Margins
CCEF Minibooks book cover 1
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CCEF Minibooks
Series · 27
books · 1905-2018

Books in series

When Bad Things Happen book cover
#1

When Bad Things Happen

Thoughtful Answers to Hard Questions

1905

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN- Is a personal God really involved in our suffering? And if he is, what in the world is he up to? Why would a good God allow suffering in his world? William P. Smith addresses these and other hard questions by reflecting on what the Bible teaches about suffering. Instead of pat answers, he shares the different ways God uses suffering to bring us into a deeper, more intimate re­lationship with him. You can learn to see the good that God brings out of suffering and be thankful—not for the suffer­ing itself, but for God and his involvement in your life.
Divorce Recovery book cover
#4

Divorce Recovery

Growing and Healing God's Way

1905

The pain of divorce has many different the end of your hopes and dreams for your marriage; a life full of unwanted changes; and the daily struggle with a mixture of grief, fear, guilt, and anger. Is recovery possible? In CCEFs Divorce Growing and Healing Gods Way, Winston T. Smith uses biblical principles to guide you through the unsettling changes you and your children are facing and gives you specific directions for facing each day. You will discover that God is with you, right in the middle of this painful situation. God delights in restoring what is broken. He will heal your wounds and grow you in new and surprising ways through this hard time. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less.Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Help! My Spouse Committed Adultery book cover
#5

Help! My Spouse Committed Adultery

First Steps for Dealing with Betrayal

1905

Your spouse was unfaithful. Those four words don't begin to do justice to the horror you are experiencing. Rage, fear, grief, and even numbness are all normal responses to the shock of betrayal. The pain of betrayal is like touching a hot stove. Your instinct is to move away fast. But marriage and family counselor Winston T. Smith urges you to not make any quick decisions about the future of your marriage, to instead go to God with your hurt and pain. In Help! My Spouse Committed Adultery, Smith offers practical, biblical advice on how to talk with your spouse about the adultery, how to set boundaries, and how to process your emotions in a godly way. All New Growth Press minibooks offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less. Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Burned Out? Trusting God with Your To-Do List book cover
#7

Burned Out? Trusting God with Your To-Do List

1905

"Originally published in 2006 as 'Rest'." Often, in our busy world, our lives feel like one long ""to-do"" list. It's easy to get so busy that we don't even notice how exhausted and anxious we are. Do you find yourself saying yes to activities you don't have time for? Have you ever said, ""If I don't do it, who will?"" An overloaded schedule and an inability to rest are signs of approaching ""burnout.""Instead of giving you organizational tips (and thus more to do!), Winston T. Smith helps you to look at what drives your busyness and points you to the rest and peace that comes from a deeper trust in God.
It's All about Me book cover
#8

It's All about Me

The Problem with Masturbation

1905

It's normal. """"Everyone does it."""" """"Nobody gets hurt."""" These are some commonly held beliefs about sexual fantasy and masturbation, but are they really true? Are sexual fantasies and masturbation harmless ways of dealing with sexual frustration? In Its All About The Problem with Masturbation, Marriage and family counselor Winston T. Smith uses his counseling experience and biblical knowledge to show how these seemingly """"harmless"""" pursuits negatively impact you and your ability to have healthy relationships with the people in your real life. Then he shares how you can build a new inner world founded on Christ's love, instead of your imaginary fantasies. As you do so, your life will grow richer in real relationships and your fantasy life will pale by comparison.All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less. Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Living with an Angry Spouse book cover
#12

Living with an Angry Spouse

Help for Vicims of Abuse

2008

You married someone you trusted, and now you are facing unpredictable anger or outright physical abuse. This is betrayal at its worst. Most likely you are numb, scared, confused, and paralyzed. How do you take a step when you are so afraid? In Living with an Angry Help for Victims of Abuse, Edward T. Welch shares how hope and change come from knowing the God who hears you and promises to deliver you. He has the power to fill you with his love—a love that is patient, kind, and says no to injustice. As you are guided by God's love, you will have the courage to take the practical steps outlined in this booklet. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less. Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Choices book cover
#13

Choices

Why Do I Do What I Do?

2012

Why did I do that? Behind every choice is a motive–like pleasure, comfort, or control. Motives can be hard to identify and even harder to change. Edward T. Welch shows all who are perplexed by their own choices that God’s word alone can transform our motives and move us toward the lasting change we desire. Pointing us to the Bible for practical help, Welch suggests three manageable steps toward change. As we grow in our understanding of God, he explains, we will discover that we are already on the path to making new choices that honor God and bless others. Edward T. Welch, MDiv, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for thirty years and has written many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest; When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety; and What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? He and his wife Sheri have two married daughters, and four grandchildren.
Freedom from Addiction book cover
#15

Freedom from Addiction

Turning from Your Compulsive Behavior

2012

You’ve tried to stop more times than you can count. Now you’ve given up. Can someone who can’t “just say no” really change? There is hope—if you are willing to look deeper than your addictive behavior. Edward T. Welch helps you face what fuels your addiction and takes you straight to the heart of what your addiction reveals about you and your relationship with God. You will discover your true motives and discover that true change is possible—one small step at a time.
Starting Over book cover
#22

Starting Over

How Not to Screw Up Your Next Relationship

2009

Your last relationship didn't work out. You got hurt, and maybe you also hurt someone else. Now what? Perhaps you are thinking about starting over with someone new, but you're nervous and wondering if you are really ready for another relationship. In CCEFs Starting How Not to Screw Up Your Next Relationship, William P. Smith tackles head-on the issues you need to face as you think about starting a new past hurts, learning to trust someone new, and understanding your own failings and mistakes. You will be reassured that God is at work in your life, and that growing in your trust and love for him will free you to love well those he puts in your life. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less. Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Living in a Dangerous World book cover
#24

Living in a Dangerous World

Moving from Fear to Faith

1905

Everyone is afraid of something. Fear is part of the human experience of living in a broken, fallen world. We try to manage our fears, but our coping mechanisms impact our faith. We hoard resources and stop praying for provision. We stockpile information and forget to seek godly wisdom. Yet we continue to live anxious lives. William P. Smith explains that our faith should, instead, change our strategies for dealing with fear. He offers practical guidance on how to exchange fear for faith by learning to find security in our relationship with an all-sufficient, unchanging God.
Obsessed with Your Phone? book cover
#26

Obsessed with Your Phone?

Disconnecting to Connect

2018

Do you own your smartphone, or does it own you? How quickly do you pick it up in the morning? Do you check it multiple times an hour to make sure you know what's going on in the world? Do you find yourself turning to it first when you're sad, angry, or upset? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're not alone. Why do our phones consume us? William P. Smith examines the why behind smartphone obsession and uncovers its connection to our desires for significance, belonging, security, and entertainment. The solution is not "more self control" but to experience the true soul satisfaction that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only then can you learn to use the phone in your hands with moderation, and as a way to redemptively connect with the people in your life.
Faith and Doubt book cover
#28

Faith and Doubt

When Belief Is Hard

2015

You made a commitment to Jesus (or maybe you didn't), but now you are questioning everything. Is there a God? Are you really forgiven and accepted for Jesus' sake? It sounds too good to be true. And if the Bible really is true and Jesus really did rise from the dead, how come you don't feel any different? Steve Brown, a preacher, pastor, and radio broadcaster, has experienced all of the same kinds of doubts and questions. He gently uncovers for you some reasons we doubt and how to step into the rest of faith. All Christians experience doubt, admitting your questions and turning to God will renew your hope and faith.
Life Beyond Your Parents' Mistakes book cover
#38

Life Beyond Your Parents' Mistakes

The Transforming Power of God's Love

2010

What if your human parents were violent, deceptive, cold, or even just occasionally disappointing? Can their failures keep you from understanding God's love and having a growing relationship with your heavenly Father? Some say that you can't know God's love unless someone will stand in your parents' place, giving you a loving new image to use in relating to God. But is this true?In CCEFs Life Beyond Your Parents' The Transforming Power of God's Love, David Powlison speaks compassionately to those who are disappointed by their human parents, and he uses God's Word to show that our parents' mistakes cannot stop us from knowing God and his unfailing love. Using case studies from his extensive counseling experience, Dr. Powlison explains how turning to God for mercy and help will transform your life and your relationships.All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less.Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Facing Death with Hope book cover
#42

Facing Death with Hope

Living for What Lasts

2009

FACING DEATH WITH HOPE- Is a life-threatening illness, a major life change, or just plain old age forcing you to face your own mortality? Prob­ably, like most of us, you’d rather not think or talk about your own death. But ignoring your death won’t stop it from happening—the mortality rate is still 100%! David Powlison explains why you don’t have to take this journey alone. Jesus faced death for you, and he prom­ises to be with you as you pass through the valley of the shadow of death. This booklet is written to help you face death honestly and know Jesus intimately. Take a moment to read through it. It’s a matter of life or death.
Grieving a Suicide book cover
#43

Grieving a Suicide

Help for the Aftershock

1905

Someone you know and love has died. You feel the emptiness and sorrow of loss. That alone is extremely hard. But suicide adds many other painful reactions to the heartache that death brings. Common reactions are feelings of anger, guilt, betrayal, and many, many unanswerable questions.This is one of life's broken, dark experiences in which you need help and encouragement to remember that the promises and presence of your God and Savior are real. CCEFs David Powlison speaks into this darkness with Grieving a Help for the Aftershock. Powlison points you toward God who will be with you, uphold you, and help you live by faith through this tragedy. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less.Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Stressed Out book cover
#45

Stressed Out

Becoming Peaceful on the Inside

2012

Have you traded in your peace for a life full of stress, worry, and anxiety? David Powlison points all who are stressed out to Psalm 131, a quiet little psalm with revolutionary potential. The psalmist’s composure in the midst of his difficult circumstances is learned, Powlison explains, which means that you can learn it too.Powlison teaches us to abandon our restless, fretful, and irritable ways by believing the promises of God. Helping us personalize Psalm 131 to our own stressful situations, Powlison equips those who are anxious to find true and lasting peace by hoping in Christ. David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, is a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) with over thirty years of experience. He has written several books, including The Biblical Counseling History and Context; Seeing with New Eyes; and Speaking Truth in Love; numerous minibooks, including Breaking the Addictive Cycle; Facing Death with Hope; Grieving a Suicide; Healing after Abortion; I’m What to Do When You’re Always Tired; I Just Want to Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope; Life Beyond Your Parents’ Mistakes; Recovering from Child Abuse; Renewing Marital Intimacy; Sexual Freedom from Compulsive Behavior; and Sexual Healing Steps for Victims.
When Cancer Interrupts book cover
#46

When Cancer Interrupts

2015

From CCEF. Your cancer diagnosis comes as a surprise and not a pleasant surprise. It is a hard and threatening jolt. Perhaps you are still in shock. Still trying to wrap your mind around the new reality of your diagnosis and what it means for your present and future. Is it possible to walk by faith on this difficult journey? David Powlison, speaking both as a counselor and as someone who has been diagnosed with cancer four times, describes the uncertainty, the physical pain, and the emotional and spiritual struggles that come with a cancer diagnosis. There are no easy answers or quick fixes when you have cancer. But the presence and purposes of Christ make a decisive difference. He is the one who knows you, loves you, and promises to be with you as you walk through a valley of the shadow of death.
Innocence Lost book cover
#47

Innocence Lost

Rebuilding after Victimization

2012

Every victim has a voice with which to cry out against God or cry out to him. David Powlison encourages all who have been victimized to find their voice in Scripture, guiding them through Psalm 10’s process of crying out, expressing pain, and confessing faith. The psalmist’s honest requests and thoughtful analysis become a springboard to knowing God in the midst of personal pain. Powlison’s framework teaches those who have been victimized to think clearly and use their voices to cry out to God, positioning them to experience the restoration that comes through walking by faith. David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, is a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) with over thirty years of experience. He has written several books, including The Biblical Counseling History and Context; Seeing with New Eyes; and Speaking Truth in Love; numerous minibooks, including Breaking the Addictive Cycle; Facing Death with Hope; Grieving a Suicide; Healing after Abortion; I’m What to Do When You’re Always Tired; I Just Want to Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope; Life Beyond Your Parents’ Mistakes; Recovering from Child Abuse; Renewing Marital Intimacy; Sexual Freedom from Compulsive Behavior; and Sexual Healing Steps for Victims.
Coming Clean book cover
#48

Coming Clean

Breaking Pornography’s Hold on You

2012

Is it really possible to come clean once pornography has gained control of your life? David Powlison invites you to learn from a man called Bob, who experienced Christ’s deliverance from pornography after more than 25 years. In this interview, Bob explains how God helped him to recognize his sin and repent from it, enabling him to now consistently experience the joy of choosing purity. Walking through his journey and practical steps toward freedom—including repentance, prayer, counsel, and accountability—Bob’s story provides a face of hope for all who are fighting to come clean. David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, is a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) with over thirty years of experience. He has written several books, including The Biblical Counseling History and Context; Seeing with New Eyes; and Speaking Truth in Love; numerous minibooks, including Breaking the Addictive Cycle; Facing Death with Hope; Grieving a Suicide; Healing after Abortion; I’m What to Do When You’re Always Tired; I Just Want to Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope; Life Beyond Your Parents’ Mistakes; Recovering from Child Abuse; Renewing Marital Intimacy; Sexual Freedom from Compulsive Behavior; and Sexual Healing Steps for Victims.
When You Are Worried book cover
#49

When You Are Worried

Finding Reasons for Peace

2012

Money, health, relationships. We have plenty of reasons to worry, right? In this minibook, David Powlison explains that, although circumstances bring difficult challenges, worry comes from our hearts. So to help our worried hearts, he highlights seven peace-giving promises Jesus makes to his people in the gospel. As we explore what Christ has already secured for us, we will see that we have much better reasons not to worry—no matter what our circumstances. Worriers, and all who struggle with anxiety, can turn from life’s uncertainties toward a gospel hope that is sure. David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, is a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) with over thirty years of experience. He has written several books, including The Biblical Counseling History and Context; Seeing with New Eyes; and Speaking Truth in Love; numerous minibooks, including Breaking the Addictive Cycle; Facing Death with Hope; Grieving a Suicide; Healing after Abortion; I’m What to Do When You’re Always Tired; I Just Want to Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope; Life Beyond Your Parents’ Mistakes; Recovering from Child Abuse; Renewing Marital Intimacy; Sexual Freedom from Compulsive Behavior; and Sexual Healing Steps for Victims.
Real Love book cover
#50

Real Love

Better Than Unconditional?

2012

God’s love is unconditional, right? Actually, God cares too much about us to be unconditional in his love for us. David Powlison explains that God’s love is both different from and better than unconditional love, with an agenda to radically change all who receive it. Because what we believe about his love impacts the way we receive and share it, Powlison paints a biblical picture of God’s transforming love. He shows how growing in our practical understanding of real love empowers us to turn our eyes away from lesser things and transforms the way we love God and other people. David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, is a faculty member and counselor at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) with over thirty years of experience. He has written several books, including The Biblical Counseling History and Context; Seeing with New Eyes; and Speaking Truth in Love; numerous minibooks, including Breaking the Addictive Cycle; Facing Death with Hope; Grieving a Suicide; Healing after Abortion; I’m What to Do When You’re Always Tired; I Just Want to Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope; Life Beyond Your Parents’ Mistakes; Recovering from Child Abuse; Renewing Marital Intimacy; Sexual Freedom from Compulsive Behavior; and Sexual Healing Steps for Victims.
Peer Pressure book cover
#52

Peer Pressure

Recognizing the Warnining Signs and Giving New Direction

1905

Does your child do and say things just to be liked and accepted? Constantly talk about what others think and say? Go from one relational drama to the next? These are all warning signs that your child is feeling the weight of peer pressure. In CCEFs Peer Recognizing the Warning Signs and Giving New Direction, Paul David Tripp explains the fears that underlie your teenager's struggle with peer pressure, and then he offers specific things to do and not do that will encourage your child to live for God's approval, instead of the acceptance of friends. New Growth Press minibooks in our offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less. Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Social Anxiety book cover
#54

Social Anxiety

Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin

1905

"I'm just shy." You've worn the label for so long that it has become your identity. A counselor recently described it as social anxiety, but the new label does nothing to ease the pain. You wish you could feel "comfortable in your own skin" but instead, in social situations, you feel anxious and out of place. Where can you go for help? Amy Baker explains that confidence in God, not self-confidence, is the answer to the problem of social anxiety. Trusting in God breaks the paralyzing grip of fear, freeing formerly "shy" people to enter fully into relationship with God and others.
Infertility book cover
#56

Infertility

Comfort for Your Empty Arms and Heavy Heart

1905

The progression should have been natural. You got married, and children were supposed to follow in due time. But every month that ends in a period rather than a pregnancy has you feeling more and more depressed. Perhaps you even find yourself avoiding people and places with children because it is just too painful.Amy Baker and Daniel Wickert help you see Gods presence and provision for you in the midst of your pain. With compassion and understanding, they walk through some of the struggles and pitfalls of dealing with infertility and offer practical help for leaning on Christ, connecting with your spouse, and engaging with others.
Sex Before Marriage book cover
#69

Sex Before Marriage

How Far is Too Far?

1905

"If we're in love, what's wrong with having sex before marriage? And even if we're not, isn't everyone else doing it? Why should we be the only ones who wait?" Have you ever thought or said things like this? If your answer is yes, you have a lot of company. Most people in our world agree with you that, at least in some circumstances, premarital sex is okay. But do you know what God says about this issue? Timothy S. Lane clearly explains God's perspective on your sexuality and how it should be expressed. Many people think God says in the Bible that sex is inherently bad and sinful, but nothing could be further from the truth. God is not a killjoy; his guidelines for your sexuality are for your help and protection. This booklet's forthright and honest look at sexuality, including a discussion of "How far is too far?" will be an invaluable resource for young adults and those who minister to them.
Family Feuds book cover
#71

Family Feuds

How to Respond

1905

Do you dread family get-togethers and try to avoid your extended family whenever you can? When you see your family, do you sometimes regret the way you talk and act? Why is it so hard to get along with the people we grew up with?Childhood hurts, unrealistic expectations, and old patterns resurfacing are just some of the reasons that Timothy S. Lane shares for unresolved family feuds in CCEFs Family How to Respond. But despite these challenges, you can learn to love your family. Change happens as you look honestly at your family and yourself, grow in understanding God's love and mercy for you, and reach out with love in concrete, practical ways. All the minibooks in our Christian bookstore offer gospel-centered hope for everyday issues like parenting, marriage, and personal change. These easy-to-read discipleship and biblical counseling resources tackle lifes toughest issues in 30 minutes or less.Minibooks are frequently used by pastors and ministry leaders to help others apply biblical wisdom to specific life issues. Churches, biblical counseling ministries, and missional organizations make the minibooks available in their acrylic display cases to further discipleship and gospel-centered living.
Dealing with Rejection book cover
#74

Dealing with Rejection

How to Respond to Deep Hurt

1905

You feel betrayed. Someone close to you has hurt you deeply. You want to move past the pain and your obsession with what happened, but how? The usual strategies—trying to get even, trying to forget—just aren't working for you. Perhaps it's time for a different approach. Jack Miller unpacks the different ways that people respond to betrayal and rejection and offers a new way to respond—forgiveness rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness doesn't mean "forgetting" or acting as if nothing happened, but it does mean being free from hurt and able to be like Jesus and return good for evil.

Authors

Timothy S. Lane
Author · 13 books

Timothy S. Lane, M. Div., D. Min. Born in Sylvania, Georgia, Tim enjoyed a good relationship with his parents in his formative years, but he did not become involved in church until his later teens. Just before his senior year in high school, Tim became aware of his sin and his need for Jesus. God used simple salvation sermons at a local church, as well as a group of friends, to bring him to Christ at the age of seventeen. In 1984, Tim graduated with a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Georgia. Before going to seminary in 1987, Tim served 3 years as a staff person at an evangelical ministry where he met Barbara, whom he later married in 1989. In 1991, Tim graduated from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. In 1991, Tim and Barbara also moved to South Carolina where Tim served as assistant pastor and then pastor at Clemson Presbyterian Church until 2001. It was during these 10 years that Tim truly began to understand and apply the gospel to his life and ministry. He learned that the blessings and difficulties of marriage, family and ministry were just the things God used to draw him into a deeper relationship with Him. He also learned how to apply God’s truth to everyday life and ministry, pointing others to Christ and his gospel of grace. Tim, Barbara and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 2001 where they both serve at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. Tim is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF and a lecturer in practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. He is also a speaker, the author of CONFLICT and the co-author of HOW PEOPLE CHANGE and RELATIONSHIPS: A Mess Worth Making.

Paul David Tripp
Paul David Tripp
Author · 41 books

Paul was born in Toledo, Ohio to Bob and Fae Tripp on November 12, 1950. Paul spent all of his growing years in Toledo until his college years when his parents moved to Southern California. At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1] Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries. Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.

Edward T. Welch
Edward T. Welch
Author · 36 books
Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for thirty years and is the best-selling author of many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
David A. Powlison
David A. Powlison
Author · 40 books
David Powlison, MDiv, PhD, (1949–2019) was a teacher, counselor, and the executive director of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He wrote many books and minibooks, including Speaking Truth in Love, Seeing with New Eyes, Good and Angry, Making All Things New, God's Grace in Your Suffering, Safe and Sound, and Take Heart. David was also the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling.
William P. Smith
Author · 12 books
William P. Smith, M.Div., PhD., is the director of counselling at Chelten Baptist Church, Dresher, PA., adjunct faculty at CCEF, and the author of many counselling articles and the book Caught off Guard: Encounters With the Unexpected God.
Amy Baker
Author · 8 books

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. Amy Baker, PhD, is the Ministry Resource Director at Faith Church (Lafayette, IN) and an instructor and counselor at Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries. On the board of directors for Vision of Hope and a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, Amy is the author of Getting to the Heart of Friendships and several counseling minibooks. She and her husband Jeff have two children.

Steve Brown
Steve Brown
Author · 9 books

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life. With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a "guru," doesn't want to be anyone's mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications. Steve serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker. Steve is the author of numerous books including A Scandalous Freedom, What Was I Thinking? and Approaching God. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman.

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