48 Case Studies 24: Meds and More

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Three years ago, Biff and Mable became Christians. Biff, 38, and Mable, 39, joined a church shortly after their conversion and began engaging with their community. A year later, Biff expressed his desire to serve on the church’s elder board. The church leaders initiated an assessment phase to evaluate his qualifications for leadership.

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During this process, the elders became aware of a few challenges in Mable’s life. She has a history of treatment with psychotropic drugs for manic outbursts, and she also frequently dominates her small group discussions with her struggles. Group members have expressed their frustration, noting that the meetings often center around Mable rather than serving as a space for mutual edification.

When approached about her behavior, Mable tends to withdraw from the group for weeks. Upon returning, she often presents a new diagnosis, a different label, and a set of medications resulting from ongoing consultations with her psychiatrist. Despite occasional progress, her small group feels impatient due to frequent setbacks.

Mable spends much of her time sleeping, watching television, or surfing the Internet. Meanwhile, Biff juggles his ministry volunteering and family responsibilities as he continues through the eldership assessment process.

Case Study Questions

1. How would you help Biff and Mable?
2. Is Biff qualified to be an elder? Why or why not?
3. What would you tell their small group?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).