Blog Category: Faith
5 Things A Depressed Christian Doesn’t Want To Hear
In 5 things not to say to a depressed Christian Pastor Darryl Eyb puts into words what others going through depression often don’t like to hear and offers practical ways we can offer help to those who have depression. I’ve struggled with depression for several years now. Words that come to mind are disorienting, numb…
Self-Care After Something Tragic Happens In Our Lives.
The shock and pain of a serious emotional upset is undoubtedly quite difficult to deal with that can be described as a ‘psychological trauma’. Grief and bereavement is a normal part of being human to help us process and deal with our heavy loss or trauma. While we are processing our pain it’s important that…
Fearing Social Rejection & Loss of Leadership Credibility
The fear of facing social rejection or losing leadership credibility within the christian community due to the present stigma and the over spiritualisation of mental illness that is often deemed solely as a spiritual condition, is very real. This raises some concerns for those who might be managing their mental health issues and leadership roles quite…
Unplugging to Recharge our Batteries in Quiet Stillness
Recently I came across an article on Psychology Today describing how our technologically advanced young people are experiencing ‘Nomophobia,’ a word to describe the fear they are experiencing of going without their mobile phones. Our kids today don’t know what life is like without one. The workforce is so technologically advanced that we are being…
Student Testimonial – Pastor Geoff McCutcheon
A most blessed year and completion of the Diploma in Christian Counselling. Highlighted by personal growth in Christ and a much greater understanding of interpersonal relationships. Very supportive Tutorial staff and I encourage others to seriously consider enrolling with aifc. God will bless your efforts in order to help others who are mentally challenged. Pastor Geoff McCutcheon.
Student Testimonial – Graduate Ross LeCras
Many aifc students have great things to say about our courses.
3 Day Challenge – What Habit Keeps You From Spending Time With God?
aifc staff members took part in a 3 Day Challenge. We had to fast for three days those things which took our time away from God and record our experiences. Here is a summary of the results.
Photography Keeps Me Focused Outside Of Myself
A hobby such as photography, as Melinda Vanry has found, has helpd to keep the focus outside of herself with huge benefits to her mental health.
I Didn’t See Myself Studying A Christian Counselling Course
When two of my sisters were studying aifc counselling courses they would encourage me to enrol in a course. While I was happy for them to be growing, and understood their passion, I told myself, “It’s not for me. What could I possibly get out of it?” I was focused on, and equally as passionate…
Forgiving The Unthinkable – Repairing The Breach
When tragedy strikes, we can find ourselves getting angry with God asking, “Why did this have to happen to me?” However, even in those most difficult times when we are angry we are called to be faithful as the bible tells us that even in our anger we are not to sin. “In your anger do…
How Forgiveness is tied to our own Mental Health
Most of us have done things in the past or have had things done to us that we’d rather not think about. These recurring images and thoughts can bring about mixed emotions. Numbing the pain with addictions and substance abuse in order to forget will just make us repeat or ‘groundhog day’ until the…
Tips for Loving Yourself After A Relationship Break Up
Married couples enter relationships hoping it will last a lifetime. We work hard at establishing a genuine connection built on trust and unconditional love. Then suddenly it happens, he or she announces that they’re leaving and we just don’t know why or what we’ve done wrong. Feelings of powerlessness and rejection begin to overwhelm us…
Churches Addressing Mental Health Issues Offer Grace & Hope
Churches can become trained to recognise mental illness and be better equipped to extend God’s grace and hope to those who are mentally unwell.
Living With Chronic Pain Can Be Very Distressing
Chronic pain is common in Australia and all over the world. Carrying ongoing aches and pains places a huge burden on the body and on the mind causing fatigue. Regular daily tasks become an excruciating and exhausting exercise. Routines can easily become overwhelming and psychologically distressing for those who have it, making them prone to…
We Have The Power To Control Our Thought Life
For our own good mental health it’s essential that we take control of the thoughts we focus on, paying specific attention to our self-talk. Thinking unhealthy & negative thoughts can shape us into the person we will become that may eventually determine our actions. What can Christians do to practice thinking healthy thoughts? Cleaning Up…
Jesus Christ The Risen Lord Transforming Lives Today
Jesus died and rose from the dead at Easter offering himself as atonement for man’s sins. We often focus only on the death of Jesus at Easter, and while this is important, we can sometimes forget that 3 days later Jesus rose from the dead. In so doing Jesus conquered death and provided us all…
The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
In John 1:1-5 we learn that Jesus came from heaven. The Word Became Flesh – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.In him was…
The Passover – What it means to Christians Today
The Passover leading up to Easter is the beginning of Christian’s ‘Holy Week.’ Traditionally the Passover is celebrated by families of Jewish faith all over the world to commemorate the deliverance of Israel who lived in Goshen, Egypt as slaves under the hands of Pharaoh. The families gather on Passover to share a meal known as…
Congratulations on the Bible Society’s 200 Years!
Marking one of the biggest events in Australian Christian History is the union of Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Glenn Davies and Pastor Brian Houston the Global Senior Leader of Hillsong to share a stage in celebration of The Bicentenary of The Bible Society this Sunday, March 5. Formed in 1817 The Bible Society is Australia’s longest living organisation. The…
Senior Pastor Tommy Nelson Talks About His Depression in Detail
Senior Pastor Tommy Nelson Talks About His Depression in Detail Senior Pastor Tommy Nelson of Denton Bible Church talks about his experience with depression describing it as a black hole that hijacked him. His joy was gone and he had lost the ability to do the things he once loved. During his bout of depression…
Looking At Making 2018 A Good Year?
As this year draws to an end and the new year begins, the pull might be to start drawing up ideas and making plans for new beginnings. This may involve focusing on what we could be doing differently for ourselves, for others and in our christian walk with them main theme being self improvement. Some…
A Biblical Perspective On Mental Illness & The Role Of The Church
The bible is the greatest resource a Christian can possess for spiritual growth. According to the bible, after the fall of man, all human beings are affected by sin. We use to live in the perfect human and spiritual condition in the presence of God which the bible discribes as, “The Garden of Eden.” Sin separates…
A Poem About God’s Grace – Grace To The Rescue
God’s grace is for everyone. Jesus died on the cross for all mankind. In this poem Deborah Ann expresses what God’s grace is about beautifully. Grace To the Rescue – by Deborah Ann Grace restores, the broken pieces fills in the cracks smooths the creases. Grace heals, the heart that aches mends the wounds patches…
Extending Grace To Those With Mental Health Problems
Mental health problems can affect people from any nation, profession or faith. One in five persons will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. Many of us are impacted by a mental illness. An article recently published by Finder.com.au titled, “Mental Health Problems Plague Australia’s Entertainment Industry” revealed that a study conducted by Entertainment…
