192: Leading with Presence: Alison Cook on Healing, Boundaries, and the Church
In this powerful episode of the Care Ministry Podcast, Laura Howe sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Alison Cook to explore the role of inner healing in ministry leadership. They discuss how unaddressed pain can hinder our ability to lead well, the difference between spiritual bypassing and true transformation, and how inner healing enhances rather than diminishes spiritual maturity. With practical insights and a trauma-informed lens, this conversation invites ministry leaders to embrace both soul care and Christ-centered growth as vital components of sustainable caregiving.
Quotes
- "You can't lead others where you haven't gone yourself." — Dr. Alison Cook
- "Inner healing isn’t about navel-gazing; it’s about removing the barriers that keep you from loving others well." — Dr. Alison Cook
- "When spiritual growth bypasses emotional health, we risk hurting the very people we’re trying to help." — Dr. Alison Cook
- "Care ministry leaders often operate from a place of depletion—healing is not a luxury, it’s a necessity." — Laura Howe
- "The Holy Spirit does some of his best work when we slow down enough to listen to what's going on inside." — Dr. Alison Cook
Resources
- Alison Cook website
- The Best of You podcast
- Boundaries for Your Soul
- The Best of You
- I Shouldn’t Feel This Way
- The Attuned Listener course
Connect with Hope Made Strong
Website: HopeMadeStrong.org
Socials: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – YouTube
