpful article from Helen Thorne of Biblical Counselling UK

Mental Health and your Church

Most of us know what it is like to find life hard at times or we have walked alongside those who feel despairing. Our church communities have great potential to help those who are struggling.

We’re running a course using this book by Helen Thorne and Dr Steve Midgley thinking about how to understand mental illness better, develop a Biblical understanding of it, and thinking about how to care best for one another in this area as a church community.

Contact Joanna Hill to find out more about the course which will run throughout June 2023: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th June, 9:45am at St Michael’s.

Addiction

The pressures and isolation of lockdown have seen a surge in people falling into – or back into – addiction. Life-controlling issues are a challenge and all of us have hearts which are prone to wander from the Lord we love.

Maybe you are bored or stressed or hurt. Something is hard in life and you want a break. What do you grab for that you hope will protect, soothe, and comfort? Whatever it is – shopping, overeating, drinking, drugs, porn – promises relief, but never delivers. Instead, you are left feeling empty, anxious, guilty, and wanting more.

But God made us for rest and pleasure, not for an obsessed and unsatisfied life. Understanding the true pleasure that comes from loving God and enjoying the good gifts he has given us will reorder your thinking and bring you freedom from your obsessions. Listen to Mike Emlet speak on Understanding Addiction and Overcoming Addiction by clicking on the links below or read the article A Step too far and be reminded that in Christ there is true and lasting hope.

Understanding-addiction Mike Emlet

Overcoming-addiction -Mike Emlet

(Mike Emlet was a family doctor before joining CCEF as a counsellor and faculty member. He is the author of CrossTalk: Where Life & Scripture Meet)

Addiction – A step too far

Anxiety

We are living in uncertain times. These resources can help us, and those around us, lift our eyes to the One who knows all things and is Shepherding us into a sure and certain future.

Bible Verses to help in times of Anxiety

Podcasts:
Hope + Help for Anxious Hearts with Paul Tautges – Christine M. Chappell
God’s Words to Anxious People

Useful Articles:
When Children are Anxious
He is In the Boat

Recommended Books:
Anxiety, Knowing Gods Peace by Paul Tautges (click to view excerpt from the book)
Worry: Pursuing a Better Path to Peace by David Powlison

Seminars on anxiety and fear can be viewed on catch up.
Please click here to view Seminars on Fear and Anxiety by Steve Midgley

There are four seminars to view and a helpful Q and Answer session.