Cornerstone is a program Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Lewis began in 2008 to train and supervise master’s level graduate students to become Licensed professionals. Interns from Abilene Christian University, North Central University, Capella University, and Touro University currently provide mental health services in the Cornerstone program.
“The Holy Spirit informed me that I have a duty and responsibility to address the mental health crises through a pastoral response,” says Dr. Thomas. “I believe that am charged to provide my Cornerstone student interns to serve your congregation by supplying 7 sessions of professional, HIPPIA compliant compassionate relationship counseling (family, marriage/couples, any relationship) at no cost to the client. The sessions will be conducted through our HIPPA compliant Video platform called Simple Practice.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (52.9 million in 2020). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate too severe. 4.9 million were unable to access needed care. “I am deeply grateful to Dr. Lewis,” said Conference Minister Bill Lyons, “for making this offer to our local churches. Free counseling service and relationship support is a gift for health and life.”
“For over twenty years I have practiced an incarnate approach to pastoral mental health treatment and advocacy,” Lewis said about his counseling practice. “As a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist my incarnate approach stands on the faith that after the grave, the divine risen Christ promised an advocate to empower the community of his followers. The Christ kept the divine promise, we in the UCC, have the Holy Spirit.” During a recent zoom meeting with SWC local church moderators Dr. Lewis noted that while his practice is founded on his faith, clients can be people of faith, people of no faith, or anywhere in between.
“Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are believers called to follow Christ, the power and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24) and proclaim his Gospel that the Kingdom of God has come near (Mark 1:15),” says Dr. Lewis. “This reality rules and presents responsibilities and opportunities for us in ministry. The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the impact of health disparity in the care of persons, and the care of worlds. We are called to address this disparity and work toward removing the barriers to compassionate care.” You may email familyministry@thefamilyministry.com or call 602-616-4433 to learn more about or to schedule an appointment with a Cornerstone counselor. Mention your affiliation with the United Church of Christ to take advantage of Dr. Lewis’s free offer. You will learn more about Dr. Lewis’s Pastoral Counseling practice when you visit www.thefamilyministry.com. Thomas J. Lewis, D. Min, LPC, LMFT is a licensed professional Pastoral Counselor and a certified supervisor for counseling students.
A Charge to Keep I Have - A God to glorify (MUSIC: Charles Wesley, 1762)
Out of them shall come the cornerstone (Zech: 10:4)