Graceworks: The Marriage & Family Ministry of GABC
GraceWorks is a multifaceted ministry of Green Acres Baptist Church that includes many areas of service to the body of Christ. Whether we find ourselves needing God’s mercy concerning the pain of the unresolved or unhealed in our past or we are seeking God’s grace to help us face the unknowns of the future, GraceWorks desires to walk with you toward healing and courage. All counsel concerning the past or the future is biblically based.
In order to meet the challenges of the past or future, GraceWorks offers individual, couples and family counseling. Our counselors see themselves first as ministers and second as counselors. Our methodology combines both the spiritual and clinical aspects of counseling.
We hope that you will take a few minutes to explore the GraceWorks menu. We ask that you read more about our areas of ministry, get to know our staff and learn how to set up an appointment with one of our counselors. We are here to serve the body of Christ at Green Acres and Smith County. We look forward to ministering to you.
903-533-1817
graceworks@mail.gabc.org
Counseling
GraceWorks provides confidential counseling for individual adults, couples, teens, and families. Life situations can be difficult, and the assistance of a trained counselor may provide the objective view that can help pave the way back to God’s will and direction. Long term needs are referred to other qualified professionals in our area. Appointments may be made by calling 903-533-1817.
In order to be more effective and efficient in our counseling, each person will be asked to fill out a Counseling Intake Form. This form can be filled out after you come in or you can send us the information through the online Counseling Intake Form. Please fill out the form and click the Submit button. Your information will be handled with complete confidentiality.
You may also read through our Confidentiality Agreement online. When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to sign this document and our Professional Assistant will witness it and provide a copy for your records.
Cost: $20 for Green Acres Members; $40 for Non-Members. Each person on our Staff has the authority to waive cost for anyone who needs help but cannot pay.
Informed Consent Agreement
Counseling Request Form
Celebrate Recovery
A Christ-centered, biblically-based 12-step approach to gaining victory over life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Depression, divorce, harmful habits, past hurts, and addictions – all are addressed in a caring and accepting atmosphere. With over 150 in regular attendance, Celebrate Recovery meets every Monday night from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Student Center. A fellowship meal is offered at 6:00 p.m. Marty Kennedy is the Director of Celebrate Recovery. Participants may join at any time. For more information email help@celebraterecoverygabc.com. Or find us online at www.celebraterecoverygabc.com.
Marriage Enrichment Seminars
Two 10-week seminars
These Marriage Enrichment Seminars are completely FREE. We partner with the “Twogether in Texas” state program which focuses upon building healthy marriages. Upon completion of your seminar, each couple will receive a certificate that enables them to receive their Marriage License free of state fees and be able to receive free additional financial counseling through the Twogether In Texas program. You can register by calling GraceWorks at 903/533-1817. For more information check the Marriage FAQ below.
Nearly & Newly Weds Seminar
Through experience and insight, couples will be taught the foundational truths concerning how to build and maintain a strong marriage. Participating couples learn about communication skills, conflict resolution, financial management, decision making, role responsibilities, sexual intimacy, and healthy boundaries concerning both parents and in-laws. The Nearly & Newly Wed Seminar is led Ken Brumley.
Session Titles and Focus
Happily Even After
This seminar is for second marriages. Second Marriages become successful when approached with the right attitude, the right tools and the right plan. You cannot make the past better, but you can have a future that you never dreamed of. This seminar mirrors much of the Nearly & Newly Wed seminar but from a different perspective. Happily Even After also deals with the blending of families, step-parenting and dealing with the Ex-spouse. This seminar is taught by Andrew and Gina Tucker.
Session Titles and Focus
Private Pre-Marriage Counseling Available
If you as a couple prefer private pre-marriage counseling, it is available at a cost of $150. This includes seven counseling sessions, and a compatibility evaluation called Prepare and Enrich. This online evaluation gives you insight into both your strengths and weaknesses as a couple.
Other Support Group Ministries
C.A.R.E. (Christ-centered Abortion Recovery of East Texas)
The post-abortion ministry used by area church's in East Texas. Their mission statement is: Restoring lives that have been wounded by abortion. Abortion HURTS everyone! C.A.R.E. offers ongoing support for ladies and men who are contemplating or that have experienced abortion. Please contact GraceWorks at 903-533-1817 for information. All calls and inquiries are completely confidential.
Humble Hearts Ministry
HHM is an organized group of ladies whose goal is to share the hope and healing found in Christ with displaced Tyler area girls. Volunteers are needed to participate in group activities with the girls once or twice a month on Saturday afternoons for two hours. Activities include outings such as bowling, putt-putt, helping to teach the girls sewing, piano and other skills. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful group of volunteer ladies, please contact Lisa Ferguson at 903-245-0070,
lisap411@nctv.com.
Marriage Seminar FAQ
Can I come to the Nearly/Newly Weds Class if I'm not a GABC member?
Each seminar is an equal mixture of couples from all over Smith County. Membership is not required or asked of you in any way. Many couples who are members of other churches come to the seminar at 9:45 and then return to their own worship service. Of course, you are more than welcome to join us for worship here at Green Acres if you wish.
When do these classes meet?
Fall sessions begin in September, Spring sessions begin in March. Beginning dates can be confirmed by calling GraceWorks office.
Who is the Nearly/Newly Weds Class for?
This class is geared toward young adults engaged or married less than two years. The typical ages of the couples are 20s and 30s.
Who is the Happily “Even” After Class for?
This class is designed for couples who are preparing for or who have recently entered a second marriage.
Do I need to register for the classes?
Registration does help us prepare for room size and materials. Registration is NOT REQUIRED.
What if we desire counseling outside the classes?
GABC offers marriage and family counseling. Please call 903-533-1817 for more information.
Where is the Marriage & Family office located?
We are located on the second floor of the Xerox Building at 2737 S. Broadway, Suite 206.
What is In-Law/Out-Law Day?
This is a special session set aside for couples to invite their parents. In this informal sit-down brunch parents and couples will learn about the need for setting healthy boundaries on both sides.
What if we miss one of the sessions?
Each session will be recorded and placed on our website. You will also have access to the printed material at the same site.
GraceWorks Staff
Ken Brumley
Marriage & Family Minister
Ken Brumley is the GraceWorks Pastor. He has served Green Acres for over 25 years. He has provided pastoral and marriage and family counseling since he arrived in 1985. Ken has a Masters Degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary with focus on Education and Marriage and Family Counseling. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Lee Poe
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lee Poe has served churches on staff and as Pastor for over 25 years. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Lee maintains membership in the American Association of Christian Counselors and Texas Christian Counselors Association.
Jane Simmons
LPC, LSOTP
Jane joined the GraceWorks ministry staff September, 2011. She is a graduate of Columbia International University of South Carolina with a major in Biblical Studies. Jane finished her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology at UTT in 2009 and then received her Licensed Professional Counseling license in 2011. Jane is also the wife of a pastor, a mother of 6 and a grandmother. Her main focus will be upon Marriage and Family counseling. Jane adds much to the GraceWorks Staff by also being a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider.
