All photography provided by Alex Hayden Photography

     The Practice of Pastoral Care and Counsel-  I am a pastor and counselor.  I have been working with people in and outside the Church for three decades.  My undergraduate training was in psychology, mostly focused on mental illness and its social impact on creativity. In seminary, I focused on stages of spiritual growth, personality theory and cultural dynamics. 

My experience has been varied, from seasoned executives in crisis to embattled homeless men.  I have worked with accomplished college women and troubled high school boys. Some have had no faith, some have had moderate faith, some have had profound faith and trust in God.

 I have some training in secular counseling paradigms, and draw from them under the guidance of the Christian Scriptures, the Westminster Confession of faith, the Sacraments (two) and the work of the Holy Spirit.  

COACHING

Many conversations are not really counseling or crisis conversations, but are crucial in their own way. Coaching helps people find their voice and navigate where they are, to help others accomplish the work before them and the calling on their lives. I work with people making adaptive changes in their conversations and their leadership so they can be better shepherds of people and stewards of the resources in and around us.

TIME TOGETHER

       In my understanding, conversations are the substance of knowledge, awareness, growth and relationships. We all need time to process, learn, examine and confess the things we have done, and the things we have left undone.   We must choose our conversation partners carefully as well as our sources of insight and truth. 

     I understand that people need time and space to talk out loud is needed about the past, the present and the future.  We all need a location to make clear what needs to be done, to make change and live a redeemed and creative life.  Our lives are marked with important events and experiences, knowledge and belief,  anguish and loss, shame and anger, as well as great hope and joy, curiosity and wonder.  Safely and with encouragement and accountability, I listen and inquire of  the person about what issues are, ask God for our guidance, then listen to His voice and His Word for direction, guidance and wisdom.  We all need to be able to lay down our burdens, whether things we've done, or things done to us, things we've seen, things we cannot forget.

      My objective is to meet people where they are, hear their situation and create a process of help, strengthening and response, primarily drawing from the grace and love of God in Jesus Christ. 

   I will work with anyone whom I believe I can help, no matter your background, past or personal convictions. 

    I trust the wisdom and understanding given in the Word and the gifts of God. My conviction is that we were made in love and not for wrath (1 Thess 5:9),  that God made us for himself (Is 43:7).  The crown of honor has fallen from our heads, woe to us, for we have sinned.  For this our heart has become sick (Lam 5:16-17).  We have also been sinned against (Matthew 18:15;  Luke 17:4) and the work of forgiveness is necessary but not necessarily easy. (I am also painfully aware of societal and corporate sins that are at work against some people)

FEES;  I do this as a ministry and as a livelihood.  I want to help you for what you can afford.  The core rate for this work is $125/hr.  Contact me to talk before you hesitate. This is a ministry and I want to help. I will work with you. Money should not be an obstacle,