Program Overview - RelateStrong | Leadership Series

Empowering church leaders with tools, data, and scripture to excel at the most difficult conversations within their communities.

The RelateStrong | Leadership Series features a Summit event and supporting content designed to help church leaders discuss the growing, and often difficult topics of addiction, parenting, marriage, pornography, sexual intimacy, singleness, and depression, and anxiety. Join us for an intimate two-day summit moderated by our eBook authors that also creates ample time for group discussion amongst other church leaders. Drawing on theology, psychology, and Restoration Therapy's Pain & Peace Cycle approach, the Summit at Pepperdine University and free eBook is also supported with a weekly inspirational email, regular blog posts, and a video compilation helping people understand the Pain & Peace Cycle.

Why These Topics?

Pornography

The myth that "church members are less likely to have a problem with porn" tends to keep the subject out of church circles. Creating a culture of hope where safety and transparency are available can help turn this "taboo topic" into a launchpad to healing.

Physical Intimacy

One of the most common associations with the term "intimacy" is sex. But sexual relating is just one aspect of physical intimacy and physical relating. In grasping this distinction, we move to forge more profound, fulfilling relationships.

Singleness

Today, nearly 50% of all adults in the US are single. Of all the places people frequent during the week, church is the place people most often go to with their families. Hence, singles can feel uncomfortably visible at church.

Connecting with Adolescents

Learning to regulate emotions is an important life skill that must be developed. Like a muscle, the more you work at it over time, the stronger, more capable you get. The good news is, there are several skills to help you teach your children how to cope with emotion.

Addiction

In 2013, an estimated 22.7 million Americans (8.6%) needed treatment for a problem related to drugs or alcohol. Of that 22.7 million, only about 2.5 million people — less than 1% — received treatment at a specialty facility. Like most other issues, the church is not immune to addiction, but can help those struggling.

Marriage

Although individuality is highly esteemed in our society, it can lead to conflict when two join together. When couples get into a conflict, they tend to move toward competition with one another. Individuality becomes toxic when it becomes more important than the relational "us."

Depression & Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are both on the rise, and they are the two leading mental health issues affecting the American population. But even as their prevalence increases, there remains consequential stereotypes around anxiety and depression — especially within faith communities.