In this episode of This vs. That, we talk to Brad Hambrick about the important topic of manipulation versus influence. Brad serves as Pastor of Counseling at the Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. He also serves as assistant professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He's a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and has authored several books, including his most recent book, Angry with God: An Honest Journey Through Suffering and Betrayal.

Brad emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own tendencies towards manipulation and control, even in our closest relationships, and to instead focus on healthy influence that leads to the flourishing of others.

The conversation also touches on the challenge of navigating media and the importance of being an intelligent consumer, as well as the responsibility of ministry leaders to evaluate their own leadership and avoid crossing the line into manipulation and abuse. By recognizing the importance of healthy influence and the dangers of manipulation, we can cultivate relationships and leadership that contribute to the flourishing of ourselves and others.

We think you will really benefit from and enjoy this conversation.

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Books mentioned:

Angry with God: An Honest Journey Through Suffering and Betrayal⁠ - Brad Hambrick

Making Sense of Forgiveness - Brad Hambrick

Is It Abuse? - Darby Strickland

Proverbs - Charles Bridges

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This episode of This vs. That is sponsored by:

⁠⁠The Missions Course⁠⁠ – We believe God has an important role for you – and The Church – to play in The Great Commission. Don’t know what The Great Commission is? That’s alright! The Missions Course is a 6-week, online study that reveals God’s heart for the nations and invites you to play your part in it. We’ve designed this course to tuck nicely in-between classes, while you’re making dinner, or on your daily commute.  Missions isn’t just for them, it’s for you too! Use the code ANCHOREDHOPE to take $10 off your registration. Visit ⁠⁠TheMissionsCourse.com⁠⁠ to learn more and register today.

⁠P&R Publishing⁠ – Edward Welch’s groundbreaking book ⁠When People Are Big and God Is Small⁠ has sold more than a quarter million copies since it was first released and has helped countless people in their struggles with codependency, peer pressure, and fear of man. This spring, P&R Publishing is pleased to announce the release of a comprehensively revised new edition. Learn how to need people less and love people more in this important update to a classic work of biblical counseling. Available wherever books are sold.

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This vs. That is a podcast of Anchored Hope. Anchored Hope provides practical help to those hurting by anchoring their hope in Jesus and helping others gain a better understanding of his promises. We offer reputable, biblical counsel to those suffering or experiencing difficult seasons. Our counselors are highly trained and bring a vast experience in addressing the various issues of life.

To meet with a counselor, visit anchoredhope.co and schedule an appointment today.