LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

Looking for something fun and challenging? Try the LCI lab experience! Two new labs are beginning this week (Jan 23/24) @ Gateway Community Church in South Riding. Each will run for 5 consecutive weeks. Cost is $100.
Choose either Wednesday night from 7-9 or Thursday night from 7-9.
Let us know here if you want to come at pam@lciministry.org
NOTE: Prior participation in the Glorious Mess Seminar is a prerequisite.

Glorious Mess January 2019

Bay Area Community Church will be hosting a Glorious Mess Seminar on Saturday, January 26, 8:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Register at lciministry.org

If you are interested in becoming the kind of wise friend who knows how to listen well, and offer the kind of counsel that builds up, strengthens, comforts, and enriches the lives of others, then this is the seminar for you.

If you are interested in becoming the kind of wise friend who knows how to listen well, and offer the kind of counsel that builds up, strengthens, comforts, ...

Thank you for being a part of LCI! God is raising up people to help others. If you would like to donate to our mission, we'd love it! Donate @ lciministry.org/giving

2018 was a wonderful year for LCI; over 200 people (including several from Bulgaria!) attended a Glorious Mess seminar this year. New churches in Richmond, Lorton, Ashburn, and Annapolis are starting counseling ministries after receiving LCI training. A church outside Raleigh is hosting our first Glorious Mess in another American city next February. Our Level 2 training via videotapes is a great success, allowing more sites to offer this training in house.

We feel so encouraged by the responses and feedback we get. We hope some of the experiences and concepts prove helpful to you in your relationships and ministries.

The Glorious Mess in Capitol Hill
(no, this is not a political opinion, it's an invitation!)
Saturday, November 17 / 9-4:15 pm
at Christ Our Shepherd Church
801 North Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

REGISTER TODAY: http://lciministry.org/event/level-1-glorious-mess-seminar-christ-shepherd-church/

The picture below, meant to be symbolic of a "Glorious Mess," is also, interestingly, a photo of Mt. Ararat - the supposed resting place for the Ark of Noah in Eastern Armenia. The dormant volcano is a haunting and reassuring reminder that God is waiting until His time, when He will save us from Evil, as He did in Noah's day, and restore the original beauty and order of Earth - one day.

Believing the story of the flood and the ark is hard for many; likewise, it is hard for many of us to believe that He sees, knows, cares and acts even now. We are the ones who have trouble seeing and believing. Paul reassures us; "Now we see only a dim likeness of things... But someday I will know completely, just as God knows me completely."

If you are struggling to know yourself and/or to know God, if you are struggling with the reality of evil and sin - both in your life and in the world at large, you might really benefit from this day long seminar on human nature, our stories, change and what God is up to
in a beautiful world full of beautiful people who are broken and acting out of both goodness and darkness.

The Glorious Mess
"Who we are, and how we relate"
a seminar for all of us

REGISTER TODAY AT http://lciministry.org/event/level-1-glorious-mess-seminar-christ-shepherd-church/

Speaker Series: Sexuality & Spirituality – Grace Community Church

Let’s face it, even though we know sex is a gift from God and is therefore good, it can get really messed up.

Register today for "Sexuality and Spirituality" at Grace Community Church in Fulton, MD, on Saturday, Oct 27.

Drs. Bill Clark and Carolyn Sinclair will lead a candid conversation about sex, and how God designed us to mature from both a biblical and biological perspective. There will be some myth busting and serious application of the gospel.

Appropriate for ages 16 and above.

gcconline.org Speaker Series: Sexuality & Spirituality Date October 27, 2018 Time 9:00 am – 12:30 pm Register Date: October 27, 2018 Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm Cost: $20/person, $30/couple The October talk in our Speaker Series features Drs. Bill Clark and Carolyn Sinclair who will lead a candid conversation abou...

We are not always the same person. We are not always our true or best selves. We are not always in control, or even aware of how we are acting or presenting. And we are not always easy to be around.

In 2015, Pixar released the ambitious film, Inside Out. An attempt to simply and humorously capture something of how the human mind operates was presented (and won the Academy Award for best animated feature film).

Most people probably had little difficulty identifying with the concepts of "core memories," and the five primary emotions. We know we are complex, somewhat emotional and unpredictable. And so is everyone we interact with! It's complicated. And not easy.

Join us for The Glorious Mess: A Saturday workshop exploring a biblical perspective on human nature, change, and relationships; a different way to consider us from the "inside out." Understand more about yourself, while getting a glimpse into what could be going on in the lives of those around you. REGISTER TODAY @ lciministry.org/trainings/calendar

Three Options this Fall:
1. Saturday, Oct 13
Fairfax Community Church /Fairfax, VA
2. Saturday, Nov 17
Christ Our Shepherd Church /Washington, D.C.
3. Saturday, Dec 1
Gateway Community Church / South Riding, VA

LCI went INTERNATIONAL!

Catch up with the latest from Bill Clark and LCI in Bulgaria...

myemail.constantcontact.com

The (European) Glorious Mess

The Glorious Mess is happening in Sofia, Bulgaria!
Read more . . .

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Addiction: A Bonding Problem - The Lay Counselor Institute

What if we looked at addiction a little differently? What if there's something each of us could do to help? Read more...

lciministry.org The world tends to blame the addict for his or her addiction. What if we looked at addiction as a bonding problem? How would our perspective change?

Learning to Grow in a Season of Grief - The Lay Counselor Institute

Grief is all around us. Re-posting this post on growing in a season of grief hoping that there is a nugget that might help.

lciministry.org While winter and grief may have things in common, God can use our seasons of grief to expand our view of Him and give greater meaning to our stories.

Rescuing the "Fair Lady" of Dignity in Us All - The Lay Counselor Institute

“I am just not good at relating to anyone and that’s why this is all my fault! I never learned any of this, and it feels like it’s too late now.” Read more about how to move toward relational wellness in today's blog post by Dr. Bill Clark. LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

lciministry.org

LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

Still time to sign-up for The Glorious Mess. This Saturday, Jan 20, at Bay Area Community Church, Annapolis, MD. More details at http://lciministry.org/event/glorious-mess-arnold-md/

The gospel doesn’t replace our story; it actually gives it even greater meaning. LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

Learning to Grow in a Season of Grief - The Lay Counselor Institute

The gospel doesn’t replace our story; it actually gives it even greater meaning. LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

lciministry.org While winter and grief may have things in common, God can use our seasons of grief to expand our view of Him and give greater meaning to our stories.

How are you feeling this winter?

In the bleak mid-winter... time for some encouragement! LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute.

myemail.constantcontact.com

What's your New Year's Resolution?

Happy New Year from LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute! We want to help you start 2018 with an opportunity to invest in yourself and your relationships. The Glorious Mess is being offered Saturday, January 20, at Bay Area Community Church (Annapolis, MD area). Read more.

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Level 1B - Glorious Mess Lab - The Lay Counselor Institute

LCI 5-week Lab Group beginning at Reston Bible Church on Tuesday, January 9, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Register today. Lab Groups are limited to 6 participants.

"I think this lab gave me a better understanding of people. I see the framework being helpful in any number of situations - specifically, the relating styles because it's helpful to understand the levers people pull to get emotional needs met."
~Recent Attendee

lciministry.org The second part of the Glorious Mess is a Lab, an experiential small group that quickly follows the Glorious Mess seminar. It involves personal sharing and intimate exercises designed to “flesh out” the content from the Glorious Mess Seminar. The Glorious Mess Lab is 5 weeks of a meaningful smal...

LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

Encouragement for enjoying a more peaceful, joy-filled, Christmas season... read on.

The FGH’s for Coping with Christmas Anxiety and Depression - The Lay Counselor Institute

Encouragement for enjoying a more peaceful, joy-filled, Christmas season... read on.

lciministry.org Sometimes the Christmas season isn't as joyful as we hope it to be. If you're suffering from Christmas anxiety, here are a few tips to help you cope.

Reason 5 to Engage: Because it matters how we treat each other - The Lay Counselor Institute

In light of recent events leading to the #MeToo response, it's more important than ever that we talk to our kids about the right ways to treat one another. LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute #MeToo

lciministry.org It matters how we treat each other. The show, 13 Reasons Why, can help parents set up discussions with their kids about appropriate ways to treat others.

[10/13/17]   Sign up today for The Glorious Mess Seminar, LCI's foundational training event. It's a full day of content, testimony, and exercises addressing the nature of man, suffering, change, conflict, need and desire, and how our stories fit into the Larger Story. Learn more about who you are and how you relate.

"I've had a lot of leadership and discipleship training, but this is something really different!" GM Alumni

The Glorious Mess features Dr. Bill Clark and other LCI leaders and is open to anyone. You don't have to be a counselor to attend.

5 Things I Learned About Myself And Attachment - The Lay Counselor Institute

Lessons from Dr. Curt Thompsons workshop, Attachment: Shame and the Embodiment of Beauty.

Last month, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Curt Thompson, local psychiatrist and author, as he spoke about different types of attachment styles. It was a wonderful and eye-opening event.

In case you missed the event, we've written this summary to give you a glimpse into this transformational workshop.

lciministry.org Five things I learned at Dr. Curt Thompson's Attachment: Shame and the Embodiment of Beauty workshop presented by The Lay Counselor Institute.

REGISTRATION FOR LEVEL 2 PRACTICUM CLOSES AT 5PM, TUESDAY, OCT 3.

http://lciministry.org/event/level-2-training-counseling-model/

If you are interested in attending this fall's 10-week session, please register before then. In the event we don't reach the minimum number of participants for this session, we will be postponing it until Spring, 2018. Don't miss out!

The Heart of Man: Our brokenness is a bridge, not a barrier - In Theaters Sept 14

"What if shame was a bridge . . . and not a barrier?" The Heart of Man
ONE NIGHT ONLY (Thursday, September 14)...Check out the trailer and consider inviting others who need encouragement to believe that God would not say He is ashamed of them.
P.S. Don't we all need this encouragement!

Follow up with "Attachment: Shame and the Embodiment of Beauty" on Saturday, Sept 16. LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute

heartofmanmovie.com The Heart of Man” is a story inviting the sons and daughters of God to leave behind our broken, moralistic and religious way of thinking and relating to God and to others.

Exciting things are happening at LCI this fall!

Check out the fall line-up of LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute training opportunities. Join us for an LCI workshop featuring Dr. Curt Thompson this Saturday, Sept 16 to learn about Attachment: Shame and the Embodiment of Beauty.

myemail.constantcontact.com

Why It's Possible To Have Healthy Attachment Styles - The Lay Counselor Institute

Healthy childhood attachments can positively influence the way we connect and relate with others. The converse is also true. Read more on LCI's recent blogpost by@Cindy Schott Hunter.

Help us to spread the resources that help people, help people. 'Share' with others by clicking the facebook, twitter and/or instagram buttons on the blog.

lciministry.org We all have attachment styles that are developed in our youngest years and that often stay with us. Here's how you can learn to have healthy attachments.

Reason #4 to Engage: You Can Model How to Judge (Without Being Judgmental) - The Lay Counselor Institute

Reason #4 for Engaging in "13 Reasons Why" is posted.

Consider how to model the awareness of life, and the openness to hear about that life that Jesus reflected, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…”

Please "Share" this resource blog using your social media buttons so that others may be encouraged to engage. Thank you!

lciministry.org 13 Reasons Why Can Help You be a Better Role Model by: Dr. Bill Clark “Artists always get there first!” – Dr. Steve Garber, author of The Fabric of Faithfulness The past few weeks we’ve walked through a series called “Reasons to Engage,” focused on the popular Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. If you’...

Attachment: Shame and the Embodiment of Beauty—featuring Dr. Curt Thompson - The Lay Counselor Institute

Save the Date (September 16)... or better yet, REGISTER TODAY for LCI: The Lay Counselor Institute fall seminar featuring Dr. Curt Thompson.

lciministry.org Are we not vessels in the Potter's hands? Can we imagine God repairing us? Can we overcome shame, experience healthy relationships, and grasp the beauty in ourselves and others despite our brokenness? Dr. Curt Thompson, local psychiatrist and author of The Anatomy of the Soul, and The Soul of Shame,...

Conversation Starters About "13 Reasons Why"

When that show gets "blamed" for fostering despair and encouraging suicide, we should pay attention–not just to the show but to the nerves, fears, hurts and stories being triggered by the show.

The Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, has done just that. It has touched a national nerve and created an opportunity for discussion. It has exposed flaws and needs, especially in the adolescent world, that kids are aware of–but lack adequate resources to handle.

How can we foster that discussion? Read more...

lciministry.org Inevitably kids who watch the show will have thoughts and opinions. So how can parents, teachers, and others engage in the conversation around it?

Reason to Engage #2: It Exposes Powerful Questions About Life - The Lay Counselor Institute

Curious what value may be in a show like "13 Reasons Why"? Dr. Clark discusses the second Reason to Engage in today's article. #13reasonswhy #suicide #hope

http://lciministry.org/reason-engage-2-exposes-powerful-questions-life/

lciministry.org Reason to Engage #2: It Exposes Powerful Questions About Life by Dr. Bill Clark The past few weeks we have been walking through a series entitled, Reasons to Engage, focused on the popular Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. (Read the series). The show captured something (the risk, the drama, the dang...

Reasons to Engage "13 Reasons Why" - The Lay Counselor Institute

Dr. Bill Clark shares his review of some of the themes the show presents/exposes. This series is his attempt to make a vehicle for meaningful dialogue and more involvement.

You can help to share this resource by simply clicking the social media buttons that appear above the post.

lciministry.org [PROLOGUE] Reasons to engage 13 Reasons Why by Dr. Bill Clark Over the next 6 weeks, we’re posting a series of blogs for the Lay Counselor Institute website discussing the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, based on the 2007 book. The show depicts the trials of a teen named Hannah, who decides to end…

What does Tim Keller say about relationships?

So why are relationships messy? Especially when it is between two, Bible-believing Christians? How can we break the cycle of messiness? Join us The Glorious Mess Seminar on Saturday, May 13. Find out more at lciministry.org

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[04/26/17]   Did you gain a helpful nugget at the LCI Lonely Together Workshop this past weekend? Learn anything that will help you help couples?
Please take a minute to share your take-away here as a comment so that others might benefit.

BFirst.in

This is a great illustration of lay counseling. Lord, give us a heart to be brave enough to get into the stream with those You place around us. #laycounseling

http://www.bfirst.in
Baby Elephant is Lia, and helped by her aunt Kery. This video was shot at Barumun Nagari Wildlife Sanctuary-Indonesia.