INSIGHTS FOR COPING WITH DEPRESSION
Terry is often asked to speak on despondency and how he has coped with chronic depression. Terry is not a counselor, but he is open about his struggle with depression and how he has experienced God’s grace in the midst of it. His sermon “What I’ve Seen in the Dark” combines Bible teaching and testimony. He doesn’t share pat answers or even how to get rid of despondency for good; rather, he shares how the Lord sustains him when medical intervention doesn’t work.
His messages or workshops on depression address these questions, and more:
What has Terry learned during his bouts with depression? How has God redeemed his depression for Terry’s own good and for the Lord’s own glory?
How is recurring depression compatible with vibrant Christian faith?
What myths or misconceptions about depression and faith persist in the church?
What are the causes of chronic depression?
What are the most typical symptoms of a depressive episode? How is it different than the “blues” or temporary discouragement?
In some cases, why is medical intervention compatible with strong Christian faith?
What means of God’s grace has Terry utilized to keep going and to keep serving Him vocationally?
What are the best books and websites with a faith perspective on dealing with depression and other mental illnesses?
ENDORSEMENTS FOR DEPRESSION INSIGHTS
Dr. Powell understands depression, and he lives his Christian faith powerfully. He is a trusted speaker and author on a topic that Christian communities often gloss over. With humility and wisdom, Terry authentically wrestles with his own story of depression and offers Biblical hope for anyone struggling with where God is in dark days of pain or an ongoing hardship. As a licensed professional counselor for over a decade, I would highly recommend him as an inspiring speaker to encourage believers and provide practical applications in life’s afflictions.
Dr. Carrie Caudill, Professor of Psychology Newberry College, Newberry, S. C.
Dr. Powell and I were faculty colleagues for over 25 years at Columbia International University, where I taught Psychology. He has always been an effective teacher and church leader, but he has also been very open about experiencing recurrent bouts of depression. We have talked about his depression over the years and presented workshops together on the topic. We have stressed that any righteousness, strength, and power that may emerge from our lives comes from God, not ourselves. Our natural imperfection and weaknesses highlight God’s perfection and strength. This truth is clearly evident in the life and teaching of Terry Powell.
Dr. Steve Farra Currently Adjunct Professor at CIU
PULPIT SUPPLY
Terry is a licensed preacher for the Presbyterian Church in America, and has had the privilege of speaking in numerous conservative churches with a wide variety of cultural and denominational backgrounds. With seminary training in preaching and homiletics, Terry strives for accuracy, clarity, and applicability.
He is often available at the last minute so feel free to contact him if you find yourself in a bind.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR PULPIT SUPPLY
Concerning my longtime friend and mentor, Terry Powell: I have known Terry since the early 1980s, and served as an elder in the church we both attended. During those years, I sat under his teaching in classes at the church, and grew from many deep and well-prepared and presented sermons that he delivered from the pulpit.
For any church congregation in need of pulpit supply or other areas of teaching God’s Word, I strongly suggest you contact him. In this category of gifting, I would place him at the top.
William Fravel, M.D.
Dr. Powell not only has the wisdom it takes to know what makes for a good message, but he also has a true passion for it. He never assumes the audience’s attention, he earns it. His ability to filter the Word of God through his own personal experiences brings about a spirit of vulnerability and genuineness that is missing in today’s pulpit. Due to his willingness to be real and raw, the Spirit is released to bring about true conviction of the listeners in response. Terry knows God has given him a gift and instead of hiding it under a bush or a rock like some, he chooses to use it as a means to build up the church as commanded in Scripture.
Will Dillon, Church Ministries Graduate, Columbia International University Co-Pastor, DECIDED Church, Irmo, South Carolina
I first met Terry while serving as an elder in Surfside Presbyterian Church (PCA). Terry served as pulpit supply for our church in the 1990s when we were between pastors. He did an excellent job explaining the scriptures and in providing a sense of cohesiveness and unity to our church. I give my highest recommendation for Terry as a Bible teacher.
L. Sidney Connor, IV Attorney at Law
Terry Powell is one of the most powerful and effective communicators of God’s Word I have met during my thirty-five years in ministry. Through both his classroom teaching and preaching, the Lord has used him to transform my life. For example, when I heard him preach one Sunday on the necessity of brokenness in a Christian’s life, the Holy Spirit exposed my anger toward the Lord. I felt broken as a result of the Spirit’s conviction, but also drenched with the grace and forgiveness Christ gave me. I praise God for Terry and for his teaching.
Tim Hanley, Founder One Church Ablaze (Serving as a catalyst for prayer & revival in local churches)
WRITING COACH
Do you want to write a personal story? Do you have an idea for an article or a devotional, but want help crafting it?
Are you working on a book, but need someone to evaluate it and make concrete suggestions for improvement?
Terry has published books for Multnomah, David C. Cook, Victor, Standard, Leafwood, and others. He has authored scores of articles for periodicals such as Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, and Arizona.
He’ll combine written evaluative comments with a phone consultation so you’ll absorb insights to help your next project, not just the one you’re working on together.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR WRITING COACHING
Terry read every word of my 250-page manuscript. He affirmed strengths he saw in my writing, then offered suggestions on how to improve my book. He explained the writing principles involved so that I could learn as a writer. The next time I engage in a writing project, high on my to-do list will be, “Call Terry!”
Persh Parker, Montana
Terry’s insights enrich my work, and his style of edits are easy to follow. His encouragements have fueled me to move forward with my project. I consider Terry a timely gift from God.
Melody Bollinger, Texas
Terry Powell is a wordsmith, a seasoned writer, and he is well-acquainted with the publishing process from start to finish. He will use his plethora of experience to help you with any project, large or small, in any phase of your writing.
Shelly Esser, Editor Just Between Us magazine.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
EQUIPPING YOUR TEACHERS AND SMALL GROUP LEADERS
As a Church Ministries professor at Columbia International University for 38 years, Terry taught courses on leading effective Bible studies. He has also written a practical handbook for group leaders: Now That’s a Good Question! How to Lead Quality Bible Discussions.
Do your classroom teachers and small group leaders know how to plan and implement an interactive Bible study from scratch, or maximize the use of published curriculum?
Do they need training that will enhance their use of discussion, so participants can observe, interpret, and apply God’s Word?
Do you want your leaders to ask biblically and educationally sound questions that keep the locus of authority on God’s Word, not subjective human opinion?
Do you want them to know how to maximize learner engagement, even when lecture is necessary?
Do you want them to know how to prevent or to handle problems such as monopolizers, tangents, and a pooling of ignorance? How to handle difficult or controversial Bible verses that crop up in a study?
Then invite Terry to your church or agency for practical, hands-on training sessions. He will custom-design the meeting in light of your felt needs with workshops lasting for one evening, a half-day, or longer.
Terry has trained teachers and small group leaders in over 25 states in the U.S. as well as leading training teachers through seminars or courses in Canada, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Ukraine, India, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Namibia, Kenya, Grenada, and France.
Contact him to learn how he can team with you to encourage and to equip the Bible study leaders in your church, mission agency, or parachurch organization.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR LEADERSHIP TRAINING
As a Bible teacher for more than 40 years, I have benefitted from the workshops which Terry offers. God has gifted him as a captivating and inspiring communicator. He knows the Scriptures and is skilled in equipping others in methods of both teaching and guiding group discussion. He is honest and practical in his approach. I am a better teacher and servant because of Terry’s influence in my life.
Delaine Blackwell Teaching Director for Community Bible Study in Columbia, SC Speaker for Women’s Conferences, USA & Abroad
Having Terry Powell train your people would be one of the best investments you could possibly make as a church. I know firsthand; first as a student, and now as a pastor. Everything I do is a direct reflection of the training I received under him and now alongside of him. You can forget theory that fails to transfer into practice. His training sticks! It is extremely practical for both the experienced teacher, as well as the ‘new kid’ on the block. Whether it’s motivation, inspiration, or encouragement you desire, or perhaps skills your people can put into practice right away, Terry will deliver.
Pastor Mike Connell New Life Fellowship Church, Grant, Michigan
Every church wants to have the best teachers teaching the Word of God to their people but few offer training and development. In a former ministry called, ‘First Baptist University’ (Sunday evening setup), we enlisted the help of Terry Powell. He has taught our people how to develop a lesson plan, ask the right questions, engage the listener, prepare the heart and other essential dynamics. Terry’s openness, vulnerability and handle on the Word of God has helped us grow our teaching team. We are grateful for his assistance.
Ralph Schneck, Senior Pastor First Baptist Church, Lexington, SC
To inquire about Terry’s calendar or to schedule an appointment with him, please contact him via his CONTACT PAGE.
