Inspired

Balancing Grace and Truth in Counseling

Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). These two qualities must characterize all soul care. Grace without truth deceives, and truth without grace destroys. Together, they reflect the character of Christ and the heart of biblical counseling.

Pastor...

Love — The Goal of All Counseling

Love is the goal, the motive, and the measure of every ministry of soul care. Without love, truth becomes cold, and correction becomes harsh. With love, even the most difficult conversation can become redemptive.

Pastor Chuck Smith taught that love is the greatest...

Walking in the Spirit in the Process of Change

Christian growth is not self-improvement; it is Spirit-empowered transformation. The flesh can imitate religion, but only the Spirit produces genuine change.

Pastor Chuck Smith emphasized this distinction constantly: “Having begun in the Spirit, are y...

The Blessed Hope That Anchors the Soul

Hope is the anchor of the soul. Without it, people drift into despair; with it, they endure the darkest storms. The ministry of soul care must always lead believers to the hope of Christ’s return.

Pastor Chuck Smith taught the blessed hope with great convicti...

Christ Our Wonderful Counselor

Every act of biblical counseling is, at its core, an introduction to the Wonderful Counselor Himself. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, “And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Pastor Chuck Smith often said, “Jesus is t...

The Sufficiency of Scripture in Soul Care

At the heart of Calvary Chapel and the Biblical Counseling Academy is one unwavering conviction: God’s Word is sufficient. It is sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and soul care. Scripture is not a partial authority—it is the complete revelation of G...

Counseling in the Riches of Grace

Grace is the atmosphere of all true Christian growth. Where law demands, grace supplies. Where condemnation defeats, grace restores.

Pastor Chuck Smith wrote, “Grace changes what law could never change—it changes the heart.” Grace is God’s unearned, undeserved fav...

Building the Church through Word and Spirit

From its earliest days, Calvary Chapel has stood upon two pillars — the clear teaching of the Word of God and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. These same pillars sustain a healthy counseling ministry. The Word gives direction; the Spirit provides p...

Empowered by the Spirit to Counsel God’s Way

No amount of education or experience can replace the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus called Him “the Helper” and “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:26; 16:13). The Spirit reveals Christ, illuminates Scripture, convicts the heart, and comforts the broken.

Shepherding and the Care of Souls

The shepherd’s calling is to tend the flock of God, not to manage it. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, pastors are exhorted to “shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lo...

God’s Model for a Counseling Church

The local church is God’s ordained environment for transformation. Counseling was never meant to be outsourced; it is the natural fruit of discipleship and fellowship among believers. Paul’s vision in Ephesians 4:11–16 shows that every member contributes to the b...

The Call to the Ministry of Soul Care

Every call to ministry is a call to people. The ministry of soul care is not a profession; it’s a divine invitation to serve the hurting and to bring the truth of Christ into the struggles of daily life. This calling is not limited to pastors or professionals b...