You can read today’s blog post at Gospel-Centered Discipleship. It’s the substance of the first address I gave on “Soul Care” to the Plantr Network in Austin, Texas. The article begins:
Most pastoral problems, such as burnout, backsliding, depression, etc., begin with neglect of the body.
Let me say that again in a different way. From what I’ve seen and experienced, most pastoral soul-care problems begin with neglect of the body.
Soul-care problems do not usually begin with channel-surfing or with a click of the mouse, nor with wandering eyes or hands, nor with shortening or missing private devotions. They begin by neglecting the body, by denying or ignoring its many varied needs. The other problems inevitably and inexorably follow.
But this is not merely a practical problem or a physical issue. This is also theological problem, a problem that’s associated with a wrong view of God. And it’s not just a slightly wrong view. Its error is fundamental and foundational because it concerns the fundamental and foundational truth that God is our Creator.
That’s the very first truth that’s revealed to us in Scripture. And it’s first for a reason. It’s because if we go wrong there, we run a great risk of going wrong everywhere else.
The article is structured around four main points with practical applications under each:
- We are Complex Creatures
- We are Limited Creatures
- We are Dependent Creatures
- We are Fallen Creatures
I conclude with the good news that God is in the re-creating business; He is re-making creative creatures (and preachers!).
Read the whole article here.
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