Our Services
Pastoral Care
What is Pastoral Care?
Pastoral Care provides a holistic approach to dealing with our struggles from a theological/spiritual perspective. That is, all aspects of our lives are considered for care: spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, familial, relational, vocational, and ecclesial. From a theological perspective, we are first a children of God, created in his image to be in relationship with him. All care that is given is grounded in a biblical and Christian worldview, and ultimately focused on helping you deal with the issue(s) that are inhibiting your movement toward God and the abundant life he desires for each of us.
Pastoral Care is not simply telling people to pray and read their Bible more. It is walking alongside the client, affirming God’s love for them, and exploring with them how to experience God’s love in ways that helps them move toward healing and wholeness. Ultimately, what sets Pastoral Care apart is that it always points the client to Jesus, who, through his Spirit, is an active partner in the client’s treatment.
Common Types of Problems Pastoral Care might help:
Life directions/transitions (SDI Core Strengths Facilitator)
Christians struggling with a persistent sin.
Men whose sexual habits are interfering with healthy connection and life goals.
Difficulties maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends whose views differ significantly from their own (such as views on sexuality).
Premarital counseling or Christian marital care (Prepare/Enrich Facilitator).
Those who are struggling to reconcile what they’ve been taught about their faith with what they’ve experienced in their life. (How could God let this happen?)
Pastors who are questioning their calling, or experiencing burnout or conflict in their church.
Any life struggle that is creating tension between you and God (death of a loved one, divorce, dead-end job).
Spiritual abuse from a church or church leader.
Major life decisions (career, marriage partner)
Costs for Pastoral Care
Individual Session $75
Couple Session $90
Family Session $120
For more information about costs, please contact us!
Clinical Counseling
Coming Soon!
Currently we are not offering Clinical Counseling.
Be sure to check back with us!
Rev John Swope PhD, Pastoral Care Provider
john@parhelioncc.com
614-706-7597
John Swope has been helping people navigate the difficulties of life for over thirty years. He’s been a spiritual guide to countless individuals, couples and groups of all ages and backgrounds. He received his pastoral training at Ashland Theological Seminary with further theological studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
John knows that life can be hard, even for people of faith. That’s where Pastoral Care can help. He seeks to deeply listen, offering a blend of support and insight from the fields of education, Scripture, theology, psychology, inner healing, and a great deal of practical experience. The goal is not only to help with an issue, but ultimately to help others walk closer with God, and to partner with what God is doing in their lives. John has helped young people with questions about their identity and calling, and journeyed with those whose travels were coming to an end. He offers help with difficult family situations and relationships, challenging life transitions, and stubborn personal unwanted habits. John has spent his life helping others to go deeper to find the answers and solutions that are at the core of living an authentic, abundant life.
John has served in various ministry roles as well as on regional, national and executive levels. He knows pastoral ministry from the inside. He has taught and supervised hundreds of ministry students and pastors. His heart has always been for God’s people–their well-being and spiritual growth. Throughout these years he has advised, mentored and cared for people who were struggling to live faithfully in a challenging and troubling world.
Because John has encountered God’s grace so abundantly, he is equipped to bring God’s grace, hope and peace into the dark places of life. His joy is to see others encounter the love of God that brings freedom, life, and joy.
Specialties
Conflict and Communication
Life Transitions & Grief
Marriage & Premarital Counseling
Men’s Issues
Parenting
Pastor/Ministry issues
Religious disillusionment
Education
PhD Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Master of Divinity, Ashland Theological Seminary
MS Educational Leadership, Florida International University
BS in Education, Bowling Green State University
Certifications
Ordained Elder, The Brethren Church (Ashland)
Facilitator, Prepare/Enrich Inventory for marital and premarital care
Facilitator, SDI Core Strengths Assessment
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Catherine Swope, Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S
catherine@parhelioncc.com
419-665-1377
