Starting September 13, I will be teaching a class at Trinity Baptist Church called "The Struggling Christian." This post is designed not only to summarize the class but, more importantly, to help brothers and sisters in Christ.
"The Struggling Christian" is not a class title that will draw a crowd. American Christian culture does not encourage admitting struggles in a group setting. A "God helps those who help themselves" mentality wrongly promotes self-reliance and gives the appearance that everything is going well. Gathering together for a class that reminds us, "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33), and that we have "a strong tower" that provides safety (Proverbs 18:10) might be difficult to do. As Pastor Brett communicates the vision the elders have been talking about, discipleship is more than a lecture; it requires the Word, presence, and time. Hopefully, this class time will be a time to struggle together well for God's glory.
This class and future posts will help those asking the following questions and more. You may be the one asking the question(s), or you may be trying to help someone else.
- Why do we struggle as believers? Maybe the better question is Why am I struggling?
- Are struggles and suffering the same thing?
- What do I do if I am struggling in my spiritual growth?
- How do I deal with people I am struggling with?
- I feel like I am alone in my struggle as a parent, as an adult child of aging children, or a person hurt by the church. How do I handle these struggles and isolation?
- Why is church often the last place people go to when they are struggling?
- How can I be a better helper to those who are struggling?
