By Nick Howard, Psy.D.

As the founder and leader of our practice, I want to begin with expressing my genuine respect and appreciation for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Candidly, some of the godliest, most loving people I know are Seventh-day Adventists. And, through God’s providence, I have undeniably been blessed and inspired through the privilege of serving various elements of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 20 years now.

I began my journey working with Seventh-day Adventists through my work with the Florida Conference in 2005. At the invitation of President Mike Cauley, I led a coaching skills training program for his senior leaders who had a deep passion for strengthening their discipleship endeavors. As that went so well, President Ed Wright and a fellow colleague from the Georgia Cumberland Conference were invited to join us in Florida in 2006. In 2007 the same training was conducted in Georgia Cumberland as well. 

By God’s grace, my work with those two conferences in a training and/or coaching capacity has been continuous since I began working with them. Since then, I have also taught the coaching skills training or godly self-care training programs in various forms for a host of conferences and other entities, including the Rocky Mountain Conference, Alberta Conference, and universities such as Southern Adventist University, Andrews University, and Union Adventist University. I've also had the privilege of working with the Advent Health System, the Mid-America Union, the North American Division and the General Conference in a coaching or training capacity.

While my staff and I continue to enjoy and treasure our leadership development endeavors, since Covid 19, the opportunity to provide telehealth therapy services to pastors, other Adventist leaders, or lay people referred by Adventist leaders, has grown tremendously. Further, God has undeniably been bringing Seventh-day Adventist therapists onto my team. At this point, four of the six therapists on our team are Seventh-day Adventists.

As I have prayed and reflected on God's providential work in my career, it is increasingly clear that God is inviting me to focus more and more of our endeavors, whether that is coaching, leadership development, or counseling, towards helping Adventists heal, grow and flourish in more and more significant ways.

My team and I are really excited about the future. We are excited about serving more Seventh-day Adventists, as so many care so deeply about the Gospel, live sacrificially in so many ways, and long to prepare people for the return of Christ. We also know that despite the best intentions, Adventists, just like anyone else, live in a broken world, and can suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. We long to help every Adventist who comes our way experience healing and transformation as we cooperate with the love and grace of God.

In conclusion, let me reassure you that each member of our team also has a genuine appreciation and respect for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and a fundamental understanding of the history, beliefs, and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Our humble prayer is that we might play a supportive role in helping Seventh-day Adventist believers live out their lives and callings in ways that brings greater glory to the Lord, and helps the Seventh-day Adventist church be a more radiant church (Eph. 5:27, NIV, 1984), prepared for the coming return of Christ.

Sincerely,

Nick Howard and the Restoration Christian Counseling Team

Kind Words from Adventist Leaders

“The training and coaching work with Nick Howard in our conference over the past several years has truly raised our performance as leaders, strengthened our sense of community, and deepened our commitment to a shared vision. Nick has gone out of his way to understand our culture and call us toward our highest values. Investing in leadership development through Nick Howard has been undeniably worthwhile.”

Ed Wright, Former President

Georgia Cumberland Conference, Seventh-day Adventists, Calhoun, GA

“Working with Nick Howard has brought unexpected benefits. I have reconnected with my personal leadership style, and have really appreciated Nick’s insights on leadership and spiritual development. The work has been rewarding and an excellent investment.”

Dave Crane, Former Regional CEO

Advent Health, Chicago, IL

“I was a successful, experienced vice president with 10 years of executive leadership behind me, but I thought I’d try it [one-on-one executive coaching]. And it changed my life, literally, in so many ways. I found I welcomed the chance to discuss difficult issues with a professional skilled in organizational management. Over time, the coaching became a gift that renewed my commitment to lead well. I became more powerfully equipped to navigate challenges constructively and build meaningful relationships with each student, employee, and parent I served. But the biggest transformation was the result of Nick’s biblically-based approach to leadership. He encourages leaders to get close to God, to pray over issues, to read the Bible daily, and to listen to the Spirit.”

Vinita Sauder, PhD, MBA, Former President

Union Adventist University, Lincoln Nebraska

“I was surprised by the benefits that I received by entering into a coaching relationship with Nick Howard. I have grown as a leader in ways that I did not imagine. My skills as a leader have been increased and I have acquired a more fulfilling approach to life as a whole. Dr. Howard is a uniquely gifted Christian leadership coach who will serve you remarkably well.”

Mike Cauley, D.Min., Former President Florida Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, Winter Park, FL