How the Ministry Began
Living Oaks Restoration and Discipleship Ministry
We selected the name, Living Oaks Restoration and Discipleship Ministry (Living Oaks), to be an expression of our values and what we see our role to be in the body of Christ. "Oaks" is a reference toward Isaiah 61, which details what we believe God can do through our ministry.
In the context of Living Oaks, "restoration" means to give people the encouragement and tools they need to become and do everything Father God originally intended for them when He created them. "Discipleship" means to model and teach Jesus followers the truths they must know in their heads and their hearts in order to become strong, mature, healthy humans who are salt and light in this world. (See Matthew 28, Ephesians 4 and Matthew 5.)
To these ends, we have developed an entire curriculum that includes teaching slides and a teacher guide, a detailed Participant Workbook, a Prayer Encounter workbook that includes constructed prayers to use regarding specific themes and topics and an Encourager Guide. We have used this curriculum in one-on-one settings as well as group settings. The processes are easily learned.
In the context of Living Oaks, "restoration" means to give people the encouragement and tools they need to become and do everything Father God originally intended for them when He created them. "Discipleship" means to model and teach Jesus followers the truths they must know in their heads and their hearts in order to become strong, mature, healthy humans who are salt and light in this world. (See Matthew 28, Ephesians 4 and Matthew 5.)
To these ends, we have developed an entire curriculum that includes teaching slides and a teacher guide, a detailed Participant Workbook, a Prayer Encounter workbook that includes constructed prayers to use regarding specific themes and topics and an Encourager Guide. We have used this curriculum in one-on-one settings as well as group settings. The processes are easily learned.
"He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory."
-Isaiah 61:3b-4
Our History
Our ministry began in the late 90's in response to Valerie's concern to see Christian believers free, growing, eager and able to serve the Lord Jesus. She began seeking and knocking, praying and studying in regard to her concern. While continuing the seeking process, we began using Neil T. Anderson's Freedom In Christ material with people. Then, one morning Valerie awakened with images of computer teaching slides rolling across her imagination. Although she had never done such a thing before, she sat down at her computer and built the slides. By the end of the day she had created the first class with over 40 slides. Over a year, the number of slides grew to over a thousand and our ministry curriculum was born. Although, it wasn't until the early 2000's that Valerie wrote the Participant Workbook.
The curriculum became a process of teaching and praying through particular issues. That process has been used with many groups and individuals who have a person walking with them through it. Those who have committed to it, have grown in Christ, been set free and been deeply blessed through the process!
The entire curriculum and process has been in constant growth and change since its inception. In addition to using the ministry curriculum as a whole, we intend to publish and use various parts of it in different ways for broader access and use. Through the years, we have used samples of the teaching in classes, retreats, workshops, in person and online, one-on-one and in groups.
Jim went back to school to get his Doctorate in Psychology specifically so that he could research the effects and benefits of the forgiveness portion of the process that we developed. His formal study affirmed and broadened our understanding of the value of this process.
This brings us up to the present. We have great hope in Christ for the future and how He will use what He has done in and through us to make strong, healthy, vibrant disciples of Jesus Christ for the sake of His Kingdom.
The curriculum became a process of teaching and praying through particular issues. That process has been used with many groups and individuals who have a person walking with them through it. Those who have committed to it, have grown in Christ, been set free and been deeply blessed through the process!
The entire curriculum and process has been in constant growth and change since its inception. In addition to using the ministry curriculum as a whole, we intend to publish and use various parts of it in different ways for broader access and use. Through the years, we have used samples of the teaching in classes, retreats, workshops, in person and online, one-on-one and in groups.
Jim went back to school to get his Doctorate in Psychology specifically so that he could research the effects and benefits of the forgiveness portion of the process that we developed. His formal study affirmed and broadened our understanding of the value of this process.
This brings us up to the present. We have great hope in Christ for the future and how He will use what He has done in and through us to make strong, healthy, vibrant disciples of Jesus Christ for the sake of His Kingdom.
Founders
Jim and Valerie met at Northwest Christian College (now University). Valerie likes to say that they have had three lives together (so far). During their first life they married, had three children, schooled and pastored for a total of 18 years. During their second life, they finished raising their children while Jim served as an Army Chaplain and continued his education and Valerie worked and also served in an international women's ministry for women associated with the military. She also began developing Living Oaks Ministry (originally called LIFE Ministry.)
In 2005, when Jim retired from the Army after 20 years of service, they began their third life together. During this life they established Paraclaysis, Inc., a non-profit, umbrella organization that provides professional counseling and the Living Oaks Restoration and Discipleship Ministry.
Jim has continued his education, receiving his PsyD in the Spring of 2016. Valerie teaches, writes, and ministers one-on-one to individuals. Together, they enjoy their children and grandchildren at every opportunity and actively participate in their local congregation.
In 2005, when Jim retired from the Army after 20 years of service, they began their third life together. During this life they established Paraclaysis, Inc., a non-profit, umbrella organization that provides professional counseling and the Living Oaks Restoration and Discipleship Ministry.
Jim has continued his education, receiving his PsyD in the Spring of 2016. Valerie teaches, writes, and ministers one-on-one to individuals. Together, they enjoy their children and grandchildren at every opportunity and actively participate in their local congregation.
Paraclaysis, Inc.
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Paraclaysis, Inc. is a Colorado based non-profit corporation established in September of 2003 by Jim and Valerie Bixler and operated under a Board of Directors. Paraclaysis, Inc. is the umbrella organization for Paraclaysis Counseling services AND Living Oaks Restoration and Discipleship Ministry.
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Mission: "Encouraging people to live life to the fullest in sound and whole relationships. |
Paraclaysis Counseling Services
Paraclaysis Counseling Services offers professional counseling for couples, families and individual adults and children ages seven and up. We also counsel individuals who have experienced traumatic events. We offer counseling at sliding scale fees, based on a person's ability to pay.
For more information, visit our website or call (719) 210-9744.
To make a counseling appointment, tap or click the button below.
For more information, visit our website or call (719) 210-9744.
To make a counseling appointment, tap or click the button below.