Gordon Bals joined the faculty of Beeson Divinity School in 2022 after serving in an adjunct role since 2013. He teaches courses in pastoral care and counseling, marriage and family counseling, and sexuality and pastoral care. A board-certified pastoral counselor, Bals started Daymark Pastoral Counseling in 1997. He previously worked as an adolescent and family counselor and as an assistant pastor at Shades Valley Community Church in Birmingham. In addition to his counseling, Bals leads training workshops for pastors and congregational leaders and various enrichment and training events for local churches. Gordon is married to Dawn, and they have three daughters.

Education

• EdD, University of Sarasota
• MA, Colorado Christian University
• BS, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Involvement

• Christian Association for Psychological Studies
• American Association of Christian Counselors

Books

• Grace from Head to Heart: Experiencing God’s Kindness in a Fallen World (2022)
• Common Ground: Discovering God’s Redemption in Your Marriage (updated 2023, first published 2012)

Blog Posts

• "Self-Acceptance: The Gospel Alternative to Self-Esteem," Rooted Ministry (2019)
• "How Long O Lord: The Power of Patience," Rooted Ministry (2018)
• "The Ever – Elusive Best Friend," Rooted Ministry (2018)
• "A Wife’s Inner Beauty: Convicting and Compelling," The Gospel Coalition (2012)

Podcasts

• "Guiding Teens Through Difficulty and Grief – Lessons from Job and His Friends," Rooted Ministry  (2017)
• "Preparing for Family Time at Christmas," The Gospel Coalition (2015)

Presentations

• "Getting to Glad:  The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Posttraumatic Growth," Presented at the Second Annual Winter Counseling Symposium, Responding to Tragedy, Trauma, and Crisis, Argosy University, Sarasota, FL (2005)
• "Thinking Critically about Counseling Psychology Religion, and Spirituality," Paper presented at the 108^th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC  (2000)