In July 2001, the Renaissance Christian Counseling Center opened its doors at 135 Winters Lane. The home, which was a few yards away from the Church’s Winters Lane location, had been specifically renovated to house this new ministry initiative.

The Center was the vision of our First Lady, Dr. Carla J. Debnam, who wanted to combine her mental and emotional health training/education with the principals of faith. Pastoral Counseling was not new, but the concept of counseling in the African-American church was – for decades the practice was a belief that the Lord would “work it out.” Morning Star never doubted that He (The Lord) would, or that He was able to, but according to Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, many persons were dealing with issues that needed more than one appointment with the pastor. And, Pastor’s needed to acknowledge that some of the issues that came across their desks were beyond theirs area of expertise. The Lord had positioned persons in the discipline of Pastoral Counseling who could professionally address the needs of the Church and community.

From the beginning the Center adopted the motto that “sometimes all it takes is knowing cares.” From this initial location, to a second location in Catonsville’s business district, to their current home in Woodlawn, thousands of individuals and families have benefitted from the care, concern and compassion of the Renaissance Center and its staff of licensed, professional counselors.

Today, other Church’s across the Country have embraced the concept of professional counseling resources being available from within the Ministry. More than accepting the title “trailblazer,” Dr. Carla J. Debnam, Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and the Renaissance Christian Counseling Center, celebrate the lives that have been transformed, empowered and reminded of the simple fact that “sometimes all it takes is knowing someone cares.” Click Here to find out more.