Christian Concepts for Care: Understanding and Helping People with Mental Health Issues

David J. Ludwig combined a background in both theology and psychology by earning his MDiv from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1965 and a PhD from Washington University in 1966. His creative blending of these two disciplines has spanned over 45 years as a university professor, a licensed psychologist, and Lutheran (LCMS) minister. During this time Dr. Ludwig has written several books and numerous professional articles while speaking internationally on the spiritual growth of relationships within oneself, family, and church. Dr. Ludwig currently serves as a semi-retired professor of psychology, teaching courses in personality and clinical psychology at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, and as assistant to the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory. He maintains a private practice as a licensed therapist.

Mary Runge Jacob served at Lutheran Counseling Services, Inc., in Winter Park, Florida, for more than twenty-five years as a therapist providing individual, marital, family, and group counseling as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She previously engaged in private practice, and has taught psychiatric nursing at The Medical College of Georgia, University of South Carolina, and University of Central Florida. Mary completed parish nurse preparation in 1999 and has consulted with parish nurses on mental health issues throughout Central Florida. She completed three-year spiritual formation/spiritual direction training in 2007 and has since provided spiritual direction to individuals. She has consulted with congregational health ministries throughout Florida and provides workshops and training on a variety of mental health topics.