~ An Interview with Lorraine Thomas
“Let’s imagine we’re sitting over coffee. If you asked me, “So… what is Biblical Counseling at Encounter God’s Promise?” here’s how I’d answer.“
Q: What is Biblical Counseling at Encounter God’s Promise?
It’s care for your soul before God. Your soul is your inner life it is how you think, how you feel, and how you choose. In counseling we slow down, listen with compassion, pray in real time, and open God’s living Word because He speaks through it. Biblical counseling here is Christ-centered, Scripture-guided, prayer-soaked, and accountable to God. We sit under His authority together and respond to what He says. Because you matter to God, we don’t rush to fix; we come alongside you to draw out the heart and bring what we find into His light. This is us meeting with God.
Q: You say “draw out the heart.” What do you mean by that?
In Scripture the heart is the center, the wellspring of life; the totality of your intellect, emotions, and volition (your wants and choices). To draw out the heart is to invite the Lord to go deep: the thoughts you keep replaying, the desires steering your choices, the beliefs (true or false) you’ve carried, and the fears and longings you can barely name. We bring all of that honestly before Him with prayer and the Word, so He can untangle lies, steady faith, and lead you into freedom and hope.
Q: How do I know if I might need Biblical Counseling?
Often a weary or uncertain heart shows up before you can name it. Life looks or feels like short tempers you regret, pulling back from people, numbing with screens or work, racing thoughts, a habit you can’t shake, prayer that feels dry, hope that feels thin.
The nature of the heart apart from God grows less sensitive to His Word and to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. Realizing this is God’s goodness. It is the Spirit of God waking us so that we can turn back to Him. If you’re asking, “Is this me?” reach out. I look forward to hearing from you.
Q: What is God’s solution, and how does Biblical Counseling help you live it?
God’s answer to a weary heart is Himself. In Jesus He rescues; by His Spirit He renews. When we repent and trust Christ, He gives us a new heart with real desire to love Him and power to follow Him. Because the heart is the wellspring of life, when it is re-ordered to honor the Lord first and foremost, everything else begins to come into order. That is why love from the heart and obedience to His Word always belong together. It isn’t religion or performance; it’s a living heart learning to walk with Him.
We walk together with God it is a real journey. He is the One who saves, He declares us His, He grows us in holiness, and He will finish what He started. Biblical counseling helps you stand on those promises not just understand them, but experience them and walk them out day to day.
Q: Is this just getting advice?
Let’s look at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian in the Bible in Acts Chapter 8. Philip didn’t hand out opinions; he drew near, asked a gentle question, and together reading the Scriptures they met Jesus in His Word. A living response followed; faith, baptism, and joy. That’s what happens here at Encounter God’s Promise. Biblical counseling isn’t advice from me; it’s an encounter with God through His Word and Spirit, with real steps of faith on the other side.
Q: Who is this for?
Anyone hungry to meet God in the real places of life; hurt, confusion, transition, decision, growth. Many come hoping for relief, many leave wanting more of God. You’re welcome here, even if you’re just exploring faith. We’ll walk at a pace that is honest and kind, always believing God for growth, Steady, Spirit-led growth. You will grwo in confidence as you walk with Jesus in these areas day by day.
Testimonial Spotlight
“I came into the session believing the lie that God was always mad at me. But through the ministry process, God revealed truth, unraveled shame, and met me with His love. The atmosphere was calm, Spirit-led, and full of grace. I didn’t feel rushed just safe. I left knowing, in my heart, that God is not angry with me and that His love truly surrounds me.”
— Client Story, Encounter God’s Promise
Q: Why did you start Encounter God’s Promise? (and why do you serve)
Because God did this for me, He met in a season and circumstance I could not fix on my own. Very truly He has become The God of all Comfort to me (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)! God has instilled in me a profound desire to share His love and promises with others. Romans 1:11-12 states, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong –that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” I GET to do this!
~
If this where you are, weary or uncertain, feeling stuck, or simply hungry to grow, then Biblical Counseling at Encounter God’s Promise is for you. I would be honored to sit with you, seek the Lord together, and walk with you as He leads. You don’t have to carry this alone. I serve as a biblical counselor and minister of soul care. I’m trained and connected through the Association of Biblical Counselors (currently completing supervised hours toward certification), Issue-Focused Ministry with Restoring the Foundations, the Healing House Network, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Credentials matter but more than anything, this is a calling, to sit with you before God, open the Scriptures, pray, and walk with you as the Holy Spirit brings hope, healing, and transformation.
