Every day I listen and speak with people who are hurting either because of their own sin, someone else’s sin or from the mere fact they are living life on a fallen planet. At times I wish I could wave a wand and make their problems and struggles disappear—if only life was that easy! The process of change and victory in the life of an individual is so much more complex and involved than merely ‘memorizing a Bible verse a day.’ But yet this process of change is incredibly rewarding as we are daily conformed into the image of Christ.
The problem many in our church face is the fact that we don’t know how to care, disciple, and counsel those around us. In one dimension, we are all counselors in the sense that each of us counsels and gives advice to many people, many times a day. Whether it is a cereal recommendation to your child or your suggestion of a blue tie rather than a red tie to your husband, we were all designed to be counsel givers and receivers. The problem lies in the fact that when it comes to giving and sharing biblical counsel with another, we are faced with the reality that we are woefully unprepared, ill-equipped and fearful about how to move towards the individual in Christ-like love. The desire is there, but the lack of knowledge on how to craft such a story is crippling.
This fall, Parkside Church will offer our second, follow-up course, Helping Others Change in an effort to equip you for the work of interpersonal ministry. An interpersonal ministry that is completely Christ-centered and cross-motivated. Our goal is to help people in the pew like you to be an instrument of change in other’s lives. One could conclude that at Parkside we’re looking for an army of believers to disciple, befriend and incarnate the person and work of Christ in an intimate and tangible way to others in need of counsel and encouragement.
This is the work of the kingdom—seeing people’s lives changed by the grace of God! Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15-16, “…speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
If you, or someone you know, is interested in doing this work of “speaking the truth in love” and needs help in the mechanics and particulars of such conversation, then Helping Others Change is the course for you. Over three weekends in September (9/11 and 9/25) and October (10/9) we will dive into the work of interpersonal ministry, the goals of biblical change, the methodology of bringing such change about, and the dynamics of heart idolatry. The cost for all three weekends is $60 for first-time attendees and $30 for alumni. Cost includes meals, snacks, and materials. Scholarships are available upon request. —Pastor Jonathan Holmes
For more information about Helping Others Change, or to register online, please visit our website.
