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 |
- Her book here.
- Join the HIMH Pod FB group here.
- Follow Laurie on IG (where she is the most active) here.
- Sign up to get on the email list here.
Subscribe to this podcast
Share
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.
ISAIAH 58:6-7 NLTGrand Rapids / Lakeshore
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Benton Harbor