Individuals & Families
Biblical counseling is a form of discipleship in which we help people use the truths of the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit to tackle problems and challenges. Peter said that God has “given us all things pertaining to life and godliness.” And Jesus said that He came to the world “that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” God designed us and gave us the Bible as an owner’s manual teaching us how to best use the life He has given us.
At Grace, we provide biblical counseling, not psychological counseling. Biblical counseling provides spiritually based tools for helping individuals and couples to not merely cope with difficult circumstances but to honor God in them, exemplifying the truth found in the book of Romans in which it states that we are “more than conquerors” in the face of difficult, painful and even dangerous trials.
Get Started
To book an appointment with one of our biblical counselors, fill out a counseling application. This will give us enough preliminary info to connect you with one of our counselors and get the ball rolling.
Marty Haas
Marty provides biblical counseling to help men and couples learn how to handle difficult challenges in ways that glorify God. (He doesn’t provide individual counseling to women, however, so women who want an individual appointment should book an appointment with Rachel Klein).
For over 25 years Marty divided his time between leading the Communications Department at Grace and performing pastoral duties at the church. A few years ago he stepped out of the Communications Department to focus his attention on pastoral duties, including teaching, the Grace to Love Ministry, biblical counseling and online ministry.
Rachel Klein
Rachel provides biblical counseling to help women and couples, helping them learn how to handle difficult challenges in ways that glorify God. (She doesn’t provide individual counseling to men, however, so men who want an individual appointment should book with Marty Haas).
Rachel founded the Special Edition ministry, which provides real ministry to children and youth with special needs such as autism and Down syndrome. She has also led annual grief conferences, using her own experiences with tragedy and loss to help others cope with their own suffering. Today Rachel oversees Anchor of Hope, a ministry providing support/recovery groups, classes and workshops for both church members and community members. She also offers biblical counseling to women and couples.
FAQS
What is the difference between biblical counseling and licensed counseling?
The government only licenses psychological counseling. Licensed counselors study psychological theories while biblical counselors study scriptural truths.
With hundreds of psych theories opposed to one other, the licensed counselor must choose which theories and therapies to embrace. Meanwhile, the Bible isn’t full of ideas competing with each other, although it is jam-packed; the biblical counselor must choose which scriptures and spiritual strategies to use for each individual’s situation. Both counselors do what they can with their tools to help people overcome challenges, survive trauma, manage emotions and think soundly.
As biblical counselors we believe God did not abandon us to figure out for ourselves how to build good relationships, overcome anxiety, defeat insecurity and be emotionally healthy. He wasn’t waiting for psychologist to discover the secrets to the good life. He has always known the answers and never withheld them from us.
What is the difference between biblical counseling and Christian counseling?
Christian counseling is an umbrella term that includes biblical counseling and some psychological counseling. Licensed counselors who are Christians can blend the best they learn from psychology with the truths they know from their Christian faith. Biblical counselors, by contrast, stick strictly to helping people learn how to apply biblical principles to their circumstances and to tap into the power of God to do for them what they cannot do for themselves.
The primary goal of most licensed counselors is to help people with their immediate problems. That is a legitimate need and good goal. But biblical counselors have a somewhat different goal. As disciplers, we aim not to merely help people solve whatever problem brought them to us but rather to help them become adept at pleasing God no matter what life throws at them. Solving their problem is not the goal but the environment in which we do our work. We use their current circumstances as a laboratory in which we can coach them toward that goal of pleasing God. This allows them to deal with their current problems while preparing them for whatever comes next.
Can Grace recommend a licensed counselor?
Yes. Although the church does not provide licensed counseling, we know and respect a number of good Christians who are licensed counselors. We’d be happy to point you to one.
Additional Resources
Was private counseling not quite what you were looking for? Maybe one of these can help.
Care & Support
Our support groups offer one-on-one care for tough times, biblical counseling, small groups, helpful classes and more.
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Marriage Seminars
The Grace to Love Class is a weekend seminar for couples who want to learn how to have the best marriages.
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Weddings
Marriage is one of the greatest gifts God gives us, and we are excited to help couples begin their new life together.
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Still can’t find what you are looking for? Call us at the office and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.