Episode 241: Ministering to Families in Crisis | Jennifer Ripley

Hole In My Heart Podcast

Friday, April 25, 2025 - 44 minutes

As ministry leaders and therapists (Matt and Laurie), we have often wondered: When do church leaders and pastors utilize therapists and para-church ministries and when do they care on their own?

Do pastors always outsource?

Do they never outsource?

What role does the church have for families in crisis?

Let’s talk about it with author and psychologist (and lover of the Church), Jennifer Ripley.

| Highlights |

“The church…will bring you casseroles, but when a crisis shows up, we often don’t know what to do.”
“Pastors have a role in a person’s life that a therapist or medical doctor does not have.”
“A Church community can provide healing in ways that others cannot. I can provide that somewhat as a therapist…but a whole community that holds people and gives them opportunities for growth? That’s beautiful.”

| QOTW |

What was your favorite children’s book while growing up?

| Next Steps |