What Biblical counseling is:

Biblical counseling is “the personal ministry of God’s people to others under the oversight of God’s church, dependent upon the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word through the work of the Holy Spirit”. (Association of Certified Biblical Counseling)

At Higher Ground Church, we believe Biblical counseling is a  concentrated form of Christian discipleship and accountability.  As opposed to corporately preaching the Word of God as a public ministry, Biblical counseling is the private ministry of the Word to individuals who are challenged by difficult life circumstances.

“…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him…” (2 Peter 1:3)

How it works:

By relying on God’s written Word as all we need pertaining to life and godliness, Biblical counseling seeks to bring misplaced desires, affections, behaviors, thinking, and worship back toward God in order to restore people to a right fellowship with Him and with others.  This is accomplished by speaking the truth in love, applying Scripture to the need of the moment, comforting the suffering, calling sinners to repentance, and working to help them mature as they abide in Jesus Christ.

 “…but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ…” (Ephesians 4:15)

How to obtain counseling:

Higher Ground Church offers Biblical counseling with the pastor or an ACBC certified counselor to anyone who is in need - free of charge.  Priority, however, is given to HGC church members and regular attenders.  Please note, HGC pastor and counselors are not trained or licensed mental health professionals, and they will not utilize the counseling methods of these specialists.  The Scriptures serve as the final authority in Biblical counseling, and thereby counseling will occur according to what is prescribed by the Word of God. 

To request counseling, please download and complete the following forms:

• Personal Data Inventory/Counseling Request: [click here]
• Counseling Consent: [click here] 

Please submit both forms to the church office, and someone will contact you to schedule an intake meeting with the pastor or an elder.  If you have any questions, please see our FAQs [click here] or contact the church office at 510-562-2635 or office@highergoundchurch.org.