Theology of Care

God so loved the world that he sent his Son to save people from spiritual death and the damaging effects of sin (John 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3-4, et al.). Scripture points to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus not only as the means of salvation, but as the model and methodology for personal growth. By his work people are forgiven sin and given renewed relationship with God and by his word and Spirit people are comforted and conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29, et al.).

Christian counseling, at it’s core, is issue focused disciple-making. Counselors need to personally know Jesus and be able to listen and love well. Counselors must also be able to apply the principles of Scripture to the heart and mind of others in a clear, personal and practical manner. This involves empathetically wading through many of the thoughts, hurts, anxieties, fears, losses, and longings that shape beliefs, disrupt the body and drive actions.

Counselors must be attentive to people amidst the suffering that sin causes in this world as well as able to speak the truth in love in response to each person’s participation in sin. As people receive care and gain more clarity amidst their struggles, the grace and truth of God are able to be applied with redemptive precision enabling them to be both comforted by the reparative love of God and empowered to live out the character of Christ.

As the gospel anchors the hope that drives care, the bride of Christ is made increasingly beautiful!