Bruce Goldsmith, MDiv, M.A.R. - Spiritual and Marital Coach
First Session Free - Immediate Availability - Online Only
Teens, Adults, Couples Coaching, Pastors
Specialties
Marriage Struggles, Family Issues, Ministry Related Stressors, Burnout, Pastor Families, Church Issues, and Death/Dying
Fee
First Session Free - $70 per 50 minute session after
Schedule
Monday-Thursday 2pm-5pm
“I went to Bruce while experiencing some serious depression after a traumatic event in my family. With his help, wisdom, and compassion I was able to process through everything. Through his gentle demeanor, he provided a warm and welcoming environment. It was also helpful to have someone outside of my church circle who understands and can relate to my role in ministry. I cannot express my gratitude for his friendship and pastoral coaching in my time of need. Without my time with him, I would not be the husband, father and pastor that I am today.”
Background
Bruce earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology and then a Masters in Religion with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminar. In 2014 he completed a Masters in Divinity from Liberty as well. During that time Bruce was both an associate pastor of a local church and senior pastor for a total of 25 years.
Bruce resonates with this verse in regards to spiritual coaching “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
*Bruce is not a professionally licensed counselor. He does not work with clients with a mental health diagnosis.*
AN interview with pastor bruce
1.) Why do you like working with marriages? What success have you seen?
Working with marriages is my greatest joy. I say that because marriage and family is the first institution God created. The family is dear to His heart. I have worked with many couples over the years. I have seen couple’s that are not talking to each other and won’t even look at each other. But over time, I have watched them learn to love each other again. I once had a man purposefully come to my office just to thank me for helping him restore his marriage. I once worked with a couple in their seventies who had many years of turmoil. But after several years, they are still together and functioning well.
2. What is The top piece of advice you'd give to a Pastor experiencing burnout?
The top piece of advice I would give a pastor experiencing burnout is to first, get rest. The second and most important would be to allow God to handle everything that they are not capable of handling. The church is not the pastor’s bride, but Christ’s. Therefore, it is imperative that the pastor learn to let Christ have His way with people. The pastor is to do his best in pointing people to Christ with the truth of God’s Word and then letting God do the work. The pastor must learn not to take everything to heart as if it is personal but to always remember he is in a spiritual battle for the souls of men and women. Of which, only Jesus can save and bring peace to.
3. What is advice you'd give to THOSE IN MINISTRY Raising kids in the church?
For a pastor who is raising kids in the church I would say, there are a few things to remember. 1st – Don’t assume your children will just get it (Jesus and salvation) because they are in the church all the time. You must spend your life leading them to Jesus as if they never hear anything about Him in church. Don’t assume anything spiritually for your kids. Keep pumping Jesus and His love into them. 2nd – Spend time purposefully doing devotions with your family and your kids even if they don’t want to. 3rd – Pray, pray, pray for your children. 4th – Remember your family is your priority over the church and just under Jesus. That means if there are issues that need to be dealt with, your family always comes first before the church, within reason, but always first after Jesus. 5th- Take time to be with each of your children individually. Make a time during the week or sometime during the year where you individually go somewhere or do something just for that child. 6th – never let the others pick on or fight with each other. They have the world that will do that. Teach them to be a unit and to truly love each other. 7th – Don’t be afraid to let your kids be kids. The church may want to see a certain type of child from their pastor, but as long as the child loves you and loves others, let them be who they are and who they were made to be. Don’t apologize for it. 8th - Pray, Pray, Pray for your children.
Family
Bruce has been married for 37 years and has five grown children, including four sons and one daughter.
In his free time, Bruce enjoys CrossFit, working on small motors and boat restorations.