People seeking counseling in Cobb and Paulding counties now have an option that provides Biblically-based help for those dealing with trauma and crises. Burnt Hickory Baptist Church recently officially opened its new counseling center.
The Burnt Hickory Counseling Center is open to the public and provides pastoral and clinical counseling services for individuals, couples, and families.
Brian Foster, who is on staff at the church, serves as director of the center and as one of its pastoral counselors. The center, he noted, has been in the works for quite some time. Foster, who has been in ministry for 40 years, said, “About 20–25 years ago, God shifted me to pastoral care and counseling.” He’s been with Burnt Hickory Baptist Church for more than 16 years, serving as missions pastor as well as leading the counseling team.
Soft launch
About five years ago, Foster had the idea of creating a counseling ministry that would be open not just to members of the church, but to the community at large. Two years ago, the church developed a business plan, and they “soft launched” the ministry in November of last year. The official launch of the ministry coincided with a building expansion project of the church, which provided space to house the independent counseling center.
The center offers crisis and trauma care, working through issues and teaching people such things as communication skills. Counselors utilize Christ-centered techniques that “are focused on helping people find their identity rooted in Christ,” Foster said. Pre-marital and marital counseling services are offered as well.
One thing that sets Burnt Hickory Counseling Center apart from other counseling services in the area is the blend of licensed clinical practitioners and pastoral counselors who have received certifications from the American Association of Christian Counselors.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Henry Durand and originally published by the Christian Index.
