Frequently Asked Quesitons

ABOUT BIBLICAL COUNSELING

Is Scripture really sufficient to address what I'm going through?

This is the most common question we hear, and it deserves a direct answer. Yes. We believe the Bible is fully sufficient to address every matter of the human soul, not as a collection of inspirational quotes, but as the living and active Word of God that speaks to the root of human suffering: sin, broken relationship with God, and the need for reconciliation and transformation.

Every counselor, regardless of their method or credential, is ultimately in the business of soul care. The difference is the remedy. We believe God has provided every remedy needed to bind those wounds, and He has provided it through His Word. That is not a claim we make lightly. It is a conviction we hold with our whole ministry.

Isn't biblical counseling just someone quoting Bible verses at me?

No. Biblical counseling is a structured, relational process. We listen carefully, we ask hard questions, we take your story seriously, and we walk with you through the work of change. Scripture is not a script we read at you. It is the lens through which we understand your situation and the source from which we draw every answer we offer.

Is biblical counseling only for Christians?

No. We work with anyone who is willing to engage honestly. If you are not yet a Christian but are asking sincere questions and being drawn toward God, you are welcome here. We will give you honest, biblically grounded answers, not easy ones.

What is the difference between biblical counseling and Christian therapy?

Christian therapy typically integrates psychological theory with Christian belief, treating Scripture as a spiritual supplement to clinical methods. Biblical counseling holds that Scripture alone is sufficient to address the full range of human struggle. We do not blend God's Word with secular frameworks. We trust it to stand on its own.

ABOUT MARK AND THE MINISTRY

What are your qualifications?

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, is a Commissioned Addictions Biblical Counselor through The Addiction Connection, and is currently completing a Master of Divinity in seminary. His psychology background gives him a thorough understanding of the methods and assumptions of the therapeutic world. He does not employ them. That is not a gap in his training. It is a conviction grounded in the belief that God's Word is sufficient where those methods are not. He brings not only formal training but decades of lived experience walking through and out of life-dominating sin, divorce, and forty years of searching for truth in the wrong places. His qualifications are both academic and deeply personal.

Are you a licensed therapist or medical doctor?

No. Mark is not a licensed therapist with the State of Oklahoma and is not a medical doctor. Biblical counseling is a distinct discipline from licensed clinical therapy, and we want to be fully transparent about that distinction. If you have questions about medication or medical care, we will always encourage you to work with your Primary Care Physician. We are willing and glad to work alongside anyone, whatever decisions they reach with their doctor.

ABOUT THE PROCESS

What is the Personal Data Inventory?

The Personal Data Inventory (PDI) is a structured intake form you will complete before your first session. It helps us understand your background, your history, your struggles, and where you are spiritually. It is not a test. It simply allows us to come prepared to serve you well from the very first conversation.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is about your story. We want to know who you are, what you are carrying, and what is hindering you from full reconciliation with God. We listen before we counsel. Our goal is that you leave that first session with something you may not have walked in with: hope.

How long does counseling last?

There is no fixed number of sessions. We walk with people as long as it is helpful and as long as they are willing to do the work. Progress is the goal, not a timeline.

Is there a cost?

There is no set fee for our services. We accept donations and are grateful for them, but we will never allow finances to be a barrier for someone who needs biblical counsel. Reach out regardless of your situation.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. Everything shared in a counseling session is held in strict confidence with one important exception: mandatory reporting. Oklahoma law requires that all persons report credible disclosures of child abuse or neglect, vulnerable adult abuse, and certain other situations to the appropriate authorities. This is not a choice we make. It is a legal and moral obligation. For a full list of Oklahoma's mandatory reporting requirements, click here.

Where are sessions held?

All sessions are in person in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are not a crisis hotline, but we understand that hard moments do not wait for scheduled appointments. If something urgent comes up between sessions, reach out and we will do our best to be available.

ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP

Who is discipleship for?

Anyone. We disciple adult Christians at every stage of life, from new believers finding their footing to mature believers who want to go deeper. We also welcome those who are not yet Christians but are being drawn toward God and have honest, hard questions.

What does discipleship look like practically?

Discipleship at Obey & Abide is one-on-one or in a small group, always in person, and always relational. You can expect theological education grounded in Scripture and the historic creeds, confessions, and catechisms of the faith, reading and reflection assignments, honest conversation, and a consistent pointer back to your local church.

What theological tradition does Obey & Abide come from?

We are Reformed and confessional, with deep roots in historical Christianity and an evangelical emphasis. Our focus is on the four pillars that unite Christians: God, man, Christ, and salvation. We leave secondary issues such as baptism, church polity, and eschatology to your local church, where they belong. Our ministry majors on what unites, not what divides.

ABOUT THE LOCAL CHURCH

Why do you emphasize the local church so strongly?

Because Scripture does. The local church is God's primary instrument for the discipleship, care, and growth of His people. We believe that lasting transformation does not happen in isolation. It happens in the context of faithful preaching, community, accountability, and the ongoing ministry of a pastor who knows you. Biblical counseling and discipleship are meant to serve the church, not replace it.

What if I am not connected to a local church?

We will help you find one. That is not a footnote for us. It is part of what it means to serve you well. We are happy to help anyone find a healthy, Bible-believing church in the Tulsa area or beyond.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

We would rather talk than leave you guessing. Reach out using our Contact page, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.