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Life Over Coffee Devotions
Historically, pastors were the primary caregivers for their congregations, walking closely with their people through trials and difficulties. However, in the modern church, many Christians, like Mable, prefer to seek help outside their local churches, turning to parachurch ministries or independent counselors for assistance.
While parachurch organizations and counselors can offer valuable short-term care, God never intended for them to replace the long-term shepherding and accountability that only a local church can provide. Mable, like every believer, will face ongoing struggles with sin and suffering—outside of the counseling season—that require enduring spiritual care. God’s design for this sanctifying process is a person’s family and their local church, where relationships are built on love, truth, and mutual accountability, all under the leadership of shepherds who care for their souls.
The challenge in counseling Mable is to respect her desires while helping her see and value her church as God’s provision for her long-term sanctification and care.
Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).