Turn Intention Into Action
As former missionaries with Cru, both Mike Sense (founder of GCN) and I personally experienced the isolation and mental health struggles many missionaries endured in the field. Depression, anxiety, unresolved trauma, and relational conflicts were compounded by the lack of a safe space to process these issues. Historically, missionaries had few options for care, often limited to organizational leaders, which rarely felt like a safe or confidential option. We knew there had to be a better way to support these front-line staffers and ensure they could continue their calling without burning out and leaving the field.
This is how GCN’s vision of providing accessible, confidential, and professional counseling was born. We aimed to create a trusted environment where missionaries could regularly receive the support they needed without fear of judgment or repercussion. We wanted them to feel safe enough to share their struggles and work through their challenges with the guidance of a trained counselor who understood their unique needs and calling.
We also believed in the power of Integrated Counseling – the marriage of clinical expertise and a thoughtful understanding of the biblical narrative, creating a caring and supportive environment for all clients, regardless of what they brought into the counseling room. This gentle balance still informs all we do and provides a consistent, caring, healing experience that helps our clients heal.
Over time, GCN began to serve campus ministers, ministry leaders, pastors, professionals, non-professionals, and believers of many faiths or none at all, especially those in rural areas or smaller towns where resources were scarce. Many clients needed counseling but felt unable to seek local support because of the fear of being ‘found out’. GCN became a valuable resource, offering a confidential and trustworthy place to receive support. I am continually amazed by how the Lord has worked in and through Global Counseling Network (GCN) over the past ten years.
The journey of GCN began in 2015 when the Lord placed a vision on our hearts to serve missionaries in need.
Today we have over 100 gifted, and trained counselors who are passionate about bringing healing to those suffering from mental health challenges, relational struggles, trauma, and personal difficulties. Perhaps you’ve experienced this yourself - if so, we’d love to hear about it. Or perhaps you know someone who should. As we look to the future, we hope and pray that GCN will continue to be a place of refuge and healing for those in need.
We are excited to see what the next chapter holds and trust that God will continue to guide us as we serve His people. For more information about GCN go to www.globalcounselingnetwork.com
