
CNLP 258 | Rusty George on Suicide in Leadership, Grieving Your Losses and Recovering from Self-Righteous Legalism
Apr 16, 2019
Rusty George, lead pastor of Real Life Church and author of Justice, Mercy, Humility, reflects on a campus pastor’s suicide and the hard, practical responses that followed. He discusses warning signs, caring for hurting communities, unique grief after suicide, self-care for leaders, and recovering from self-righteous legalism through humility and justice.
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Get Out In Front Of Tragedy
- Rusty advises leaders to address a suicide openly to minimize gossip and help those who are hurting.
- He recommends communicating proactively with media, staff, and congregation and providing counselors immediately.
Be Cautious With Public Theology
- In his Sunday talk Rusty avoided declaring theological absolutes from stage to prevent giving vulnerable people permission.
- He published a blog with theological discussion for those who sought it privately.
Don't Define A Life By Its End
- Rusty argues you must assess a person's whole life, not just their final act, when considering salvation.
- He notes suicidal states often remove perceived choice due to mental-health and spiritual deception.






