Returning Soul Care to the Church

“Soul Care” is Christ-centered counsel in a compassionate community with an intentional blend of truth and grace. Twelve Stones (TS) believes the church is God’s ordained community but in the last few centuries the discipline of soul care has been neglected in many local congregations. We believe it is time to redeem the word “counsel” to mean what God intended in scripture. Good Christian counsel, or soul care, is biblically based, Spirit-led, and Christ saturated counsel that brings about Christ-likeness, true soul rest, and targets lasting heart change. It is much more than a counseling method it is a cultural philosophy that should affect every part of body life of a healthy, growing church.

Some of the ways that soul care will manifest itself are: loving accountability, daily encouragement, caring deeply, and a mutual and personal investment. This task is not for pastors or biblical counselors alone, but soul care is the privilege and responsibility of every believer. If a church will foster this type of care for the individuals within their body there will be much fruit for the glory of God.

What will soul care foster in a church body? 

• Spiritual Growth - discipleship will begin to occur as individuals mature in their own walk with Christ. II Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3-5
• Transparent and Deeper Relationships – takes people out of their comfort zone. Proverbs 27:9
• Safe Place to Confront Sin – allows individuals to help, correct, confront and encourage. Proverbs 27:5-6
• Responsibility – encourages individuals to bear one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2
  
  

TS is committed to being a part of returning biblical soul care to the local church. Our hope is to infect the Christian community with a “benevolent virus” of caring deeply.  We desire that individuals who receive counsel and comfort at TS will return to their church with a burden to affect others with the comfort they received.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”    2 Corinthians 1:3-4

How does TS return soul care to the church?

Residential Counseling: TS provides intensive short-term counseling (1-5 days) in a retreat setting for those caught in the midst of life’s most serious difficulties. Counselees are required to bring an advocate (a trusted friend, family member, or church leader) who will provide support, accountability and encouragement upon returning home. TS works hard to involve the pastor or pastoral staff in order to return soul care back to the local church.

On-sight Training: The “advocate” receives hands-on training during their time at TS by being involved in the counseling. TS also provides opportunities for individuals or church leaders to come to the campus for training and short immersion experiences.

Speaking: TS provides various equipping opportunities including leadership training retreats for pastoral staff, elders, small group leaders or the entire church body. The training is typically Friday evening through Sunday and often includes a practical sermon for the entire congregation on soul care. These Soul Care Conferences are designed to equip individuals on how to intentionally care for the souls of others, especially those who are hurting. Call us about a training that fits your needs.