Partnership - A Church Today

Dr. Russ Ritchel has been the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem since 1991. With a congregation of more than 1700 members and 4 distinct services every Sunday, time is a precious commodity. Listen as he describes what Associates in Christian Counseling means to him.

Ritchel, who graduated from seminary in 1979, served in CO and TX before coming to NC. In each setting, he would always make a point of seeking out resources to whom he would be comfortable referring members of his congregation. “Pastors simply don’t have the time for long on-going counseling,” he said. “After coming to Winston-Salem, I learned about Associates in Christian Counseling from a member of my congregation. This man sat in my living room and told me about how his life was changed there.”

When considering counseling, Dr.Ritchel shared that he sees four different options. “First, there is therapy. Sadly, much of the psychological community views Christianity as dysfunctional. Second, I see counseling with some kind of spiritual component. Third, would be counseling done by a Christian but one who puts a partition between his personal faith and his practice. Finally, there is Christian counseling. Theologically, I believe that being forgiven by Christ is our motivation for change and that God is our partner in healing. Therefore, I seek out referral sources where faith and prayer are available options to clients.”

As pastor of a large congregation and staff, Ritchel also sees Associates in Christian Counseling as a resource and a partner in ministry. “When preaching on forgiveness, we included an interview with a therapist as part of our worship. When we offer support groups on issues such as boundaries or prodigals, they are a resource on which to draw. As a staff, we have also been able to call on them as consultants for difficult issues, or as a resource for our own staff health since they understand a calling to ministry.”

First Presbyterian Church has included Associates in Christian Counseling in their missions’ budget for a number of years now. When asked why, Dr. Ritchel explained that they see ACC as an extension of their church’s vision which is “to be a light for the lost and a training ground for transformation.”

Dr. Ritchel added that he would be happy to speak with any pastor about how partnering with ACC on the journey of spiritual growth has worked in his church. You may contact him at russr@1stpres.com or call 336-723-1621.