Pastoral Counseling connects people to biblical truths and the power of the Holy Spirit as they pursue spiritual growth, reconciliation, and healing in their personal lives, relationships, and family.

Pastoral counseling helps individuals and couples to find resolution to these types of questions: why, what, how.

The Why question: "Why do I do what I do?"

Every person has a sin nature, yet we are redeemed, reconciled, restored and made righteous in Christ Jesus. We also refer to the sin nature as “negative bents.” These negative bents are inconsistent with the godly attributes of grace, holiness, mercy, forgiveness, and peacemaking within God's kingdom that presently reigns on Earth. The steps of confession, repentance and seeking God's forgiveness breaks the pattern of sin in our lives. Repentance is more than being sorry for attitudes and behaviors that offend others. Repentance leads to a new way of thinking about oneself, and others as dearly loved children of God. The fruit of repentance establishes a change of mind and heart toward God and others.

Patterns of unhealthy or sinful behaviors (negative bents) can also be formed in our lives due to being sinned against. People may struggle with an overwhelming sense of fear, anger, shame, guilt, or rejection as residual behaviors from being sinned against. The person that was offended by family of origin (mother, father, siblings), spouse, children, or people in positions of trust or authority may develop trust wounds leading to suspicious attitudes to those who are close to them. The ‘sinned against’ have become trapped in an embedded pattern of mistrust and self-protection due to these trust wounds. People often struggle with the following questions:

Why do I struggle to trust people?

Why am I so angry?

Why do I avoid conflict?

Why do I defer to others rather than take initiative in things that I care about?

The What question: "What does the Bible teach about my circumstances, choices, behaviors or attitudes?"

The Bible liberates the citizens of God’s kingdom from the consequences and predisposition of an unredeemed humanity as well as the spiritual strongholds of the kingdom of darkness. It is common to hear that, “You are your history, circumstances and choices.” However, your willingness to deal with your humanity biblically allows you to become more than your history, choices and circumstances. We can become more than these formational experiences by applying God’s Word to our life and relationships. Obedience to the Word of God and dependence upon the Holy Spirit lifts people above the limitations of their human bents. The teachings of the Bible liberate us from a future that is filled with regret and remorse.

The How question: "How do I live an abundant life that is not dependent on my history, past circumstances, and choices?"

The person or couple that desires to experience a restored and empowered life will begin to form healthy emotional and behavioral responses with their friends, family or others in their circle of influence. A restored life experiences the blessing of “Rest and order” personally and relationally.

To schedule an appointment click the button bellow, or call (916)685-4821 Ext135