What Does It Mean To Be A Christian Practice?
Oftentimes in our Christian practice, we wonder, “Am I honoring God?” In an industry where we encounter all types of people from all types of backgrounds, associated with all types of religions, it’s easy to find ourselves reflecting on each aspect of our business with this question in mind.
So many thoughts follow, like: What does it look like to be a Christian practice? Is it about our marketing? Our referral relationships? The types of clients we see? Can we call it a Christian practice if we pray in every session? Share inspiring Bible verses with our clients? Teach mental health awareness in churches?
It is difficult to define what makes a counseling practice a Christian practice or not. As I sat by the fire this morning and reflected on this topic, I was reminded by what is going on at my current practice:
Two days ago while taking new client calls, our Client Care Coordinator looked out the window and saw a man collapsed on the sidewalk. Without hesitation, she ran outside, put him on his side while he was seizing, and called for help.
Yesterday a terrible car accident happened at the intersection by the office, and the Clinical Manager stopped his teaching and immediately called 911.
We hired 4 new therapists who will see their first clients at the practice this week. Two of these did not have a job at the time we hired them. And all four are being offered the opportunity to do the work they love. This is particularly challenging for our Director of Operations who has found a way to get 18 therapists into our current limited space as well as manage the logistics of opening another location. By the end of the week, we will have our final walkthrough at our new location which will allow us to offer additional services to those in need. In the midst of it all, the team checks on each other throughout the week, showing love and compassion to one another.
Considering these experiences from the week, I realized this is what it means to be a Christian practice.
Being a Christian practice is being one that exemplifies the nature of Christ in our words and actions. At times this may involve prayer and Scripture reading, but it also involves the actions of Jesus and bringing Kingdom principles into the world through what we do. Sadly, time after time, Christians are mistaken as people who only shout rebukes, carry around a Bible in one hand, with a mean glare coming out of their left eye. Yet, when we look at the life of Jesus who ate with sinners and served those who were considered less than, we can mimic this in our own practice as we encounter all types of people who just need to feel His love.
Reflecting on these ways we served in our practice, I know more what it means to be a Christian practice than I ever learned in graduate school. While I was considering counseling programs, I knew I needed a program with a faith integrated practice. I was happy to find Richmont Graduate University where I not only learned counseling theory and practice but also studied theology and how it fits into our work as therapists. I am truly grateful to have attended a faith-integrated program with my counseling studies.
As a student, I remember learning much about the history and skills of a therapist, yet it was a different experience to do the practice of a clinician. Sitting in the room with clients and offering acceptance and unconditional positive regard meant so much more to me when I could actually do this for clients. It was the act of doing therapy that allowed me to understand it.
I have found this the same for being a Christian practice. Though I attended a university that taught me this through lectures and books, I have gained a great understanding through the act of living out my faith through the way I run my business. I have learned more about the love of Jesus and how He directs my steps as a business owner and clinician. It is the act of doing that changes us and makes us more like Christ.
Being a Christian practice for us this week was about helping a passed-out man, assisting in an accident, providing jobs to those in need, and offering counseling to hurting souls.
May we continue to spur one another on in good deeds as we bring Christ into the world through our work.
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