At Restoring Hope Ministries, we offer Biblical Counseling, a unique approach rooted in Scripture, distinct from secular counseling and therapy. Our counselors are dedicated to providing spiritual transformation and guidance through the Word of God. Here’s a clear distinction between our Biblical Counseling services and secular licensed therapy.

What is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical Counseling at Restoring Hope Ministries is grounded in Scripture. We believe that God’s Word provides the answers to life’s most challenging questions and problems. Biblical Counseling focuses on addressing life’s difficulties by applying the teachings of the Bible, offering a path to spiritual healing and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Differences Between Biblical Counseling and Secular Counseling

Biblical Counseling

– Scriptural Foundation: Biblical Counseling is built entirely on the principles found in the Bible. We believe that God’s Word is sufficient for addressing life’s struggles, providing wisdom, comfort, and transformation. – Spiritual Transformation: The goal of biblical counseling is to bring individuals closer to God, focusing on personal spiritual growth, repentance, and renewal through Jesus Christ. – Theological Orientation: Restoring Hope Ministries’ counseling is theologically oriented. We do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Instead, we address the spiritual condition of individuals and offer guidance for overcoming life-controlling issues. – Counselor Qualifications: All of our counselors hold advanced degrees in Biblical Counseling and receive ongoing pastoral supervision to maintain ethical standards and ensure client care aligns with Scripture. – Mentorship and Accountability: Our counselors are supervised through pastoral mentorship and receive regular training to ensure they do not cause harm and continue to grow spiritually themselves.

Secular Counseling and Therapy

– Psychological Foundation: Secular counseling is often rooted in psychological theories and medical models, focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with secular methods. – Mental Health Focus: The primary aim of secular counseling is often to manage or alleviate symptoms related to mental health disorders (such as anxiety, depression, etc.). Therapy is designed around medical diagnoses and psychological techniques. – Licensed Therapists: Secular counseling is generally conducted by licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) who are governed by state or national regulatory bodies. – Treatment of Diagnosed Conditions: Secular therapy treats mental health diagnoses and may involve techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication management, and other forms of mental health treatment.

The Restoring Hope Ministries Difference

At Restoring Hope Ministries, we hold ourselves to the highest biblical standards in providing counseling services to the public. Our mission is not only to offer compassionate care but to do so in a manner that reflects the will of God, the authority of His Word, and the transformative power of Christ.

• A Board of Directors: Oversees ministry operations and strategic direction.
• An Accountability Board: Ensures spiritual, ethical, and doctrinal integrity.

This dual-layer of oversight reflects our commitment to transparency, responsibility, and the highest standards of ethical conduct, in alignment with James 3:1: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.“

Biblical Standards in Counseling
Our approach to counseling is rooted in Scripture, where we find both the foundation of truth and the template for care. At Restoring Hope Ministries:

• Biblical Ethical Standards: Every counseling session is conducted with a focus on Christ, adhering to a robust set of biblical ethics that prioritize the well-being of both the counselee and the counselor. This ensures that our work glorifies God and is effective in addressing spiritual and emotional needs.
• Weekly Biblical Supervision: Counselors receive ongoing supervision that keeps their hearts and minds focused on Christ while refining their approach to care. This reflects Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

Qualified and Continuously Developing Counselors
At Restoring Hope Ministries, we recognize that counseling is both a divine calling and a field requiring excellence in preparation and practice.

• Educational Excellence:
  o Our counselors hold at least a bachelor’s degree in theology or pastoral counseling and are actively pursuing advanced degrees.
  o Supervisors possess a master’s or doctorate in biblical counseling, theology, or both.
• Continual Growth:
  o Our team engages in ongoing education and training, ensuring they are equipped with current, biblically sound methodologies. This aligns with 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Equipping Counselors in a Fallen World
We acknowledge the realities of serving in a broken world. No degree, credential, or years of experience creates immunity from spiritual attacks. In fact, the more a counselor denies self and seeks Christ, the more resistance they may encounter. However, we serve a God who equips us for battle, as Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of
the devil.”
To mitigate these challenges, we prioritize the following:

• Spiritual Renewal: Encouraging counselors to seek strength in the Word and rely on God’s wisdom daily.
• Support and Encouragement: Providing a Christ-centered community to uphold and restore our counselors when needed.
• Practical Tools for Resilience: Equipping our team with biblically rooted strategies to remain steadfast under spiritual pressure.

Guidance for Choosing a Counselor
When seeking biblical counseling, it is vital to ask the right questions to ensure the quality and integrity of care:

• Education and Training: What degrees or certifications does the counselor hold?
• Supervision and Accountability: Are they receiving regular pastoral or biblical supervision?
• Commitment to Growth: Are they engaged in ongoing education to refine their skills?
  Beware of those who lack the necessary theological training or base their qualifications on minimal coursework. Proverbs 15:22 warns, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
  At Restoring Hope Ministries, we stand firm in our dedication to providing counsel that is not only academically sound but also deeply rooted in the life-giving truth of God’s Word. By choosing RHM, you can trust that your care is guided by a team committed to honoring God and fostering true transformation through Christ.

 Christian Psychology: Integrating Scripture and Science

The principle of Sola Scriptura, which upholds Scripture as the ultimate authority, does not conflict with the pursuit of knowledge about God’s creation. Instead, it invites us to view the world through the lens of divine revelation. Romans 1:20 tells us, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” The Bible encourages us to explore the intricacies of the universe, studying and understanding them as reflections of God’s eternal power and divine nature.

Similarly, studying the mind and behavior through psychology, while staying grounded in Scripture, allows us to appreciate the complexity of the human soul, made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). When we align our understanding of human nature with God’s Word, we gain a more profound insight into the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, both in the natural world and within ourselves.

Scripture and Science: Not in Conflict

Scripture encourages us to explore and understand the world God has created. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” This verse reminds us that studying the world through science is a way to gain a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. Science is not anti-Christian; in fact, it reveals the complexity and beauty of God’s work. When we study psychology, we can discover patterns in human thought, behavior, and emotional well-being that reflect the order and wisdom God built into creation.

Misuse of Psychology in the Church

Unfortunately, many churches misuse or misunderstand psychology, presenting ideas that are not grounded in either Scripture or clinical evidence. This can lead to harm. Just as we would trust a trained medical doctor to help us with physical ailments, we should also trust counselors and psychologists who combine scientific knowledge with biblical wisdom to assist with emotional and mental struggles.

The question arises: If we accept medical doctors or auto repairmen who are not biblically trained, does that make them less Christian? No. The same applies to psychology. When used responsibly and within the framework of Scripture, psychology is a tool to help us better understand ourselves and grow in Christ.

Christ at the Center of Counseling

At Restoring Hope Ministries, we recognize that Christ is the ultimate counselor. Isaiah 9:6 calls Him the “Wonderful Counselor.” His Word, when studied daily, has the power to bring profound mental and emotional healing. As we integrate clinical literature with the Bible, we aim to avoid harm and promote wholeness. The goal of Christian Psychology is not merely academic–it is transformative, guiding people into deeper relationships with God and improving their mental health.

We encourage everyone to approach their emotional and mental well-being through Scripture and science, both of which God has given us. In doing so, we uphold the biblical command to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30). Through Christ-centered psychology, we can truly live out that calling.

For a deeper understanding of these principles, explore this video: Understanding Christian Psychology.