Fear Is Not a Sin

Edward T. Welch, MDiv, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a PhD in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a master's of divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for nearly forty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions. His biblical counseling books include Shame Interrupted; When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave, Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction, Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest, When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety, Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love, A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace, and A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust.

“With clarity and winsomeness, Ed Welch helps us see that Scripture’s call, ‘Do not fear’ is not a rebuke but an invitation to draw near to Jesus Christ in growing trust and confidence. The question is not whether we will be afraid (we will!) but whether our fears and anxieties will be a catalyst for deeper faith in the God who will never leave us nor forsake us.” Michael R. Emlet, Faculty and Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); author of Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us“Ed Welch writes as someone who understands what it’s like to have his faith questioned because of fear. With wisdom and compassion, he removes the shame often tied to fear and shows how it can be a place where faith grows. I'm thankful to God for a book on fear that flows from a heart steeped in the Father’s care, is honest about weakness, and eager to help believers hope in Christ through every fearful storm.” Timothy St. John, Counseling Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church; author of Uncovering Domestic Abuse“Fear Is Not a Sin offers profound comfort and clear pastoral insight. Ed Welch gently peels back the shame around anxiety and invites us to bring our fears to Jesus. This book gave me language for my own fears—and deeper hope in the Savior who embraces us in weakness.” Darby A. Strickland, Faculty and Counselor, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF); Author of Is it Abuse?“This is a little book, but Ed Welch achieves big things with it. He counters our false thinking about fear as sin, exposes our false ambitions for fearless faith, and reminds us that authentic faith cries to God and finds in him a way to press on in spite of fear. So much helpful insight in so few pages—buy it, read it and share it.”Steve Midgley, Executive Director, Biblical Counselling UK; author of Understanding Trauma