“I thought freedom was I would never have a panic attack - I would never be anxious. But through a lot of study, prayer, and counseling, I discovered freedom wasn’t the absence of those things, it was connecting to a power greater than myself in the middle of those things.”
Diagnosed with an anxiety panic disorder over 30 years ago (in a time when no one ever heard of it or spoke of it), Pastor Toby Slough recounts how he began a journey of discovering what true freedom is and how important it is for parents to find their freedom and disciple their kids.
As he started the leadership transition of Cross Timbers Church, Toby felt called to step into a new season of ministering to families and raising awareness for mental health wellness. His dream is to change the conversation and help the Church step up to the plate with the answers.
“Jesus offers something better if we can learn how to stop being so prescriptive and start being more validating about these issues.”
Goby Ministries was launched to change the awareness, perception, and wellness for those dealing with mental health challenges by empowering a global audience through Jesus led mental health resources, coaching, and community. The ministry seeks to give people practical tools to help disciple their kids with the right language.
Dino and Toby unpack many angles about church leadership and mental health. Their conversation includes:
Planting a church in a place that doesn’t make sense, but you know God is in it
Letting go and grieving during seasons of transition
The importance of regular communication during leadership transitions
Connecting families to God’s power so that parents can help their children through mental health struggles
Fighting what you feel with what you know
“We try to help families connect God’s power to the very real issues kids are dealing with. As parents, the best thing you can give your kids is a healthy you.”
Toby is passionate about seeing families find freedom and children learning how to have confidence, courage, and compassion. You will be encouraged as a parent, pastor, and leader by joining this conversation.
____________
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a cooperative of independent churches from different denominations, networks, and backgrounds who strategically resource church planters and pastors to help them reach people with the message of Jesus.
Since 2000, ARC has helped to plant more than 1,070 churches worldwide. If you have a dream in your heart to start a life-giving church and reach your city with the message of Jesus, ARC is here to come alongside you in the journey. Attending ARC Launch, a church planter training event, is the first step in planting a church with ARC. You will hear from ARC pastors, coaches, and staff as they share the nuts and bolts of church planting. Discover more and register for ARC Launch at https://www.arcchurches.com/launch/.
Don’t Do Ministry Alone - We need relationships to thrive. You need other people in your corner, who have gone through similar things that you’ve gone through, and believe in your dream. ARC provides opportunities for you to build relationships with others in ministry that will support and strengthen you in what God has called you to do. Learn more at https://www.arcchurches.com/connect/.
