October 2026 Insights

How does Biblical Counselling Correlate to the Ministry of the Local Church?
 
Church Relations
A part of our vision at Insight is to partner with local churches and offer Gospel-centred biblical counselling as an extension of a church’s pastoral care. As a para-church organization we work to serve and help the local church to equip the saints for the work of ministry, hence the E4:12 conference and training work we do (E4:12 is a reference to Ephesians 4:12, which refers to equipping the saints for the work of ministry). Developing strong, trusting relationships is key, so I spend time communicating with and meeting pastors to explain our work and philosophy of ministry as well as to learn more about the unique challenges local churches face. Having worked as a pastor for 14 years, I understand some of the joys and challenges of this calling, so finding time for mutual encouragement and fellowship is a rewarding part of my work. Listening to concerns and answering questions from those new to biblical counselling also helps dispel misconceptions about what we do. It is our privilege to serve in the work of the Gospel and the maturing of the saints. I would like to meet with more pastors in our area. If we haven’t met yet, please contact me so we can schedule a time (mark@seekinsight.ca).
 
Shepherds Connect
Periodically, we gather pastors for food and fellowship, then explore a topic relevant to pastoral care in the church. On Thursday, October 22nd (12:30-2 pm) we will host a time to build on the momentum of the excellent “Breaking the Silence” conference held in May, which equipped attendees to recognize, prevent, and intervene wisely in cases of domestic abuse.
 
Four of our biblical counsellors recently returned from the PeaceWorks Conference in West Virginia, where they deepened their understanding and equipping in this area of domestic violence. The conference, organized by Chris Moles, included other biblical counsellors experienced in dealing with domestic abuse, such as Darby Strickland and Brad Hambrick. The conference seeks to equip people to effectively bring the transforming work of Christ to those in abusive relationships, both victims and perpetrators. Those who attended the Breaking the Silence conference in May can attest to the wisdom and compassionate insights Chris Moles and Darby Strickland shared.
 
We hope the Shepherds Connect gathering will foster honest conversation, thought-provoking questions, healthy discussion and small action steps to protect the vulnerable. Maybe, like me, you are easily motivated and stirred during a conference, only to have it fade amid the busyness of life, or a lack of clarity about how to move forward practically. If so, please join us for lunch on October 22nd from 12:30 – 2 pm.

(pic 1) Glen, Andrea, Lynn, Mark and Scott participated in the PeaceWorks Domestic Violence Intervention conference in West Virginia (Scott attended virtually).
(pic 2) Main speakers (right to left) Brad Hambrick, Greg Wilson, Chris Moles

Give the gift of hope by subsidizing counselling sessions for those in need. Make a donation to Insight here.