Church on the Couch

Does the Church Need Therapy?

Elaine Martens Hamilton

• Publisher: Zondervan
• Year: 2009
• eBook ISBN:
  9780310314264
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Ministry

Though most church leaders crave authenticity in their congregations, most also know it is an elusive goal. People by nature are self-protective. And although the gospel message that we are all sinners saved by grace ought to make people more real, the truth is many of our churches are plagued by fakeness. This inauthenticity hinders spiritual and emotional health and maturity. So what's a church leader to do?The key, says Elaine Hamilton, is to go beyond talking about doing things differently. We have to act and live differently. It begins with leaders; the people will follow. We need to tell the truth about who we really are, and then provide forums for others to do the same. Church on the Couch helps you take practical steps toward changing the culture of your church. As the masks come off, the healing and growth will begin.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• My Journey to the Couch
• Chapter 1: I’m Okay, You’re Okay: Learning how to fake it
• Chapter 2: Analyze This: What happens when all of us fakers get together
• Chapter 3: Tell Me about It: Finding a way to tell our stories
• Chapter 4: How Does That Make You Feel?: Facing our anxiety about being real
• Chapter 5: Group Therapy for the Masses: Reimagining Sunday mornings
• Chapter 6: Defense Mechanisms Galore: Leading from an authentic place
• Chapter 7: Head Shrinking: Dealing with difficult people and difficult conversations
• Chapter 8: We’ve Got Issues: Handling affairs and sexual addictions
• Chapter 9: Analyze That: What authenticity looks like on the journey
• Chapter 10: I’m Okay, No Really, I’m Okay: Letting yourself be human
• Chapter 11: When Denial Is a Good Thing: Refusing to give up
• Notes
• About The Publisher
• Share Your Thoughts