We had the pleasure of sitting down with Curtis Heaton for a conversation about caring well for others this week. Curtis works with the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition and Heritage College and Seminary. Curtis shared his journey from the business world to ministry, highlighting the transformative power of God's word. One of the key takeaways from the episode was the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in church communities, stemming from leadership and having an influence especially among the younger generation. He emphasized the significance of prayer and commitment to God's word in addressing gaps within church communities, and starting from that place.
Curtis shared his personal experiences of witnessing the power of prayer and the impact of sharing stories of transformation within the church. It can be hard to know where and how to begin when it comes to care ministry or supporting people, but starting from a place of giving it to God and looking to him is rooted in prayer. This is matched with recognizing and taking action to utilize resources like books and programs to support individuals in their spiritual growth and mental health.
One of the standout moments in the episode was Curtis's reflection on the role of biblical counseling in bridging the gap between scripture and real-life challenges. He emphasized the need for church leaders to engage with issues of mental health and create spaces for open dialogue and support. This is a place where at Arise we desire to engage in a passion for equipping churches to care for their members. This is a place where we can lean into the importance of building meaningful community rooted in God's word.
A great quote from Curtis in the episode is: "God's word is the foundation of caring for each other, leading us to meaningful community and to caring for each other the way that Christ loves us." This sentiment resonates with the core message of the ministry, and it emphasizes the transformative power of God's word in fostering authentic relationships and supporting individuals in their spiritual journey.
We were also encouraged by Curtis's journey from the business world to full-time ministry, highlighting the importance of following God's calling and remaining faithful in prayer. His insights on the role of church leaders in promoting vulnerability and authenticity within congregations provided valuable guidance for those seeking to strengthen their communities. Overall, this episode with Curtis was a compelling exploration of the intersection between biblical counseling, community care, and spiritual growth and how this looks in spiritual formation in youth and in churches. Curtis's personal anecdotes and practical advice speaks into creating supportive and authentic church environments. He wonderfully stated that "We need to know our Bibles better. We need to know people better." This was great advice, encouraging us to deepen our understanding of scripture and cultivate meaningful relationships within our church communities!
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