January 26, 2026
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Episode Summary
This roundtable discussion features Josh Beagley and Bob Castle, an elder at Bethany, exploring the church’s philosophy and practice of care and counseling. Rather than treating care as a single ministry, the episode frames it as a holistic ecosystem rooted in Christ’s care for His people and expressed through the church body.
The conversation introduces three primary “buckets” of care at Bethany: contacting (intentional check-ins and visitation), compassion (meeting physical and material needs), and counseling (addressing spiritual, heart-level issues through Scripture). Using the trellis and vine analogy, the speakers emphasize that while structures and programs matter, genuine care ultimately grows organically through Spirit-empowered relationships.
A significant portion of the episode clarifies what biblical counseling is — and is not. The leaders stress humility, biblical authority, and clearly defined expectations, distinguishing church-based counseling from clinical or professional therapy while acknowledging the value of collaboration when appropriate. Throughout, care is presented not as problem-solving but as walking together in following Jesus amid sin and suffering.
Key Takeaways
1. Care begins vertically before it flows horizontally.
The motivation for all Christian care comes from receiving Christ’s care first. Leaders are reminded that genuine care is fruit, not performance.
2. Healthy churches balance structure with organic love.
Programs (the trellis) support care, but real transformation happens through relationships (the vine).
3. Contacting prevents isolation and surfaces hidden needs.
Care calling, visitation, and follow-ups help leaders stay aware and responsive, especially for those who may quietly drift.
4. Compassion ministries bless both giver and receiver.
Meeting physical needs builds deep relationships and often becomes a pathway for long-term discipleship and mutual encouragement.
5. Biblical counseling requires clarity, humility, and limits.
Counseling is not about fixing people but about applying Scripture faithfully while recognizing personal competency boundaries.
6. Not every leader counsels every issue — and that’s okay.
Wisdom involves matching people appropriately, growing competency over time, and partnering when needed.
7. Care exposes leaders’ dependence on Christ.
Rather than overwhelming leaders, care ministries are meant to deepen worship, humility, and trust in God’s sufficiency.
Quotes
“If I fall prey to the illusion that the only care that happens is what I see, then I’m going to be overwhelmed and incredibly discouraged.”
“We don’t care because we’re somehow super noble in ourselves, but because we’ve received the loving care of God.”
“Counseling is not about solving all their problems — it’s about following Jesus together.”
“The authority of Scripture is ultimate, even when working alongside professional counselors.”
“These opportunities to care will overwhelm us — and that’s what reminds us how much we need Jesus.”
