What is Christian Counseling - Dr. Joe Verga

Often during the past year, we’ve referred to ‘Christian counseling’ in this newsletter. . But have you ever stopped to ask yourself exactly what that is? Is it just someone with mental health credentials—PhD, LPC, LMFT—who happens to be a Christian, too? To understand this unique approach to counseling, read more

The Big Picture - 2005 AACC World Conference

I have just returned from the AACC World Conference in Nashville, TN. The last time I attended one of these was in 1992 there were about two thousand attendees. This year, there were seven thousand Christian counselors, pastors, and lay leaders in attendance. Eleven overflow hotels were needed to handle the demand.

I was blessed to hear the likes of Larry Crabb, John Ortberg, David Jeremiah, Gary Smalley, and Tony Evans as keynote speakers. I also attended seven workshops on specific topics ranging from “Hot Potatoes in Christian Counseling,” offering help on how to avoid legal and ethical pitfalls, to “Compassion Fatigue,” focusing on stress and burnout among caregivers. My heart was refreshed daily by awesome worship, testimony, and a renewed sense of our call to serve God in our work as counseling professionals. Read More

A Pastor's Perspective on Christian Counseling
- An Interview with Dr. Gary Chapman

Dr. Chapman is well known as an author and speaker. He has conducted his marriage seminars around the country and around the world at the invitation of churches, governments, and the military. He is also Senior Associate Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, where he has served for 33 years. We asked him to share his thoughts on Christian counseling.

Do you see a role for counseling to play in the Body of Christ?
I believe that in the life of all churches, counseling is a necessary part because of today’s culture. There are more broken and fractured people, more divorces, and more abuse, both verbal and physical. People live with pressure and stress, which often leads to anger, which may then be expressed at home against the family.

Read More

Why I Serve - Gordon Jenkins

Gordon Jenkins joined the Board of Directors in 1997 after learning about Associates in Christian Counseling from his friend and ACC board member, Bob Mills.Read more

Bob Mills, ACC Board Member, Honored

Bob Mills recently received the Lena C. Godwin Memorial Award presented to him by Andy Hagler, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Forsyth County at their annual meeting. It was presented in recognition of Mills’ ongoing commitment to mental health issues through his volunteer service to our community.

Bob has founded and facilitates two spiritually-based community support groups—one for individuals struggling with bipolar disorder or other serious mental illnesses and the other for the families of those who struggle. These groups meet weekly at First Presbyterian Church. In a 2003 Winston-Salem Journal editorial, “A Disease That Gets No Chicken Pie,” Mills shared his own journey after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bob tirelessly encourages the faith community to work together to eradicate the prevailing stigma associated with mental illness.

Mills has served on ACC’s Board of Directors since 1996. To learn more about why he serves, or to read “A Disease That Gets No Chicken Pie,” go to Newsletter Archives and read the May, 2005, edition.

Pictured above: Andy Hagler (l) and Bob Mills (r)

Helping Hands

For the past 5 years, Winston-Salem State University has held an annual Volunteer Fair.

“Enter to learn; depart to serve,” is the motto of WSSU explained Arthur Hardin, Coordinator of Community Service. “As part of our freshman seminar course, all students are required to do 15 hours of volunteer work,” Hardin stated. “NPOs or service organizations whose mission is to serve the common good of all, are invited to participate. With 60% of our students from outside the Winston-Salem area, volunteering also introduces them to our community.”

ACC has been privileged to participate in the fair for the past two years. We appreciative these helping hands and WSSU for its vision to serve the community in this special way.

Pictured above: Christie & Tvedt

Each fall brings the United Way campaign to our community.

Did you know that your donation can be designated for Associates in Christian Counseling?

This year, we even have our own code number—2062!!

When you give in the community or through work, remember ACC and write in 2062!

Employees of Wachovia now have a special opportunity to support ACC.

Any gift of up to $1000/year given directly to ACC, will be matched by Wachovia!

An employee simply needs to complete and submit the Matching Gifts Form.