Struggle Is Real : How to Care for Mental and Relational Health Needs in the Church

20-25% of Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Divorce is epidemic. Abuse of all kinds is rampant. Suicidality is at an all-time high. Domestic violence is out of control. Cohabitation and out of wedlock births are at unprecedented levels. Addictions are more widespread than ever.

These and many other problems confront our culture today in alarming proportions. Consequently, mental and relational health issues find their way home. To everyone’s home.

People with these and other concerns typically turn first to the church for help. Yet most churches are not equipped to adequately minister to the depth and magnitude of these overwhelming problems. This book was created as a comprehensive resource to provide the church with practical tools to care for these hurting people in a biblically sound and emotionally healthy way.

We at the American Association of Christian Counselors hope and pray this book finds its way into the hands of every pastor, church leader, counselor, and Christian caregiver in America. Because the struggle is real. The struggle is real indeed.

This is a lineup of experienced healers and caring writers. It will be a valuable resource for the field of mental and emotional health for years to come.

John Ortberg, Ph.D., Senior Pastor of Menlo Church, Menlo Park, CA,

Clinical Psychologist and best-selling author

People everywhere are hurting, including those inside the church. Written by a team of experts, this important resource is designed to shine the wonderful and liberating light of the gospel into the dark and difficult areas of people’s lives. What’s here will heal. You need this book and the people you love need it too.

Johnnie Moore, Founder, The KAIROS Company

People today are struggling in ways that only the church can help. The Struggle is Real is an excellent resource for equipping ministry leaders and counselors alike to meet this most pressing need.

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

I heartily recommend The Struggle Is Real…Clinton and Pingleton have provided exactly what the church needs.

Jeremiah J. Johnston, Ph.D., President, Christian Thinkers Society,

Professor, Houston Baptist University

We are not fine; the people we serve are not fine—we all struggle! This book is an invaluable resource for helping us minister to people who need our understanding.

Greg Surratt, Founding Pastor, Seacoast Church, Mount Pleasant, SC,

President, Association of Related Churches (ARC)

In this book, Tim Clinton and Jared Pingleton provide a solid guide to better understand the issues and dynamics of trouble that people experience and how to effectively minister to them.

George O. Wood, P.Th.D., J.D., former General Superintendent, The General Council of the Assemblies of God

Tim Clinton, Ed. D., LPC, LMFT is President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. He is the Executive Director of the James Dobson Family Institute and recurring co-host of "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." Licensed as a Professional Counselor and as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Clinton is recognized as a world leader in mental health and relationship issues and spends much of his time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He has authored and edited nearly 30 books, including The Struggle is Real: How to Care for Mental and Relational Health Needs in the Church and is the Executive Editor of The Care and Counsel Bible by Thomas Nelson Press.

Rev. Jared Pingleton, Psy.D., is a respected leader in the Christian Mental Health field and currently serves as the Director of Mental Health Care and Ministry of the American Association of Christian Counselors. In professional practice since 1977, he is a licensed clinical psychologist, a credentialed minister who has served on the staff of two large churches, a former professor at several Christian colleges and seminaries, the former Director of Counseling Services at Focus on the Family, and author or co-author of several books, including The Struggle is Real: How to Care for Mental and Relational Health Needs in the Church. Dr. Pingleton is also the Consulting Editor of The Care and Counsel Bible by Thomas Nelson Press. For more about Jared, as well as contact information, go to www.drpingleton.com.