The Vision - A Look Back

If you follow the news today, unity seems to be a rare commodity. More than 15 years ago, however, a group of pastors right here in Winston-Salem came together in unity over a need they had in common. God planted a vision in their minds and Associates in Christian Counseling opened its doors in October, 1991.

Counseling is part of every pastor’s job description. The concerns people share with their pastor are often of a spiritual nature or about emotional transitions in life. Sometimes, however, it’s just not that simple. For a handful of local pastors, that reality began a unique journey.

Dr. Richard Little was a member of that early group of pastors representing a handful of different denominations. “Some issues which people bring into a pastor’s office are complicated,” he shared recently. “Their issues may be very complex in nature and our training simply may not qualify us to deal with them.” Even a church with a large staff faced challenges. Dr. Mark Corts imagined a center which could give “strong support to us when our own smaller counseling center is all-engaged, and assist us when we deal with issues we believe are beyond the training of our normal pastoral counseling staff.”

In addition to limited training, these pastors acknowledged other struggles. Time was a factor. Some situations required a longer involvement than they were able to give. There was also the question of how to help non-members who were seeking counseling.

As these men met and shared their hearts, a vision was formed of a place where they could refer members of their congregations with confidence. It would be a place with a professionally-trained and credentialed staff. It would be a more clinical setting than a church campus. It would not be affiliated with any particular church or denomination.

Many decisions had to be made along the way. This group of pastors shared a great respect for one another and encouraged each other. Firmly keeping their focus on meeting the needs of people, they never allowed denominational distinctions to become obstacles to seeking God’s direction.

As Clergy Appreciation Month approaches, we want to thank all those who shared in this vision for our community. That early partnership of support and referrals has broadened to include churches from many denominations including Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, Moravian, and Lutheran as well as schools, other professionals, medical practices, and more. ACC will soon begin its 15th year of ministry.

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever
Psalm 33:11a