Counseling + Care Philosophy

As a church, we believe that counseling and care should be gospel-centered. This means adhering to an approach that focuses on Jesus Christ as the ultimate healer and that a new life is available through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It does not mean ignoring real issues, real hurts and real sin that are present in our lives. 

Being gospel-centered means being continuously reminded of our sinful human nature and need for a true relationship with Jesus as our Savior, who loves his people without condition. This provides the freedom to work through issues and to be reconciled with God, ourselves and others. 

Counseling and care should use techniques that are biblically based and are appropriate for an individual’s care needs. 

Christian counseling Referrals

Downtown Hope has a working list of referrals. This list includes elders of Downtown Hope, members of Downtown Hope, licensed professionals, and other individuals that are recommended based on the list below. 

As a church, we try to provide the best care and support for our body. The counselors or individuals recommended are only suggestions from our church. Downtown Hope helps to connect and provide resources, however, each individual is expected to arrange their own counseling. Downtown Hope is not responsible for an individual’s counselor, counseling process, or experience. 

Downtown Hope recommends counselors who meet the following criteria:

  • Are followers of Jesus Christ—They believe that the Bible is God’s Word and that salvation is only through Jesus Christ.

  • Are members of a local body that preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Are qualified to meet with individuals, couples or families in a discipleship, support, professional counseling, or other capacity. This may include training, licensure, experience or other appropriate qualifications.

  • Are committed to using a gospel-centered counseling approach in their work in line with Downtown Hope’s Beliefs.

  • Have been recommended by others at Downtown Hope or another local church from personal experience.

If you are interested in Christian counseling, or being added to our list of counseling referrals, please email Michelle Hammer.