A Kingdom Perspective

“The mission of Associates in Christian Counseling is to offer professional counseling services which reflect grace and truth to our community,” stated Dr. Verga, ACC’s Executive Director. “It is because of the strong parallels in both organizations’ goals that I am so excited about the partnership we begin this month with Surry Baptist Association.”

Pastors are often the first point of contact when people face emotional challenges. It is vitally important for them to have resources available which share their Kingdom perspective.  Christian counseling offers such an approach in the field of mental health by integrating psychology and theology. 

“While salvation is a once-for-all eternal decision, sanctification is the process of being remade in the image of Christ,” shared Joe.  “It is on this journey where personal history and emotional baggage may come into play.  A person may need professional help to heal from the past or simply to work through the challenges in their life today.  In any situation, our goal is always to maintain a Kingdom perspective.”

Helping to educate churches regarding mental health issues is another goal of Associates in Christian Counseling Dr. Verga went on to say.  “Because of the complimentary nature of our work, we recognize that a pastor’s knowledge of mental health issues is important, therefore, we try to foster awareness and provide information and consultations when we can.”

It is clear God has opened a door to broaden the impact of ACC’s ministry to 68 new pastors, their churches, and the communities which they serve. Like Associates in Christian Counseling, Surry Christian Counseling Center offers its services to all who seek them, including those with limited insurance or resources.  Surry Baptist Association maintains a client assistance fund just as ACC does. 

Dr. Verga closed by saying, “I certainly want to thank each member of the committee and association with whom we worked for their warmth and hospitality.  We at ACC look forward to a long relationship with Surry Baptist Association as we both strive together to ‘see to it that no one misses the grace of God’ [Hebrews 12:15].”

©2006 Associates in Christian Counseling, all rights reserved.

Dr. Joe Verga has served as Executive Director of Associates in Christian Counseling since it opened in 1991. To read more about its beginnings, see the September, 2005, issue of our e-newsletter in the Archives.