Soul Care Explained & My Journey Into It

My Journey into Soul Care

I wasn’t in my plans to be a soul care provider. Two years ago I didn’t know this world existed, but now I couldn’t imagine life without it. It started with my own humbling realization that for healthier functioning in my life I needed to address some deep psychological and spiritual needs. I had a felt sense of gaps in my life but hardly the depth of awareness or language to know what I needed or where to turn.

Somehow I landed in the office of a Christian therapist and began to find help. Then I turned to Christ-centered spiritual direction. Frankly I would have stayed longer with counseling but I simply couldn’t afford it anymore. That’s not a complaint. There are reasons the cost of care is what it is. That actually became a gift. It led to my discovery of direction and a kind of help I didn’t know I needed and a world I didn’t know existed. Or I knew existed but was suspicious of.

Christian therapy and spiritual direction are distinct. There are times to give yourself to one or the other or both in their full concentrated forms. But I also noticed an overlap that I found intriguing. I’ve learned over the years that I am an integrationist at heart. I love discovering how different parts can come together into a symbiotic relationship to create something new that meets a need. The thought of a complimentary integrated space gave me an excitement and an energy that felt a lot like an invitation from the Lord. After a long time of wrestling with anxiety, insecurity and doubt (which I am prone to) I came to the point where all I could do was say yes and let this thing go where it will go….if it will go at all.

Validation Along the Way

I began to meet with people that had received Christian therapy to good effect but were still looking for help. The combined psychological spiritual approach I offered provided something of value that was making a difference. This was obviously encouraging.

Also, I learned there are others that have gone before me in the integrated approach. I was not alone. David Benner, Gerald May and Curt Thompson to name a few. I also read a book called The Relational Soul that I had such a resonance with that I can only describe as feeling a sense of home. Through that I got in touch with Crosspoint Ministries and found a community of people doing this kind of work in the here and now…..and doing so for over 30 years. Enrollment in the Soul Care Institute was the next step.

Soul care flows from a rich Biblical, theological, psychological, relational, contemplative and transformational vision for life and ministry. Below is just a brief introduction to a beautiful work.

Soul Care Explained

What is the Soul?

In one sense, the soul or heart is the animating center of the human personality. It’s our interior life. In another sense, it is the sum total of all the aspects of what it means to be human. Just like the physical body is a symphony of different systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, etc) so it is with our “deeper body” composed of our mental, emotional and spiritual realities.

The soul is our inner life while it’s also the entirety of our God-created humanity. What I mean by Soul Care is giving attention to the interior life with a view toward the whole person to cultivate health and wholeness in Christ.

What is Soul Care?

Soul Care is an integrated approach for renewal and health that combines the wisdom and practices of psychology, neuroscience and Christian spiritual formation. Drawing from modern science and ancient wisdom creates a powerful dynamic for change and growth.

Through it we explore the embodied and interconnected cognitive, emotional and spiritual processes that impact everyday living. It is trinitarian; seeking to encounter love from the Father, applying the redemptive work of the Son and walking in step with the Spirit.

What are the Aims of Soul Care?

At its heart, Soul Care is restorative and developmental. The aim is not only symptom alleviation and gaining tools for healthier functioning but also the deeper work of healing, transformation and living a more fruitful life in Christ.

By removing barriers that interfere with our felt sense of union and communion with God we can step more fully into the divine love that reorders our disordered lives.

What Happens in a Session?

The needs and desired outcomes of the client guide the process. These emerge through active listening and timely, sensitive questions with a shared posture of compassionate curiosity. 

Together we explore story, family background, developmental contributors and current life experience in the context of prayer, paying attention to God’s active loving presence and the work of his Spirit.

Who is This For?

This is for adult men and women, individuals and couples in the Christian community, with a specialization in work with pastors, Christian leaders and their families.