Mental health, psychology, and faith: A conversation with Chris Legg, LPC

Chris Legg, LPC, joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss how psychology and faith integrate, how Legg works as a therapist and pastor, a biblical understanding of mental disorders, Jesus’ flawed but sinless life, and the need for a healthy community.    Show notes:    Chris Legg talks about his family and career, how he became a licensed counselor, owner of a counseling practice, and head pastor of South Spring Church (2:14). Dr. Turmans asks for the definition of mental illness, which brings their discussion to a biblical understanding of disorders (8:00). Legg talks about how therapy and Christianity integrate in a holistic way, and explores how everyone is broken in one way or another  (15:27). They consider how God’s will is not for us to be perfectly healthy in this life, and how we can pray for disorders to be healed (37:37). They talk about Jesus being perfect but not flawless as a sinless human and the need for a community to battle isolation (45:54). Legg closes by encouraging anyone struggling to seek help, that counselors, pastors, friends, family, and the Lord want to walk alongside you in dark times (56:34).   Resources and further reading:   Alethia Counseling       South Spring Baptist Church   Chrismlegg.com “3 reasons why churches fail at mental health,” Chris Legg    “Struggling with mental illness? Consider these 7 ideas,” Chris Legg    About the host    Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.   About the guest    Chris Legg received his Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling and Christian Teaching from Southwestern University and is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). He is the founder and owner of Alethia Counseling Center (which offers counseling, speaking, and business consulting) and is the head pastor at South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. He is passionate about helping others find freedom in Christ and training disciples to make disciples, equipping them to live life to the fullest. Legg speaks on various subjects to schools, camps, and conferences, but he is particularly expert in unpacking marriage, sex, and healthy relationships. He previously worked as the chaplain for Pine Cove Christian camps, establishing the Christian leadership program The Forge. He publishes a wide range of articles in his casual blog on Chrismlegg.com. He has been joyfully married to his wife, Ginger, for over twenty-five years and has five children, two of whom are adopted. He cherishes his family and prioritizes his role as husband and father, which are second only to his allegiance to Christ.