Ok, lets get to the point. There are fewer greater feelings in the Christian life then finding ‘the one’ (is there such a thing? That’s a whole other post!). The spark of chemistry, finding new things out about each other, experiencing life or just vegging out together.
You find yourself smiling uncontrollably and look forward to the next time you will be seeing your sweetheart. And when you do your heart does a back-flip of gymnastic proportions.One minute you’re in your own little world, the next your part of a couple and a whole new world opens up.
But alas, the screen does not fade to black and the immortal words ‘and they lived happily ever after, does not float across the screen. Oh no no no. This is the Christian life. Struggle and warfare are all around, and that includes romantic relationships.
Of course having a Christian partner is a wonderful feeling, but they should come with a disclaimer. Small print, warning of the dangers of allowing your feelings and desires to run away with you. And as the man in the relationship, the pressure to remain Godly, whilst being close to a member of the opposite sex is a very difficult path to tread.
So here is my attempt at passing on some pointers, (hopefully) backed up with sufficient scriptures. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. And this is not a guide from someone who has it all worked out. In fact this comes from the experience of someone, who can tell you how not to have a Godly relationship and has got it wrong on many occasions!
Take the lead
If you are a Christian man reading this, let me impress upon you, that you are the head of your Christian relationship. Yes you are a team, but the responsibility for having a good healthy God centred relationship must start and end with you. Don’t wait for your partner to take the lead, its on you.
Now I want you to realize the head of every man is Christ and the head of every woman is man (1 Cor 11:3)
I appreciate this is more concerning the institute of marriage but I’m sure the principal can be carried over to pre-marriage.
Include parents in relationship
Perhaps this is just common sense to you. I’m afraid this is something I failed to do in my relationships. I personally think its important at the very least to include your girlfriends parents in your relationship. Sit them down, let them be open about what they expect of you. How you want them involved – this after all is their daughter. It would be a great feeling to know you can discuss your relationship privately with your girlfriends father. Of course that’s presuming you are near your girlfriends parent and they are around you enough to have regular interaction.
Set boundaries, no grey areas – just black and white
One of the most harmful things to your relationship isn’t what you say. Its what you don’t say. Boundaries people… we need boundaries! “We’ll deal with it when it comes up” or “we won’t fall into that trap – we are strong Christians”. Oh my dear friends if you’ve ever thought along those lines, then you are setting yourself up for a fall. Men, you know your thoughts. You know your struggles. And none are bigger than the opposite sex. If you are in a relationship with someone, then you are attracted to them. If you are attracted to them, then its quite natural to want to show that in a physical way.
So the question normally asked is, how far is too far? Its fair enough question asked by those wanting to do the right thing in their relationship. but this thinking presents a problem. Since scripture doesn’t actually answer that question head on, we run away with the idea that certain things are acceptable, only the end result (sex) is off limits. Everything in between is a grey area and is down to the discernment of the individual. Well lets consider a couple of passages:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
We are called to be people of purity, to honour God in the use of our bodies. So, let me ask, at what point do you start having impure thoughts. If your anything like me (I really hope you’re not!) that moment is normally five seconds after being in the presence of your partner! Lets, be honest guys. We struggle with being Godly in these situations, big time. And of course from there stems, temptation to go further. Do you really think you can stop at a certain point? Sooner or later, you will want to go further, and further until you reach the point of no return.
The question isn’t how far can I go outside of sex. The question is how far can I go before my thoughts turn to impure things?
Therefore, boundaries are crucial. Crucial to ensure purity in the relationship. Sit down with your lady and have an honest conversation as to what is acceptable and what isn’t. Would you struggle being alone together? Then don’t be alone. Is cuddling up on the sofa going to be a problem? Then don’t. Is a passionate kiss going to do it? How about touching and stroking? It doesn’t take a genius to work out where you should be watching yourself.
I know it sounds like I just want to be a killjoy, but believe me. One small touch here, a kiss there. It starts small and it takes over in no time at all. Before you know it, your relationship is no longer about glorifying God but about gratifying our own desires and urges.
As CS Lewis once said
“Chastity is the most unpopular of the Christian virtues.”
Have devotional times together
If the above is all ‘you can’t’, the stuff you can, and indeed should, will really deepen your relationship. Studying Gods word together and praying together are a must. Yes it can be awkward at the start, but as the man its on you to put this in place. Grasping something new of God and his word together will be a great thing for a relationship. Coming into the presence of God to pray together will be so rewarding. Talk about God, your own Christian life, your struggles, the way God has blessed you.
Your relationship shouldn’t just be about two individuals, having two different experiences of God. It should be all that as well as a partnership seeking to glorify God together. Praying together means you are able to be spiritually naked together. You can admit your heavy burdens together, lay yourselves out bare before God together.
Encourage her in the Lords work.
Whatever situation you are in, your partner is probably involved in some form of service for the Lord in one way or another. When your relationship gets that bit serious, other things sometimes take a backseat. Obviously priorities will change a bit but don’t be the reason your partner takes her focus off of her service to the Lord.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
How can you encourage her? How can you support her? It may mean sometimes your relationship suffers, but our lives are not about us, and it would be selfish to think somebody else’s was!
Have accountancy partners.
If your serious in your relationship, it would benefit you no end to seek counsel of older Christians. Grab another couple who you know, trust and respect. Demand that they keep an eye on you as a couple. Get them to check up on you both. You will hopefully be able to share with them your relationship problems (after talking it over with your partner first!).
Hebrews 10:24 says,
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to,
“…encourage one another and build each other up…”
Few! Thats a bigger post than I thought it would be. Like I say, I don’t have the answers. Just some thoughts from experience!


It’s that time of year again. It hardly seems five minutes since we were packing away our Christmas crib, does it? Now here we are. Lent is about to begin.
Lent: a time of reflection, fasting and self-denial. “What are you giving up?” is the inevitable question, though more recently we’ve been urged to take up a practice; to focus on giving : thoughtful actions, kind deeds, moving out of our confort zones, to break out of our confines of self-interest. There’s more to Lent than giving up chocolate, (my DH begs to disagree!) Though now I’ve been diagnosed with a digestive disorder for which it may be one (of many) triggers, I’ll admit to having sent up a few begging prayers heavenwards!
I tend not to do Lenten devotional books, (with a few honourable exceptions). Does anybody else find inspiration in fiction? It doesn’t have to be ‘Christian’ fiction. A classic for me is Joanne Harris’s Chocolat, both the novel and the film adaptation. What a brilliant depiction of the shadow: the damage that repressed anger, pain, grief and guilt wreaks on our psyches, individual and collective; issues of inclusion and exclusion: the townspeoples’ initial reactions to the arrival of Vianne and her daughter, Anouk, the changes her kindness and acceptance made to their lives. Christians talk of the unconditional grace of God.
Have a look at this scenewhere the mayor (film version) breaks into Vianne’s Chocolaterie, followed by an Easter sermon.
See what you think.
I’m not sure what the theme of my homily today ought to be. Do I want to speak of the miracle of Our Lord’s divine transformation? Not really, no. I don’t want to talk about His divinity. I’d rather talk about His humanity. I mean, you know, how He lived His life, here on Earth. His kindness, His tolerance… Listen, here’s what I think. I think that we can’t go around… measuring our goodness by what we don’t do. By what we deny ourselves, what we resist, and who we exclude. I think… we’ve got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create… and who we include.– Pere Henri in the film version of Joanne Harris’s Chocolat


The Miller family revs up on faith and finances. See how they navigate the start of Ashleigh's transition to college.
Faith & Finances
Let’s rewind to our very first meeting with our financial advisor, Jennifer… we were reviewing our family budget and had given Jennifer full authority to pick it apart and redirect our money – with one exception, we are tithers and would continue to give to our church – No. Matter. What.
I had been worried that Jennifer would see the amount we were giving monthly and would see that as a lost opportunity for us to save or pay down debt. But Jennifer didn’t see it that way. She understood the principle of tithing. And we felt that if we stopped giving, that God would remove His hand of protection and blessing from that area of our lives – and if we are going to win this contest, we would need THAT blessing.
And now, fast forward to December, faith and finances have continued to intersect.
As I’m writing this, it’s December 1st and it’s the deadline for Ashleigh to submit her merit scholarship application to Huntingdon College. Our family has made the decision to fast and pray until she hears back from the scholarship committee. In a “fast” you give up something and refocus your attention from that thing to Jesus. We decided since Ashleigh’s decision to attend Huntingdon affects us financially, we should likewise fast and give up things that also affect us financially – and those things for us are eating out and enjoying an adult beverage or two throughout the week.
To accompany our fast, we have a prayer list which includes:
- Whatever God’s will is
- That Ashleigh would have favor with the scholarship committee
- A quick decision
- To financially close the gap between the cost of college and what we can afford
- Steadfastness throughout the fast
- A college decision that will honor God
- To prepare our hearts, minds, and home for her transition to college
So, here we are on day one of our prayer and fasting and believing God for a financial miracle. Well, if you’re a person of faith like we are, you’ll understand when I say, “Ain’t it just like God!?” Within the last couple of hours – and in just the first day of us walking in obedience in our fast – I found out that I’d be receiving a bonus in a couple of weeks and a nice little side job has presented itself to me (see prayer number 4).
Ain’t it just like God!?


Masterplan – Saints Peter & Paul Assyrian Primary School, Western Sydney, NSW
“The Masterplanned design creates a safe, balanced environment for exploring and learning, where highly-adaptable, multi-purpose, indoor and outdoor spaces aim to develop a strong sense of identity and community.”
This project was designed by ‘PMDL Architecture + Design’, North Sydney, when Tim was working for them:
Andrew Pender – Practice Director;
Tim Williams – Project Leader;
Marco Martinolli – Design Architect.
Located in Cecil Park in Sydney’s far west, the Saints Peter and Paul Assyrian Primary School campus will cater to students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
The design is for 630 students as a three stream primary school to meet the growing need for an educational facility, fit for the 21st century, which serves the Assyrian Church of the East’s Christian faith, heritage, language, culture and community.
The mostly two-storey proposal incorporates primary and support facilities organised around a central ‘Civic Heart’, facing the vista towards the Blue Mountains overlooking a restored, riparian woodland.
The proposed school site has a strong sense of connection for the local Assyrian community, being next door to their Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church.
In addition, the proposed Primary School is close to the newly-opened, purpose-built, Saint Narsai Christian College (Years 7 – 12), also designed by PMDL.
The Masterplanned design creates a safe, balanced environment for exploring and learning, where highly-adaptable, multi-purpose, indoor and outdoor spaces aim to develop a strong sense of identity and community.
Extensively landscaped grounds for passive and active play, as well as outdoor learning opportunities, are incorporated into the proposal.
Environmentally sensitive design principles are at the heart of the proposal.


This list is provided solely as information. Only you can decide which, if any, of these resources might be helpful to you. Listing comes with no guarantees, promises, recommendations or endorsements. Exclusion from this list does not imply anything either.
Please read the full disclaimer that applies to all resources listed on this site.
Finding help which suits you best will save your time on your recovery journey, give you hope more quickly and be most cost efficient. If you wish you may consult with the Clergy Recovery Network regarding referrals on this list and regarding other resources as well. We believe in helping you find a quality fit as you seek help. No resource pays CRN to refer clergy and their families. Some of the resources listed below offer financial advantages for the clergy whom CRN refers. If you wish to interact with us regarding our assessment of your needs and the referral that deems most appropriate please go to the Contact page.
This full disclaimer applies to CRN’s interaction with you regarding referrals.
Church Consultants/Conflict Resolution
- Peacemaker Ministries
Ken Sande and his team work with churches and Christian Ministries which are conflicted. They use a conservative Biblical model of consulting.
- Shawchuck and Associates
Norm Shawchuck and his staff are highly trained and experienced in consulting with churches in conflict and crisis. Norman may be reached toll free at 800-359-7363 or you may email him at firstname.lastname@example.org
- Bethesda Workshops
An intensive workshop program for male and female sex addicts, co-sex addicts (partners or ex-partners of addicts), and addict/co-addict couples.
- Charis Foundation
Offers intensives and seminars for pastors.
- Faithful and True Ministries
Intensives for men and couples struggling with sexual issues located in Minneapolis, MN. Books, articles and other resources are also available at this site.
- Link Care
The Restoration and Personal Growth Program exists to meet the needs of missionaries and pastors who have encountered difficulties in their fields of service.
- Marble Retreat
Marble Retreat offers eight-day intensives which include group and individual Christian counseling.
- Ministry Development Council
The Ministry Development Council is a National Network of Accredited Centers Providing Resources for Clergy, Denominational Leadership, and Local Churches.
- Psychological Counseling Services
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Individualized intensive outpatient therapy, with expertise in a number of life issues including, sex therapy and addiction, relationship difficulties, marriage and family issues.
- Stone Gate Resources
Brief Intensive Counseling/Restoring Sexual Purity Workshops for couples.
- The Cottage on Coronado Island
One week retreats/intensives for individuals and couples in San Diego for Christian leaders with Walter and Francoise Becker.
- The Ministry Development Network
An ecumenical, church owned service whose mission is to strengthen and care for persons in ministry.
- Chemical Dependency Ministries (UMC)
A United Methodist ministry (Oklahoma Conference) which recognizes that the disease of addiction is also a spiritual issue. This ministry provides education and resources to offer hope, healing and understanding within our communities.
- Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy
Recovery support for Lutheran clergy who suffer from alcoholism and other addictions.
- Presbyterians for Addiction Action
PAA assists Presbyterians as they minister in an increasingly addictive society to restore people to God’s promise of wholeness.
- Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church
Recovery Ministries is an independent, nationwide network of Episcopal laity and clergy, dioceses and parishes, schools, agencies, and other institutions—all with a common commitment to address the use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs.
- Pastor Care
PastorCare provides personalized support and encouragement for pastors and their families.
- Recovered Alcoholic Clergy Association (RACA)
The Recovered Alcoholic Clergy Association (RACA) is a working fellowship of the clergy of the Episcopal Church. It is open to ALL clergy.
- Christian Recovery International
CRI, the host site of CRN, is loaded with recovery articles and international language sites. It has networking opportunities, training resources like the Fuller Institute for Recovery Ministry, and abuse recovery pages like Spiritual Abuse Recovery.
- Covenant Eyes
Covenant Eyes is a site which provides monitoring and filtering of your web use. The founders are wonderful believers and the staff is fantastic with technical and customer care.
- Keith Miller Recovery Resources
Keith Miller is a bestselling author who has his own recovery journey and shares it. He writes incisively on recovery themes. In March 2009 his web site will be redesigned. His weekly newsletter is priceless for pastors.
- Winning Edge Ministries
Thomas Pedigo has written a broadly endorsed manual titled, “A Program for Restoring Fallen Ministers & Religious Leaders”. It and other resources are available at the Winning Edge web site.


Singles Pleasing The Lord has a very special ministry for those single adult men and women that have gone through a divorce or significant relationship break-up. We offer a two day seminar that takes these individuals through the healing process.
God has given the ministry a very special anointing and grace to minister to these individuals. Topics covered at these seminars include how to break free from soul ties, dealing with bitterness and unforgiveness, rejection, shame, failure, financial recovery, dating and remarriage.
For more information on this seminar email us at firstname.lastname@example.org or call 630 513-0038.


Jason grew up in the Knoxville area and attended Apostolic Christian School where he was a 4-year letterman and excelled in basketball, baseball, football and track. Jason is coaching the Middle School boys and girls basketball and soccer teams at Apostolic Christian School. He has also coached basketball and soccer in Knox County since 2009. In 2014, he coached the AAU basketball team, TN Impact, to 3rd place in the AAU TN state tournament.
He is passionate about the game and wants to instill teamwork and character into each player. He wants to encourage each player to be the best they can be, not just in the game, but every part of life and to always put God first. In 2015, Jason lead the 4th grade TN Fury Navy girls to a 2nd place finish in state and Top 15 finish in Nationals.
Jason has been a business owner since 2009 in the Knoxville area. He is married to Shana and has 2 daughters, Audrey and Annalese.


The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy started on 8 December 2015 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, as well 50 years after the conclusion of Vatican II) and it ends on 20 November 2016 (the Feast of Christ, the King of the Universe). As congregations with Mary, Mother of Mercy as our patron saint, we obviously had to make our contribution to call attention to mercy. One of the means we employed to do this is the use our own experience and our wisdom as well as our capacity to share with each other what we have. In addition to sharing with each other, we also wish to share with the people around us: with our colleagues at work, with the volunteers in the parishes, with our friends and acquaintances who do not belong to our convent organisations. We share our image of mercy, our thoughts and reflections, so that they may inspire others. We have collected all those images, thoughts and reflections in a handy 52-page booklet. During a whole year we will be able to reflect each week about one page. That is bound to take is further along on our path of mercy.
We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the realisation of this booklet: sisters, brothers, translators and staff members of both congregations.


Email May 5, 2015 – Elder Kenneth Wm. Burton
Bunch of Burtons
I don't really know where to start... my thoughts and feelings are all over place. I just received news that a friend of mine committed suicide a few weeks ago. My love and prayers go to him and his family. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the plan of salvation. The knowledge of the resurrection. The knowledge that because Christ lives we will all live again. Christ has helped me through so much, I pray that Rolland and his family receive the same knowledge and guidance. In another email today I received this quote, "His judgments are just; His mercy without limit; His power to compensate beyond any earthly comparison." -Boyd K. Packer. So true. Christs mercy is limitless. It is eternal. He loves us more than we can comprehend. There are moments when I feel that love and it just keeps expanding, growing, so much I can not feel it all. I can not understand it all. I love the Lord. I strive daily to give him my heart. Elder Reber and I have been discussing how love is a choice, it takes effort. That's why Christ said, "If ye love me keep my commandments." In doing so we come closer to him, building our love for him.
I've been recently studying the idea of promised solutions, rather than promised blessings. I was reading in 3 Nephi 9 where the Lords voice is heard after the destruction on the american continent right before the coming of Christ. The voice heard tells of the destroyed cities and the wicked that were in them.
My thoughts- first, The cities were going to be destroyed no matter what. Whether they were empty or full of people. They were going to be destroyed, it was prophesied by prophets of old. So the "problem" was that they would be destroyed. So a solution was promised. Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance. Therefore one comes unto Christ and receives his protection. We can see that those who were repentant were cast out of their homes and cities. A huge trial. Imagine just repenting so that you would be saved, and then loosing everything! Yet they kept their faith, and after the trial of their faith the blessing was seen. The cities were destroyed, buried in the sea or burnt. And those that were more righteous were preserved because they had been kicked out. Not what they expected, but the promises made to them were kept because they kept their promises.
Throughout the scriptures we find promised solutions to all the "problems" we face. "How do we find joy in life?" "How do I raise a strong family?" "How do I avoid addiction?" "How do I make good decisions?" The gospel is a gospel of solutions. It is the way we grow and progress here on earth and throughout eternity. Through faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and repeat and continue.
To find you must seek. To have a door opened you must knock. To receive you must ask.
God loves us so he shows us the way, and gives us the agency to follow the path if we so choose. Of which I am so grateful.
I love it here in Horsens. Only been here a day, but I love it. I can feel that it is were the Lord wants me to be. Partially because of what I will learn, partially because of what he wants me to do. I am called of Him to declare his word unto this generation, that they might receive everlasting life!
I love you all. I'm so excited to see you on Skype this Sunday!
Med meget kærlighed,


Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (ESV).When you submit your prayer request to us, our Prayer Partners are committed to storming the gates of heaven along side you. Our God will give grace and mercy in your time of need.
Your prayer request is received by our Prayer Partners who will pray on your behalf for the next 30 days after you submit your prayer request. Please indicate if you desire anyone to contact you and leave us a phone number to call you. Also, let us know when & how God has answers your prayer.
May the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus,
Our Prayer Request Team