The Soul Care Podcast

Season 3: Episode 11 - Gift, Not Problem: Breaking Free from Body Shame - Alisa Keeton

Episode #11 Show Notes Host: Warren Lamb Guest Host: Connie Lamb Guest: Alisa Keeton   Summary In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Warren and special Guest Host Connie Lamb welcome Alisa Keeton, founder of Revelation Wellness, to discuss the transformative power of viewing our bodies as gifts rather than problems. Alisa shares her personal journey from a life entrenched in diet culture to one that embraces faith and wellness. The conversation delves into the harmful effects of body shame, the importance of community in healing, and the distinction between valuing our bodies for their abilities rather than vanity. Alisa emphasizes the need for compassion and curiosity in our relationship with our bodies, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as God's creations.   Takeaways * Alisa Keeton emphasizes that our bodies are gifts to be stewarded, not problems to be solved. * The journey to wellness involves breaking free from toxic shame and diet culture. * Community plays a crucial role in healing and self-acceptance. * Curiosity about our bodies can lead to compassion and understanding. * Fitness should focus on the ability of the body rather than vanity. * The church has a responsibility to address body image issues and promote healthy perspectives. * Perfect love from God casts out fear and shame associated with body image. * Healing cannot occur in isolation; we need each other. * Understanding the nervous system is one key to achieving wellness. * Our identity in Christ is foundational to how we view our bodies.   Relevant Links Mentioned Resources * The Body Revelation: Physical and Spiritual Practices to Metabolize Pain, Banish Shame, and Connect to God with Your Whole Self [https://amzn.to/4pzNIxK] (Alisa Keeton) * Revelation Wellness [https://www.revelationwellness.org/] (Alisa Keeton’s website) * Revelation Wellness [https://www.youtube.com/@revelationwell] (YouTube Channel) * Healthy & Whole Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/revelation-wellness-healthy-whole/id671958238] (Apple Podcast link, but found on most podcast platforms) * Heir to the Crown: A Mind-Body Devotional for the Daughters of God [https://amzn.to/4pTo4E0] (Alisa Keeton) * What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?: Answers to the Big Questions of Life [https://amzn.to/4aTojL3] (Ed Welch)   Other Links * Truth in Love Biblical Counseling [https://tilbcc.com] * Warren’s Blog [https://pastorlamb.com]   Warrenism of the Week: “You can’t heal what you hate. Hatred closes the door to transformation and leaves us in a pool of toxic shame.”

Season 3: Episode 10 - Unpacking 'Happy Lies' with Melissa Daugherty

Episode #10 Show Notes Hosts: Kimberly Willess, Warren Lamb Guest: Melissa Daugherty   Summary In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Kimberly and Warren talk with Melissa Dougherty, an author and apologist, about her book 'Happy Lies' and the New Thought movement. Melissa shares her spiritual journey from New Thought to Christianity, exploring how seductive New Thought beliefs can be and how they appear in modern Christianity. The conversation explores the meaning of suffering, the importance of surrender in the Gospel, and the false idea of human goodness. They also examine how consumerism affects spirituality and why true healing comes through Christ. Melissa mentions her future research plans, including a detailed examination of influential figures in the New Thought movement and their impact on Christianity.   Takeaways * Melissa Dougherty's book 'Happy Lies' explores the New Thought movement. * She shares her journey from New Thought to Christianity. * New Thought beliefs are often mistaken for Christian teachings. * The seductive nature of New Thought makes it difficult to identify. * Suffering is viewed differently in New Thought compared to Christianity. * The need for surrender to God's will is emphasized in the Gospel. * Human goodness is an illusion in the context of sin. * Consumerism influences modern spirituality and instant gratification. * True healing comes through a relationship with Christ. * Melissa plans to research influential figures in the New Thought movement.   Relevant Links Mentioned Resources * Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World [https://amzn.to/4ozQGkF] (Melissa Daugherty) * Melissa Daugherty YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyKgD0DLtBN21gfThSalyUQ] * Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel [https://amzn.to/4pSkmKQ] (Kate Bowler) * The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between [https://amzn.to/48CQU4r] (Greg Koukl) * The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution [https://amzn.to/48UbuyB] (Carl R. Trueman) * Biblical Counseling and Mental Disorder Diagnosis [https://amzn.to/3MklYyG] (Jenn Chen) * Science Fictions: How Fraud, Bias, Negligence, and Hype Undermine the Search for Truth [https://amzn.to/4orJd7w] (Stewart Ritchie) * Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience [https://amzn.to/3Wh6Jbt] (Sally Satel and Scott O. Linienfeld) * The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma [https://amzn.to/3MHZcRg] (Michael Scheeringa)   Other Links * Truth in Love Biblical Counseling [https://tilbcc.com] * Warren’s Blog [https://pastorlamb.com]   Warrenism of the Week: “Surrender isn't giving up; it's finally letting the right Person be in charge.”

Season 3: Episode 9 - Mental Health, Prayer, and God's Word - Pastor Trey Richardson

Episode #9 Show Notes Host: Warren Lamb Guest: Pastor Trey Richardson   Summary In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Warren interviews Pastor Trey Richardson, who shares his journey in pastoral ministry, emphasizing the importance of trusting in the sufficiency of Scripture for biblical counseling and soul-care, especially for those with a serious mental health diagnosis. He discusses the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues and how God's Word can bring healing and transformation. The conversation highlights the significance of community support, the power of prayer, and the role of family life in shaping one's ministry. Pastor Trey encourages ordinary believers and pastors alike to trust in the sufficiency of Scripture and to approach mental health care with confidence and compassion.   Takeaways * God's Word is sufficient for healing and transformation. * Prayer is a powerful tool in soul care. * Church community support is essential for those with “mental health” struggles. * Pastoral care ought to focus on applying Scripture to real-life situations. * Family life often shapes one's approach to ministry and counseling. * Confidence in God's Word can empower pastors to help others. * Diagnosed mental illness does not limit God's ability to bring change. * Ordinary believers can play a role in soul-care without formal training. * Taking thoughts captive is crucial for those with mental health challenges. * The journey of healing often requires patience and consistent care.   Relevant Links Mentioned Resources * Christian Counseling & Education Fellowship [https://www.ccef.org/] (CCEF) * Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications [https://amzn.to/48GLuqs] (Michael R. Emlet)   Other Links * Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ [https://amzn.to/4i2OrEV] (Truth in Love curriculum) * Truth in Love Biblical Counseling [https://tilbcc.com] * Warren’s Blog [https://pastorlamb.com]   Warrenism of the Week: “Transformation in Christ is a process, not an event. We didn’t get ‘messed up’ overnight, and we don’t experience healing and growth overnight. Neither do the people we help.”

Season 3:Episode 8 - Healing Through Conflict - Kelli Russell

Episode #8 Show Notes Hosts: Kimberly Willess, Warren Lamb Guest: Kelli Russell   Summary In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Kimberly and Warren interview Kelli Russell, a leader in Christian conciliation and biblical counseling. They discuss Kelli's journey into this field, the importance of understanding trauma in conflict resolution, and the role of forgiveness in reconciliation. The conversation emphasizes the need for safety, building rapport, and training believers in biblical peacemaking. Kelli shares her vision for Grace Matters, the ministry she leads, and the impact of community education on conflict resolution.   Takeaways * Kelli Russell is a leader in Christian conciliation and biblical counseling. * Understanding trauma is crucial in conflict resolution. * Building rapport takes time and is essential for effective reconciliation. * Safety is paramount when dealing with abuse in reconciliation processes. * Christian conciliation aims to restore relationships, not just resolve conflicts. * Training believers in biblical peacemaking is vital for community health. * Forgiveness does not mean enabling harmful behavior. * Every reconciliation case is unique and requires a tailored approach. * The goal of reconciliation is to achieve peace and understanding. * Love and compassion are key components in resolving conflicts.   Relevant Links Mentioned Resources * The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict [https://amzn.to/3KnmiMm] (Ken Sande) * Help! I'm in a Conflict (Life-Line Mini-Book) [https://amzn.to/3KrpvKO] (Ernie Baker) * Grace Matters [https://www.gracemattersministries.org/] (Kelli’s ministry organization) * RW360: Relational Wisdom 360 [https://rw360.org/] * Institute for Christian Conciliation [https://www.aorhope.org/icc] * Ambassadors of Reconciliation [https://www.aorhope.org/] * Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ [https://amzn.to/4i2OrEV] (Truth in Love curriculum) * Forgiveness: It May Not Work the Way You Think It Does [https://amzn.to/4pxN3MW] (Warren Lamb)   Other Links * Truth in Love Biblical Counseling [https://tilbcc.com] * Warren’s Blog [https://pastorlamb.com]   Warrenism of the Week: “Peacemaking is an ending of hostilities; pacifying is a pausing of hostilities.”

Season 3: Episode 7 - Biblically Navigating Abuse, Abandonment, and Divorce - Dr. Steve Swartz

Episode #7 Show Notes Host: Warren Lamb Guest: Dr. Steve Swartz   Summary In this episode of The Soul Care Podcast, Warren is joined by Dr. Steve Swartz who presents his carefully researched biblical case that verbal/emotional abuse (reviling) can constitute abandonment under 1 Corinthians 7, potentially providing biblical grounds for divorce. Drawing from 25+ years of pastoral ministry and rigorous hermeneutical study, Dr. Swartz challenges the church to recognize that protecting the vulnerable takes precedence over preserving marriages at all costs. His work represents a significant development within Reformed theology, maintaining fidelity to Scripture while expanding the understanding of how God's Word addresses domestic oppression. This conversation challenges pastors, counselors, and church leaders to examine whether their theology truly protects the oppressed or inadvertently enables oppressors. Dr. Swartz's work represents courageous scholarship that maintains biblical authority while advocating for those trapped in covenant betrayal.   Takeaways * Biblical fidelity doesn't require rigidity - Careful hermeneutics can expand our understanding without abandoning core principles * The vulnerable matter more than institutions - Jesus came to set captives free, not preserve marriages at any cost * Abuse is a gospel issue - Persistent, unrepentant abuse reveals an unregenerate heart * Churches need reformation - Many inadvertently protect abusers while further traumatizing victims * Courage is required - Confronting influential abusers may cost churches financially, but purifies them spiritually. * Churches often commit "secondary abuse" by mishandling initial disclosures * Women often fear disclosure because of widespread church failures in handling abuse * Successful, influential men who are revilers often receive protection rather than discipline * One hour of counseling barely scratches the surface - pastoral humility is essential   Relevant Links Dr. Swartz Resources * Abuse, Abandonment, and Divorce: Confronting the Reality of Marital Abuse with Foundational Issues, Biblical Compassion, and Exegetical Objectivity [https://amzn.to/49RA2Jx] (Steve Swartz) * Shattered Shepherds: Finding Hope in the Midst of Ministry Disaster [https://amzn.to/441h3bO] (Steve Swartz) * Sermon Series “Steadfast in the Faith” [https://www.steadfastinthefaith.org/series/marriage-divorce-and-remarriage] (Listen in reverse order)   Other Books Mentioned * Narcissism (Volume 1): Unmasking the Avatar (Biblically) [https://amzn.to/3L8y7pE] (Warren Lamb) * Behind the Veil: Exposing the Evil of Domestic Oppression and Providing Hope [https://amzn.to/3Xj3TU1] (Warren Lamb) * Not Under Bondage: Biblical Divorce for Abuse, Adultery and Desertion [https://amzn.to/4pdGQWv] (Barbra Roberts) * Called to Be Holy: The Discipline of the Church [https://amzn.to/3K266Qu] (Jeremy Walker)   Other Links * Truth in Love Biblical Counseling [https://tilbcc.com] * Warren’s Blog [https://pastorlamb.com] * Unbound: Growing Ever-freer in Christ [https://amzn.to/4i2OrEV] (Truth in Love curriculum)   Warrenism of the Week: “All abuse is evil; all abuse is destructive; NO abuse is permissible by God.”