Inagural Video Podcast- What Every Youth Minister Needs to Know About Crisis Management
August 10, 2010
Mr. Bowden McElroy and Dr. Tim Doty discuss what “we wish every youth minister knew about crisis management in twenty minutes or less.” We cover issues of confidentiality and legal/moral/ethical obligations to be wary of secret-keeping. We also discuss linking to referral sources and we encourage youth ministers and helpers in general to prioritize self-care. We hope you enjoy this podcast and we look forward to posting additional teaching-related material.
What Every Youth Minister Needs to Know About Handling Mental Health Crises from Dr. Timothy Doty on Vimeo.
A Compassionate Reponse to the Haitian Earthquake
January 19, 2010
The recent news of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti leaves many of us feeling great sadness and compassion for the people affected by the tragedy. Many of us, with good intentions, want to respond and help in any way we can. In fact, some whose resources allow may feel a desire to board a plane and add to the ongoing relief efforts in person. However, our initial desire to act may not be the most sustainable and helpful responses.
Because of the need to respond to primary needs and rescue efforts urgently, philanthropy experts recommend giving monetarily to relief-aid groups who have an established presence in Haiti. It is more effective during the early stages of disaster relief and during ongoing rebuilding efforts to work with organizations that have leadership in place to respond to a needs-based assessment on the ground. New organizations to the area or individuals who join in aid efforts without connection to an organization may add to the chaos.
It is okay to wait on your giving. Reconstruction efforts will take time and monetary giving will be needed on an ongoing basis.
It can be anxiety-provoking to sit “idly by” when so much is needed in response to the Haitian earthquake. However, this is an instance in which relying on experts in the area (i.e. the Haitian people and established relief-aid workers) is perhaps a more compassionate response than rushing in with our “expertise.” I would encourage you to donate monetarily and prayerfully to organizations that you already trust to do compassionate work for the needs of our world.
The following is a list (not exhaustive) of organization who have a presence in Haiti:
Jesus had a screwed up family too
December 15, 2009
I was first introduced to the intentional nature of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ lineage while attending a freshman intro course of New Testament study at Oklahoma Baptist University (or at least that’s when I remember it sinking in) taught by Mac Roark—since retired. If I remember correctly, Matthew specifically mentions individuals in Jesus’ family tree that most people would like to accidentally leave out of their own histories. Women of “questionable character”[1] including the likes of prostitutes and adulterers are specifically mentioned. Also mentioned are “evil” people and a note of another Bible says that God “works through ordinary people” to “accomplish his will.”[2]
What does Jesus’ family tree have to do with thoughts on psychology, psychotherapy and families? Well, in family therapy we commonly talk about intergenerational trauma or the affects of previous family patterns on current family dynamics. If it can be said that Jesus’ own family history included generational embarrassments and individuals of “questionable character,” can it also be said that great healing and redemption can come from our own family histories? One thing that impacts me about Matthew’s account of Jesus’ lineage is that he listed questionable individuals and even “evil” individuals in the and provided a sense of hope that regardless the struggles that might have been a part of your family, both in distant past and in current circumstances, that God can work out some impressive results. I also happen to think that Matthew provided a nice example for psychotherapy in that he was willing to engage in conversation about previous sore spots in the family. I think talking about issues is one step in the healing process.
My above thoughts were in response to this podcast from Imago Dei Community in Portland regarding the Advent season.
[1] According to the ESV Study Bible notes
[2] NIV Life Application Study Bible notes
