Resources and Recommendations

We often make judgments or assumptions about others based on their recommendations, don't we? If I see my friend post a photo while attending a conference about strawberries, I may assume she either knows a LOT about strawberries, wants to learn more, or really likes to eat them. It may not occur to me that she was invited by another friend who happened to have a free ticket when his other friend cancelled at the last minute. Similarly, when we see people posting about various media resources, we can easily arrive [more like jump!] at the conclusion that they adhere to a particular author's way of thinking, are promoting a product to gain a desired benefit or reputation, or are otherwise motivated by self-interest. 

I have always loved getting resources into other people's hands. I can remember being passionate about it since I was young, whether it was in loaning giving my classmates money at the book fair, buying a box of books for my small group when I was a youth ministry leader, or lending fellow counselors books without any hesitation as to whether I'd get them back eventually or not. When I share resources with you here, it's not because I want to influence you to support my favorite author or subscribe to the podcasts I do, though those aren't necessarily bad motivations since I love to see creators supported to continue in their labors. No, primarily, when I share resources with you, it's because I believe in the beauty and goodness of learning. We become better, and in turn, better the world around us as we learn and grow. My life has been shaped and reshaped — expanded time and time again — by the ponderings of those who have invited me into how they are processing a topic or experiencing their story. 

Here are some of my favorite resources from the fall so far. I've cut way back on podcast listening this year, so if I share it, it's because it was one I saved to relisten again later (it was that good!). For my counselor friends, or really anyone interested in caring well for others, I especially want to recommend the books by David Benner. In the counseling world, controversies abound, whether it's new studies and methods in the clinical field; or, the persistent (and often uncharitable) arguments of those in the biblical counseling domain. I came across my first David Benner book in early 2024, The Gift of Being Yourself, and it was like unwrapping a gift of tender care from God. It was after reading it for the second time that I discovered he had written dozens of books, including the two I’ve shared here. I've been reading them slowly and returning to them regularly this year. He extends the safe care of a shepherd while demonstrating the careful precision of a scholarly researcher. Depending on where you land in your counseling approach, you may find something to question or critique. But more importantly, you'll be sharpened (and softened) and helped, which we can all use more of, right? 

Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss

Single Ever After with Dani Treweek on Culture Matters

Who you Are and Who You’re Becoming with Sharlene Provilus on The Guild

Faith, Trauma, and Christian Community, featuring Chuck DeGroat on Counsel For Life

Recovering From Spiritual Abuse with Brian Lee on Three Percent

Slow Theology: Drs. Nijay Gupta and A.J. Swodoba on Theology in the Raw

Walking As Spiritual Practice with Mark Buchanan on Trinity Forum Conversations

You’re Not In Trouble with Becky Castle Miller on Broken to Beloved

Loyal in His Love by Tabitha Panariso

Care of Souls and Strategic Pastoral Counseling, both by David Benner