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Mission Statement

We will nurture, through counseling and teaching, the spiritual well-being of individuals through God’s Word as it relates to their emotional, relational, and mental health needs (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:2). Our goal is to alleviate suffering and to promote Christian maturity so that people can grow in their likeness to Christ, experience a deeper relationship with God and enter into a more effective life of service to others. The Bible is our authority (1 Thessalonians 2:13) as we apply the gifts that God gives to man (Romans 12:5-8; Isaiah 50:4). The services provided will support and strengthen the local Elder’s shepherding and the brotherhood of the Apostolic Christian Church and those not affiliated with the church, as resources allow.

Philosophy

We are God’s creation and obedience to His Word leads to healthy lives and relationships (Psalm 19:7-8). Licensed and lay counselors will be used. Counseling will be consistent with Biblical principles (Psalm 119:105). Counseling should include instruction, discipling, mentoring and accountability to God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Guiding Principles

• Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services will be structured to support the local Elders’ responsibility in caring for those in their congregations.
• Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services will be under the oversight of the Elder body.
• Counseling will not minimize sin or its consequences.
• Services will be provided in a way that is consistent with Apostolic Christian Church doctrine and practices as articulated in the Statement of Faith.
• As appropriate and feasible, services will be made available to the entire denomination.
• Referrals may be made to other professional services when appropriate.
• Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services will take an active role in helping to determine current and future needs of the brotherhood regarding mental health and relationship issues.
• Access to services will be provided regardless of the individual’s ability to pay.
• Counseling staff will be members of the Apostolic Christian Church and have the support of their local Elder.
• Counseling which is done for clients of authorized Apostolic Christian Church programs (i.e., nursing home, home for the handicapped or children’s home) would be under the jurisdiction of those organizations.

Scope of Services (Galatians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Services will be developed and made available locally, regionally and nationally as appropriate and feasible to the brotherhood and friends of the Apostolic Christian Church. Services will be made available to others as resources allow. These services will be based on a spiritual and professional model of care and will include counseling services, educational resources, consultations, and human resource development.

Counseling Services (Galatians 6:2)

Provide advice or guidance based on Biblical principles to help people who are struggling with personal issues that interfere with their relationship with God, with their fellow man, and with their peace.

Services will include:

• Individual, family, marriage, and group counseling.
• Assessment/assignment/referral based on needs.
• Assist congregations in identifying appropriate local non-Apostolic Christian counselors

Educational Resources (Ephesians 4:11-12; John 17:17)

Provide information and resources (presentations, programs, hand-outs, and books) to assist the brotherhood in living a sanctified life in obedience to God’s word and strengthening their relationship with God and their fellow man.

• Provide presentations based on needs in local congregations.
• Provide resources and materials to assist Elders and ministers in their counseling and nurturing responsibilities.
• Develop new materials.
• Screen and/or revise existing materials (such as Crown Financial Ministries, Way of Purity, etc.).
• Maintain website.
• As needed, facilitate local, regional, or national support groups to accommodate specific brotherhood issues.
• Provide resources and materials for Elders desiring to utilize local brethren to provide services.

Consultations (Proverbs 19:20)

Provide advice and direction to individuals in need and/or those involved with them.

• Consultations would be available to ministers, Elders and others.
• These services may be conducted in person, by phone or by email.

Development of Human Resources (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Provide guidance and counsel to spiritually mature brethren who feel God is leading them into counseling.

• Assist local Elders in identifying and developing lay brethren who could assist in counseling.
• Provide mentoring of students in counseling programs.

ACCFS Alignment to the 4 Pillars of the Church Mission

1st Pillar: To present to the lost the Gospel message of salvation based on faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and a true repentance and conversion (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 2:8).

• Some parents need assistance with concerns of young and adult unconverted children and issues which may make it difficult to repent.

2nd Pillar: To teach and nurture the believers toward a sanctified life and to faithfulness by God’s grace and through His Word (Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:12, 5:26-27).

From the ACCFS Mission statement: We will nurture, through counseling and teaching, the spiritual well-being of individuals through God’s Word as it relates to their emotional, relational, and mental health needs (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:2).

• Some believers need counseling when they are hurting because of difficulties in their lives.
• Such persons are not living an abundant life in Christ because of their hurt.
• Family services provide direct nurturing through help with marriage, parenting, and financial management.
• Proactively teaching family skills will reduce future counseling needs.
• This teaching includes training local brothers to be able to nurture others in their home congregations.

3rd Pillar: To preserve sound doctrine by contending for the faith (Jude 3; Acts 20:27; 1 Timothy 4:16).

From the ACCFS Mission statement: The services provided will support and strengthen the local Elder’s shepherding and the brotherhood of the Apostolic Christian Church.

• Troubled souls sometimes need help to understand our biblically based practices.
• Teaching can be developed for specific groups that are struggling with our practices (e.g., older single members).

4th Pillar: To offer loving, humble deeds of service to fellow believers and all mankind in the name of Christ (Galatians 5:13, 6:10; Philippians 2:7).

From the ACCFS Mission statement: Our goal is to alleviate suffering and promote Christian maturity so that people can enter into a richer experience of worship of God and a more effective life of service.

• The unfortunate, both among us and those who are our neighbors, are in need of multiple kinds of assistance (Galatians 6:9-10).

Revised 3-19-07