WHAT IS BIBLICAL SOUL CARE?

Short answer: It is a cultural philosophy of care that potentially affects every part of a healthy, growing church.
We would most simply define Biblical Soul Care (BSC) as speaking the truth in love in your circle of influence. It is unique to the local church as it is anchored in the Word of God, dependent on the Spirit of God, and practiced in the community of believers.

It’s More Than a Model of Biblical Counselling

Biblical Soul Care is more than a model of biblical counselling. It is intentional and intensive discipleship, and deep, authentic fellowship. It is something we all should do at the level we are equipped. It is not a new idea. It is living out the one another commands in the Scriptures. It has been practiced since the early church (Acts 2). It can be found in the Puritan community of the 16th and 17th century. It is our mission to restore soul care to the church.

Context: In Community

While all good biblical counselling content is the same (it is based on the authority and sufficiency of the Bible), how and where counselling happens differs. We believe the context is more about community than privacy. While we hold strongly to confidentiality and discretion, we believe in counselling in community. That can look like inviting friends into formal counselling, or doing informal counselling in a small group format.

In other words, Biblical Soul Care is not just for pastors or biblical counsellors, but it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer. It can take many forms, like mentoring, coaching, and advocacy.

Who is eligible to receive counselling

Any individual or couple who are members of Hope Church Toronto West and are also faithfully attending a small group

What to expect?

Our desire is to come alongside our church members during a time of trial.  Biblical Soul Care is built to lovingly care for and help carry the burdens of people (Galatians 6:1-2; James 1:2-5). The purpose of Soul Care is to engage the Body of Christ to walk and support one another by encouraging the involvement of advocates and your connection to small group whenever possible. Most importantly you can expect to be ministered towards our ultimate hope, Jesus Christ.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

The goal of Biblical Counselling is to point people to the glory of Jesus Christ.
If you want to speak to someone about some specific issues in your life or you know someone who does, please contact counselling@hopechurchtw.ca

As part of your ongoing counsel, the attendance of a Small Group will become part of your weekly homework assignment.