We believe the gospel is like a mirror, showing us two simultaneous, opposite realities at the very same time…that we are far more broken than we have ever been ready to admit, while in Christ, we are loved more deeply than we could imagine possible. Biblical counseling, therefore, is aimed at affirming both realities, even while seek to apply the healing power of grace to what is broken.
As a church, we believe that Jesus calls and equips every Christian to be counselor. Not that we are all called to become professional counselors, but that just as everyone is called to practice hospitality and care for the poor, even if those are not areas of specific passion or gifting, so too with counseling. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15, we are to “speak the truth in love to one another”, so that in all things we will “grow up into Him who is the Head, that is Christ.” Therefore, we seek to be a church that speaks the truth in love in the context of growing relationships that we call Life Groups.
In addition, we believe the Bible does offer us specific, powerful tools of grace to use in our relationships with one another. That is why we regularly offer training in Biblical Peacemaking, using The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande. This great resource offers very practical tools for helping us understand our own hearts in conflict situations, as well as how to lovingly approach others, believing that every conflict is an opportunity for gospel growth.
Lastly, we also recognize that sometimes counseling with a trained professional is necessary to help make sense of a season of suffering. Both of our pastors are trained in counseling through the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation at Westminster Seminary and are here as resources for our All Souls family. We also partner with several local Christian counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, should you want a referral.
For Life Groups, contact Leon Chin (leonch8@gmail.com)
For Peacemakers, contact Joe Agovino (jmagovino@gmail.com)
For pastoral counseling or a professional reference, contact Will Reinmuth (will@allsoulscommunity.com)
