Explore a topic
These are examples of topics I’ve spoken on, not a complete list. If your church has another need in mind, tell me about it.
My hope is that each gathering would help people know Christ more deeply, rest in his care, and grow in love for one another. You’re welcome to choose a topic that fits your church or simply tell me about your people and what you hope would encourage them.
Most messages work well in 40–60 minutes. We can also make room for questions, conversation, or a longer workshop. The topics below can be shaped for your audience and brought together into a retreat or training day.
Marriage & Family
For married and engaged couples, parents, and those who walk alongside families. Together, we’ll consider how Christ’s patient love shapes life at home.
Planning a marriage gathering? We could bring together Christ’s love, communication, and conflict for a retreat, or choose two messages with time for conversation and practice. Teaching on abuse is best planned together with attention to the audience and the care available.
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James 4; Psalm 145
The Heart of Anger in Marriage
What happens in our hearts when our desires collide? Explore how God’s steadfast love helps us understand our anger, turn toward him, and respond to our spouse with patience and grace.
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James 3–4
Understanding Conflict in Marriage
Disagreements can become opportunities to grow in humility and love. Consider how the gospel helps us listen honestly, take responsibility for our own hearts, and pursue peace together.
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1 John 4
Building a Marriage on the Foundation of Christ’s Love
We learn to love as we receive the love God has shown us in Christ. Reflect on how his faithful love becomes the foundation for forgiveness, trust, and growing unity in marriage.
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Ephesians 4:29
Growing Grace-Filled Communication in Marriage
Our words can bring comfort, courage, and grace. Learn to listen with care and speak in ways that build up your spouse, especially when conversations are difficult.
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Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:21–33
Biblical Marriage Roles that Magnify Christ
Explore God’s good design for marriage through the beauty of Christ’s love. Consider how husbands and wives can honor him while thoughtfully examining cultural expectations, including those common in Asian American families.
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1 Thessalonians 5:14
Building a Culture of Care in the Home
Learn to notice what your spouse needs: a gentle word of correction, encouragement for a weary heart, or practical help. Discover how patient, everyday care can reflect the kindness of Christ.
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Psalm 103
The Care of Christ at Home
Parenting invites us to keep returning to the compassion of our heavenly Father. Consider how receiving his care shapes the way we guide, correct, comfort, and enjoy our children.
Friendship, Conflict & Christlike Love
For church families, small groups, students, and ministry teams who want to grow in loving one another.
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Matthew 5:38–42
Generous Mercy
When we are hurt, the desire to get even can feel strong. Listen to Jesus’ invitation to a different way, one shaped by his generous mercy and a heart learning to entrust itself to God.
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Philippians 4:1–5
Agree in the Lord
Even people who love Jesus can find themselves at odds. Consider how our shared life in Christ helps us approach strained relationships with humility, gentleness, and a renewed desire for peace.
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Selected Scriptures
Friendship and the Love of God
Friendship is a gift through which we can share the care of Christ. Explore how God’s love helps us move toward others, deepen our relationships, and become faithful friends.
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2 Samuel 9
Kindness
God’s kindness welcomes those who have little to offer in return. Through David’s care for Mephibosheth, consider how grace opens our eyes to others and moves us toward them in love.
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James 3:13–18
Growing in Wisdom Together
God’s wisdom is gentle, teachable, and full of mercy. Discover how this wisdom shapes our friendships and helps us become people who sow peace in the lives of others.
Life Together & a Culture of Care
For whole churches, small groups, volunteers, pastors, and ministry leaders. These topics connect the care of Christ with the ordinary life of his people.
These messages can become a 60–90 minute workshop or a half-day training with discussion and practical next steps for your church.
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Topical teaching
Building a Culture of Care in Your Church
What might it look like for the care of Christ to become part of the whole church’s life? Explore how preaching, friendships, leadership, and counseling can work together to help people feel known, supported, and equipped to care.
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1 Thessalonians 5:14
Caring for One Another
We all need care, but we do not always need the same kind. Learn to encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, gently address sin, and show patience as we walk together.
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1 John 4:7–12
Loving Our Church Family
God has welcomed us into a family through his Son. Consider how his love gives meaning to church membership and takes shape in the small, faithful ways we notice, welcome, and serve one another.
Church Hurt & Compassionate Care
For churches and those who care for hurting people, including pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders. We’ll seek the gentleness, truth, and wisdom of our Good Shepherd.
These topics work well as 60–90 minute teaching sessions with questions, or as a longer training shaped around your ministry’s needs.
These grow out of my book After Church Hurt (New Growth Press).
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Topical teaching
Caring for Church Hurt
When hurt comes through the church, trusting others again can be difficult. Consider how Jesus meets wounded people with compassion and how we can walk patiently with those seeking care, hope, and community.
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Topical teaching
Caring for the Abused
Christ sees suffering that others may overlook. Learn to listen well, recognize patterns of harm, and offer care that takes both protection and the person’s ongoing needs seriously.
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Topical teaching
Scripture for the Brokenhearted
God’s Word reveals the heart of a compassionate Savior. Explore how to share Scripture with patience and understanding, especially with people who have experienced it being used to shame, pressure, or control them.
Suffering, Fear & Lasting Hope
For church families, retreats, and anyone learning to walk with God through uncertainty or sorrow.
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Psalm 121
Kept by God
Our help comes from the Lord, who never grows weary of watching over his people. Rest in his attentive care and consider what it means to trust him with the people and concerns we hold dear.
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1 Peter 1:3–5
Living Hope
Because Jesus is risen, our hope reaches beyond what we can see today. Reflect on the inheritance God keeps for his children and the strength his promises give us in suffering.
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Psalm 13
Hope When God Feels Far Away
God welcomes honest prayers from weary hearts. Walk through a psalm of lament and discover how we can bring our sorrow to him while holding on to his steadfast love.
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Romans 8:31–39
Gospel Care for Fear and Anxiety
Our fears do not place us beyond the love of Christ. Consider how God’s promises meet us in uncertainty and help us take the next step with prayer, trust, and the support of his people.
Our Hearts, Emotions & Identity in Christ
For churches, students, small groups, and those who counsel or disciple others. These topics help us bring our inner lives honestly before the Lord.
Counseling and ministry training can be offered in 60–90 minute sessions, with time to discuss how these truths shape real conversations.
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Topical teaching
Gospel-Centered Strategies for Counseling Shame
Shame can leave people feeling exposed, unwanted, or defined by their failures. Explore how the cleansing, welcome, and love of Christ help us care tenderly for those carrying these burdens.
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Topical teaching
Emotionally Faithful Care
Our emotions invite careful listening and compassionate care. Learn to understand what someone is experiencing and help them bring their heart to Christ without trying to hurry or control the process.
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Romans 8:12–17
The Self-Made Identity vs. the Spirit-Formed Identity
We can spend so much energy trying to prove ourselves. Discover the freedom of belonging to the Father through Christ and learning to live as his beloved children by the Spirit.
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Galatians 2:11–16
Fleeing Fear of Man
The longing for approval can quietly shape our choices and relationships. Consider how the gospel frees us to love people without making their acceptance the foundation of our lives.
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Romans 1:18–25
Idolatry: Understanding the Battle for Our Hearts and Minds
Our hearts often seek refuge in good things that cannot carry the weight of our hopes. Learn to recognize these misplaced trusts and turn again toward the goodness of our Creator.
Growing in Christ: Scripture, Prayer & Faithfulness
For churches, discipleship groups, students, and young adults seeking to follow Jesus in everyday life.
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John 15:7–8
Setting Our Minds on Christ Through Scripture and Prayer
Jesus invites us to abide in him. Explore how his Word and prayer deepen our dependence on him and bear fruit in the way we think, love, and live.
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John 15:1–8
The Gospel and Spiritual Disciplines
Time in God’s Word and prayer is an invitation to draw near to Christ. Consider how everyday spiritual habits can grow from his grace and nourish a life of joyful dependence.
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Topical teaching
Stewarding Your Sexuality for Christ
Jesus cares for every part of our lives, including our bodies, desires, and relationships. Explore how his grace helps us bring struggles into the light and grow in purity, honor, and love.
Let’s talk about your church
You don’t need to have every detail worked out. Tell me a little about your church, the people you hope to serve, and any theme you have in mind. I’d be glad to consider with you which topics, or combination of messages, might be a good fit.