JESUS AS OUR COUNSELOR

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder.  And He will be
called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). God incarnate,
Jesus was the perfect counselor.  With every person that Christ came into contact with, he was able to
perfectly recognize their need and address it flawlessly.  Having perfect knowledge, He recognized the need to
address all aspects of the human condition.  When He ministered to people, He ministered to the physical,
emotional, and the spiritual needs of the person.

To Nicodemus, Jesus said that he must not rely upon his religious position or trappings, but get to the root of
his spiritual need. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"
(John 3:3).  Nicodemus did not understand his real need, and Jesus revealed it to him.

To the woman He met at Sychar's well, Jesus administered shocking counsel when He said, ". . . for you have
had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly" (John 4:18).
She realized that she was being confronted by the One who knew all about her. He had graciously and tactfully
led her to this point in the conversation. Nevertheless, it was a jarring revelation to her that she must repent of
her sin and forsake it. She needed to change...setting her course in a new direction.

To the man who wanted Jesus to be the arbiter in his financial affairs, He spoke plainly by precept and by
parable that the focus of his life was all wrong: " Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does
not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

To the adulterous woman, Jesus was gentle and courteous. He knew the conditions that had brought about her
sinful lifestyle. Nevertheless, His word to her was clear-cut and distinct: ". . . go, sin no more" (John 8:11).

JESUS AS OUR EXAMPLE

Jesus, as our example, dealt with each individual on the basis of that person's need. But in each case, the goal
of the counsel was the same: something must change. Sometimes it was a change of attitude that was needed,
sometimes a change  of direction of the life, sometimes a call to faith or an enlargement of faith already present
in imperfect form.  But always, it was change!

Christ, as our example, modeled that behavior for us. Jesus understood the value of meeting people’s needs.  
He not only met their needs spiritually, but emotionally and physically as well. One of the main things Jesus
modeled was compassion. He cares for His people. He was compassionate then and He is still compassionate
today. Jesus saw and met the needs of people.  

OUR MINISTRY

Still Waters Ministries provides Christian-based, clinically sound counseling to individuals, couples and families
so that people experience life change in heart, mind, and spirit. We operate from a Christian viewpoint and
recognize that we are all spiritual beings who were created to be in a relationship with God. We strive to
provide an integrated blend of Client-Centered Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, within the context
of the Christian system of beliefs, values and philosophy.

Our primary focus is upon the therapeutic relationship, which is both collaborative and goal-oriented.  We then
direct our attention upon the thoughts, beliefs, assumptions and behaviors of the individual in light of Christian
values and beliefs.  The goal is for a person to develop Biblical perspectives and behaviors that are both
realistic and rational, and to make healthier behavioral choices, as well as to feel relief from negative emotional
states that are consistent with the Bible.

OUR BIBLICAL VALUES

• Jesus Christ—and His revelation in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible—is the preeminent model for
Still Waters Ministries counseling practice, ethics, and care giving activities.

• Still Waters Ministries maintains a committed, intimate, and dedicated relationship with the local body of
believers of Conestoga Mennonite Church.

• At its best, Still Waters Ministries is a Spirit-led process of change and growth to help you think, feel, and act
in a manner that will enhance the quality of your life.

• Still Waters Ministries is dedicated to Jesus Christ as their ‘first love,’ to excellence in client service, to ethical
integrity in practice, and to respect for everyone encountered.

• Still Waters Ministries accord the highest respect to the Biblical revelation regarding the defense of human
life, the dignity of all people, and the sanctity of marriage and family life.

• Still Waters Ministries is mindful of our representation of Christ and His church and are dedicated to honor
our commitments and obligations in all social and professional relationships.

OUR BELIEFS

We believe that God is Sovereign, Creator, Personal, Self-existent, Tri-unity, Holy; Good; Infinite; Unchanging;
All-Knowing; All- Powerful; Everywhere-Present.  (Genesis 1:1 /1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19-20; John
4:24 /10:30; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate; born of a virgin; our substitute; bodily resurrected; sole
Mediator between us and God; returning again.  (John 1:1-14; Romans 3:23-25; Acts 2:24-27; 1 Timothy 2:5;
Titus 2:13)

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who Regenerates, Indwells, and Seals all
believers at the time of conversion, and Fills and gives Spiritual Gifts to all believers who are yielded to God.  
(Matthew 28:19; John 2:3-7; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2;12/ 6:19/ 12:7-13; Ephesians 4:30)

We believe that the Bible is the inspired of God; Inerrant and Infallible, the Final Standard of faith and practice
for the believer.   (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

We believe that Mankind has been created in the Image of God, sinned in Adam and is now a Sinner by Nature
and Choice; maintains the Essence of God's Image even in his fallen state, Grows and Develops, will face
Judgment one day.   (Genesis 1:26-27 /3:16; Romans 3:10-18 / 5:12-14; James 3:9; Luke 2:52)

We believe that Salvation is by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ; apart from Merit, Works, or Ceremonies.    
(Acts 4:12/16:31, Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 8:35-39)

We believe that the Evangelism & Mission is at the heart of God; the Purpose for all believers; integral and
indispensable to our growth and discipleship as followers of Christ.   (Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, Mark 1:17, 2
Corinthians 5:11-20)

OUR PRACTICES

We point people to a person, Christ, and not a program.

We emphasize the primacy of the heart, because all human behavior arise from this worship core, either
disordered or rightly ordered.

We promote personal change within God’s community—the church.

We use Scripture with a full commitment to its authority and sufficiency.

We recognize that people are physically-embodied by God’s design. Working together, the heart, soul, mind
and body influence our thoughts and behaviors. Therefore we maintain a balanced focus and the individual’s
physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

We seek to enter into a person’s story, listening well, expressing thoughtful love.

We recognize that change is sometimes slow and hard. Jesus makes no promises of quick fixes. He abides in
us as we abide in him. He gives grace to walk a long obedience in the same direction, learning wisdom.
Meet Our Staff
Jill Waters
Sam Waters
Sam Waters is the founder and executive director of Still Waters Ministries,
a no-cost counseling agency serving the Berks, Chester and Lancaster
Counties.  He is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia with a
Master's degree in Counseling and Personnel Services and an Bachelor's
degree in Vocational Rehabilitation.

Sam brings with him nearly
twelve years of private counseling experience
working with individuals, couples, children, and teens.  He also serves as an
elder and deaf interpreter for Conestoga Mennonite Church.

Sam lives with his wife, Jill, in Morgantown, Pa.   They have 4 grown
children and 6 grandchildren. In recent years, photography has become a
meaningful and worshipful expression of Sam's creative side.
Staff
Jill Waters received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Asbury University with a
double major in speech pathology and musical arts with minor studies in
psychology, sociology, philosophy and family counseling.  She continued her studies
for one year and received certification in Pastoral Counseling.
Jill and Sam teach Child Protection classes for Conestoga Mennonite Church and
have offered grief and caregiver support groups.

Jill studied classical piano for over 10 years, privately and at Interlochen
International Center for the Arts.  Her entire adult life, she taught music in
Mennonite schools and as a private instructor.  Jill also owns and runs a business.

Jill teaches women's classes and has spoken at retreats for over 20 years.

Most of her time these days is being spent counseling women, many of them from
abusive relationships.  Jill's background brings a unique approach, both clinical
and personal, to her clients.

She is a mother and grandmother.
Our Beliefs, Doctrines, Values and Practice
LINKS
Pam Hopkins holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Biblical Theological
Seminary in Hatfield, PA. She joined the Still Waters Counseling Ministry as
an Intern. Her areas of interest are childhood trauma, domestic trauma, and
women’s issues. Pam is a member of the American Counseling Association
and adheres to their code of ethics.

Pam and her husband, Ken, have been married for 31 years. They have 6
children and 9 grandchildren. Pam also enjoys cooking, entertaining, and
gardening.
Pam Hopkins

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Amy Stoltzfus holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
from Shippensburg University. She is certified through The National
Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC} and a member of American
Counseling Association. She has experience counseling in the areas of
addiction, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders as well as victims
of abuse. She has also worked with adolescents. She has interest and some
expertise working with Eating Disorders and is also interested in the
affects of nutrition and exercise on mental well-being.

Amy and her husband have two children. She enjoys spending time with
her family, traveling, running, weightlifting, cooking, and reading.
Amy Stoltzfus