Word and hope
Free online biblical counseling - based on the word of God and filled with the hope of the gospel
There is hope.
God calls his people to live with joy and peace, even when life is hard. When a person submits to His word and holds fast to His promises, there is real hope for lasting change. Scripture reminds us that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6).
He also gives His people to one another. We walk together, speak truth in love, warn when needed, and encourage one another to grow in holiness.
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Biblical counseling is personal, Christ centered care that uses the Bible as its authority and guide. It helps people face real problems by bringing God’s Word to bear on the heart.
It starts with the belief that Scripture is sufficient for life and godliness. God has spoken clearly. His Word addresses suffering, sin, fear, conflict, grief, and every other struggle we face. Biblical counseling does not ignore the body or hard circumstances, but it focuses on the inner person, where beliefs, desires, and choices live.
The goal is not behavior change alone. The goal is growth in Christ. That means helping someone turn from sin, trust God in suffering, and learn to walk in obedience by the power of the Spirit.
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State licensure is required for those who practice clinical or professional counseling as defined by the state. That work often includes diagnosing mental health disorders and providing psychotherapy.
Biblical counseling is different. It is pastoral care grounded in Scripture. It focuses on helping people understand their struggles in light of God’s Word and grow in Christ.
My work is not psychotherapy, and I do not present myself as a licensed mental health provider. My role is to offer biblical, Christ centered care. When a situation calls for medical or specialized treatment, I encourage individuals to seek that help alongside pastoral counsel.
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I typically do counseling online (using video-conferencing software). That being said, if you live near south-east Ohio and would like to meet in person, please send me a request and I would be keen to meet with you in person.
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There is no catch. This counseling service is a ministry, and as such I am providing it completely free of charge.
If you would like to support this ministry, you can read more about this philosophy at wordandhope.com/partner -
Biblical counseling addresses a wide range of emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles by applying scriptural truths to life's problems. Many people pursue counseling for the following issues:
Emotional and Mental Struggles: Anxiety, fear, worry, depression, and loss/grief.
Relational and Family Issues: Marital conflict, parenting challenges, and broken relationships.
Behavioral and Addiction Issues: Drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, self-harm, and anger management.
Spiritual and Life Challenges: Lack of forgiveness, spiritual stagnation, abuse recovery, and guidance during chronic or terminal illness.
Matthew Schaefer
Matthew is a father of four children aged 1-9 and is married to the love of his life, Danielle. He is a pastor at First Baptist Church of Wellston, where he preaches, counsels, and serves the congregation in worship and administration. He holds a degree in Bible and Pastoral Studies from Barclay College and has continued his theological education at the graduate level at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the author of The Overlooked Spiritual Discipline: Fasting.
Matthew is convinced of what 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
What to expect
I am committed to providing counselees the best that I have to offer
You will be treated with respect and care. Everything said in counseling will be held with strict confidence, except when there is biblical requirement to involve others (e.g. criminal activity). See my privacy policy for more information.
Privacy and Respect:
Counseling sessions typically last around 50 minutes and are scheduled via scheduling link. You should plan for weekly sessions at the beginning. Matthew uses a secure video conferencing link, and typically records the sessions to a secure server.
Logistics:
To encourage growth in Christlikeness, you will be assigned weekly homework. The homework will vary case-by-case, but will be chosen with a view of establishing godly habits and lasting change.
Homework:
Habits are not broken or formed overnight. True change does not involve only learning information, but putting it into practice over periods of time. The average successful counseling case is able to conclude after 3 or 4 months of weekly sessions.
Results:
How to Schedule
Step 1
Send me a request with some basic information, and I will get back with you within 24-48 hours.
Step 2
We will schedule a 15 minute video consultation where I can get a better idea of what issues you are facing, and you can learn more about what biblical counseling will look like. Following that, I will send you some intake forms.
Step 3
Once I get your forms back, I will send you a link to my calendar where you can pick a time that will work with your schedule, and we can get started.
Yes! It is really free. I have freely received, and so I will freely give. If you have been blessed by word and hope counseling ministry, or know someone who is currently in counseling, consider partnering with me to keep this ministry free.
Is it really free?
Start the Process
If you are interested in getting counseling, please fill out the form, and I will get back to you as quickly as I can to schedule a 15 minute video consultation. No need to describe the problem too thoroughly yet, just give me an idea of what problems you are facing.
Alternatively, if you have other questions, you can email me.
matthew@wordandhope.com