Josh Zoerhof is a pastor, Bible teacher and counselor in West Michigan. He is passionate about creativity, whole-hearted living, justice and the Kingdom of God connecting with everyday life. Josh currently serves as the Teaching and Chaplaincy Pastor for the Fearless Family of Churches. As a Chaplain, Josh brings wholehearted living and conversations on emotional and mental health to the workplace. Josh is the host of the “Chaplaincy on The Go” podcast – a podcast dedicated to conversations on emotional health and wellness. Josh and his wife Kristi, a first-grade teacher, live in Hamilton with their son Pike! When he’s not “on the clock” Josh is probably watching Star Wars, superhero movies, and/or smoking brisket or pork shoulder.
The past few days have been a “slog.” Pike, our eight year old son, got a stomach ache at school on Monday. My wife is a school teacher and we are fully aware that there is, currently, a nasty stomach bug making its way through the school. Kids come to the teacher saying, “my belly … More Good Dad Work
When does a habit become a problem? When does a habit turn into something that I need to address? It’s only something I do to manage the stress – so it can’t be that bad, can it? I don’t need to do it, use it, consume it… I just like to… want to… have to? Sometimes? When does … More Addiction – An Original Poem
I have a thought – And it won’t go away – It sounds like me in my head… The thought – seems to come when I least expect it. When I don’t need another thing to think about… I sometimes think – why am I thinking like this? Why can’t I stop thinking like … More Anxiety – An original poem
Today during the “aftermath” of the latest snow storm, my son and I decided to shovel off the deck to make room for the next round of snowfall. For years this has been our yearly routine playing around on the back deck and clearing snow while mom works in the quiet inside. This year – … More “It’s Been My Honor!”
An Original Poem Have you ever felt alone? Alone – with no one around… Alone – with everyone surrounding you… Alone in a room – alone in a crowd… Alone with your thoughts the keep getting loud… All of the digital “friends” can’t help with the noise… I feel like they can’t understand me – … More Loneliness
“IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD!” I’ve heard that statement throughout the years when people discuss things like anxiety, depression, and other mental/emotional health concerns. I actually believe – in many ways – that is a true statement, but I disagree with how it is used. It is usually said to minimize the person’s point of … More It’s All In Your Head
For the last year, I’ve driven Pike to school most mornings. The routine is pretty ordered. We sing songs, usually Pike’s picks of whatever is on the iPhone. Sometimes we talk about the day. Sometimes we sing. On the last quarter mile stretch before school, we recite the Shema (Deut. 6:4-5) together (something we’ve done … More It’s A Rental
Every year I select a word/statement from my “Rule of Life” to focus on and grow in. This year my word of focus is “Barak” a Hebrew word that roughly translates as “to bend the knee” or “humbly submit” in reverence to God. It also carries a meaning of kneeling to lift up others. My … More The Last One To Sit Down
Change is hard. A lot of change is even more challenging. Here are 6 practices to navigate a lot of change without losing your mind. … More 6 Practices to Navigating Lots of Change Without Losing Your Mind
Hey Parents, This morning many of us are waking up to unprecedented preventative measures. Schools all over the country are shutting down in the wise and steady action to stem the advancement of the virus. Due to the everchanging nature of the situation, this swift decision will have a significant impact on your children and families … More Anxiety, Kids and The Coronavirus (a few things to keep in mind)
Josh Zoerhof 