There is no such thing as value-free, complete impartial counseling. Every coach, counselor, therapist, and pastor brings his or her own biases and presuppositions about human nature, value, and meaning that form the foundation of their philosophy of counseling.

I'm going to be up front with you about mine. I approach counseling from a particular Christian perspective that I believe is the happiest, healthiest, and most liberating basis for positive self-esteem of any philosophy or religion. I believe that every person is God's priceless diamond, created in the image of God, fearfully and wonderfully made (from Psalm 139). It is my belief that you are of immeasurable value to God, whether you are rich or poor, old or young, straight or gay, white or black, man or woman, homeless or living in a mansion, Christian or Muslim or Jewish or non-religious. Your value (according to the Bible as I understand it) is rooted in Christ's work, not your own.

A particularly insightful Bible verse is Romans 5:8 which reads: "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." That means the BEFORE I got my act together (heck if I ever fully have!), before I conquered by darker side, while I was/am still struggling with the less admirable and pretty side of my character that I'd just as soon wish weren't there, I apparently was already valued enough by God for Christ to die for me.
 
 

Here's the significance. Over the last almost twenty years of pastoral counseling, I would estimate 95% of all the problems individuals and couples struggled with inevitably came down to issues around self-esteem. People needing this or that to feel good about themselves. People who resort to putting others down as the only way they know how to build themselves up. Persons who simply CAN'T be wrong -- "people of the lie", M. Scott Peck calls them -- who need to be right. It's so enslaving, so unhealthy.

I cannot BEGIN to tell you how important and potentially liberating this is. This is what differentiates Christianity (as I understand it) from ANY other philosophy or religion. This is why I happen to believe it's the most happy, positive approach to life there is. Because my (and your) value is NOT dependent on how perfectly I perform but in how lovingly Christ performed. HE set my value, not me. By the way, this is called "grace."

That means I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not. I don't have to have the hottest car or be the most popular or own the most toys or carry the most prestigious company title to feel good about myself. I can be the less-than-perfect guy I am -- warts and all -- and still feel GREAT about myself! And so can you because the same truth (as I understand it) applies to you.

When people get a taste of grace, the happy and kind gift of love from God, man oh man, it's really great to see people suddenly feeling so set free. Not that things are a piece of cake from that moment on. Not a chance. BUT... at least now there's a strong, historical Christian basis for (humbly) feeling good about yourself.

If you would like to inquire about faith-based counseling or speak with me, you may call me directly on Sanctuary Christian Ministries' toll-free number (866)-329-3334.

On a personal note, I am first and foremost a pastor with a pastor's heart (that's pastor, not preacher). I don't pretend to have all the answers to faith questions that have confounded theologians for thousands of years. However, answers usually don't deliver relief as much as we might wish. What can do offer is a very personal, human touch to you. You will have two people who will listen and love, will walk with you through both happy and difficult seasons of life, and who help you find God's love, support, direction, and power to overcome the challenges you face and walk on to live again.

Call us. You matter more than you know. The call is on us. We would feel honored and privileged to be your pastor at large and friend.

There are differences between faith-based counseling and coaching.

Coaching emphasizes choices, vision, direction, habits, perceptions, values, goals, achievement, and movement. Coaching is a tool for improving effectiveness and getting results.

Faith-based counseling deals more with identity issues, emotional and spiritual healing, and inviting God into the process of personal resurrection. Unlike clinical therapy or counseling, faith-based counseling is rooted in theological presuppositions about human value, purpose, life, and suffering.

Dr. Chuck offers faith-based pastoral counseling as a pastor at large for Sanctuary Christian Ministries, a California religious non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, Christian ministry with no strings attached to persons church wounded, alienated, and/or disinterested.

Dr. Chuck has been a fully-credentialed, ordained Presbyterian pastor since 1988. He pastored churches in Oregon, Minnesota, and southern California.

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