BIBLICAL COUNSELLING
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.
MISSION
Glorify God by making disciples through the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
VISION
It’s our vision to return soul care to the local church.
PASSION
Ministering to the hurting in full dependence on the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the Community of God to experience transforming life change.
CORE VALUES
1. Christ Centred (Colossians 1:15-20)
The person of Christ, his preeminence, the gift of his life given to us
2. Biblically Grounded with Truth & Grace (John 1:14)
We get principles for life and godliness from the Bible and we want to give counsel that is a blend of both truth and grace.
3. Spirit-led (John 6:63)
The real counsellor is God who meets us through his Spirit. We want to be careful to give heed to his guidance and not simply let our experience dominate the direction for our counsel.
4. Prayer Saturated (Colossians 4:2)
Humility and dependence on God are shown most clearly through prayer. We want to practice and model both humility and dependence throughout the counselling process.
5. Community Based (Hebrews 10:24-25)
God calls us to live life in the context of his people. Care, encouragement, exhortation, and healing happen most fruitfully in the church community.
What to expect?
Our desire is to come alongside you 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.
NEED HELP?
SUNDAY SERVICE
10am | John English Junior Middle School
95 Mimico Ave, Etobicoke
CHURCH OFFICE
Mondays - Thursdays | 8:30 am - 5 pm
26-1255 The Queensway, Etobicoke
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