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Welcome to the Encounters in Joy blog

A few words about why we're starting to write here, and what you can expect to find when you visit.

By Rev. Jeff Langley · 2 min read

For thirty-five years, most of the conversations that mattered in this ministry have happened in a room with the door closed. That's still true, and it should be. But over the years we've noticed the same questions come up again and again — in the office, after church, in the grocery store line — and we've started to think some of them deserve a longer answer than we can give in passing.

So this is that place.

What you'll find here

We'll write about the things people actually bring to us: grief that doesn't keep a schedule, anxiety that shows up at 3 a.m., marriages that feel stuck, the season after a loss when everyone else has moved on. We'll write about faith, too — plainly, the way a friend would, not the way a lecture would.

None of it is meant to replace sitting down with someone. Think of it more as a porch conversation: honest, unhurried, and open to anyone who wants to pull up a chair.

A few things we'll try to keep true

  • Plainspoken. If a word wouldn't come up at a kitchen table, we'll find a better one.
  • Honest. We'll tell you what we know, what we don't, and when a licensed clinician might be a better fit.
  • Welcoming. You don't need to belong to a church, or believe what we believe, to be welcome here.

If something here speaks to you

You can send us a short message or leave a voicemail at 770-807-1227. A real person responds within 24 hours. And if you're in crisis right now, please call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 — we're not an emergency service, but we'd be honored to walk with you once you're safe.

We're glad you're here.

— Rev. Jeff Langley

Reverend Jeff Langley

About the author

Rev. Jeff Langley

Founder · 35 years in ministry

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If something here spoke to you, we'd be glad to talk.

Reading is a good start. A conversation is a better one. Send a short message or leave a voicemail — a real person responds within 24 hours.

In a crisis right now? Call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988

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