In 2025, New Life Counseling (NLC), a ministry of ABCS, expanded its range of workshops across Arizona. This year brought more opportunities to enter churches, community spaces and events to deliver workshops that equip individuals and strengthen ministries. These gatherings highlighted how NLC combines Biblical truth with professional counseling tools in practical, accessible ways.
Throughout the year, NLC hosted nine workshops and seminars, reaching nearly 125 individuals across the state, from Tucson to Eagar and Overgaard. Each workshop created space for honest conversation, learning and connection. Rather than one-size-fits-all presentations, these workshops were tailored to the specific needs of the hosting church or organization, making them especially relevant and impactful.
Fostering Connection
The topics covered reflect some of the most pressing needs seen both in private counseling sessions and in the broader community. Workshops focused on anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress management, conflict resolution and the Church’s response to sexual trauma and abuse. These subjects resonated with attendees because they address everyday struggles that many individuals and families face but often do not discuss openly. By bringing these topics into a group setting, NLC helped normalize conversations around mental health while offering practical tools grounded in faith.
One of the most impactful workshops that took place was in Sun Lakes, where Statewide Director of Counseling, Scott Valentine, spoke to a group of seniors on the topic of loneliness. The subject immediately connected with those in attendance, many of whom had experienced the loss of a spouse. What began as a more structured presentation quickly became an open and honest group discussion. Participants shared their own experiences, creating a sense of community and understanding that extended beyond the workshop itself. Together, the group explored both the emotional realities of loneliness and simple, practical ways to reconnect with others, including approachable uses of technology. The workshop became a space where silent struggles were brought into the open which allowed for hope and connection to begin to take root.
A Customized Approach
Churches and organizations that hosted workshops in 2025 experienced clear benefits. The goal of these gatherings is to provide valuable and helpful information that is customized to meet the specific needs of their group. Whether designed as a short talk following a luncheon, a half-day training or a full weekend seminar, each event is created with intention and care. This flexibility allows churches to address real challenges within their congregations while equipping leaders and members with tools they can continue using long after the workshop ends. It has been a blessing to partner with churches who are recognizing the importance of engaging in mental health conversations and choose to collaborate with our ministry as a trusted partner to lead these discussions.
New Life Counseling workshops share the same quality and consistency that define our counseling services. Counselors across Arizona continue to see strong engagement, with many clients returning even after long periods away. This trust carries into the workshop setting, where participants often feel more comfortable engaging because of the reputation NLC has built.
God opened many doors for healing to take place through workshops in 2025. By meeting people where they are and addressing real needs with both compassion and expertise, NLC continues to help churches and communities across Arizona move toward healing, connection and hope.