"I know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy."

OUR MISSION

Gospel Justice for Middle Tennessee

In response to the commands of Jesus and the obvious need of those unable to pay for legal services, Compassionate Counsel exists as a Christian legal aid ministry to offer free legal advice, guidance, and in select cases, representation to those unable to pay for such service in Middle Tennessee.

OUR STORY

God's Providential Guidance

Following the model for gospel-centered legal aid ministry developed by organizations such as the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic in Indianapolis and Administer Justice in Chicago, Compassionate Counsel was officially formed on February 14, 2011. On a day known as a celebration of love, this ministry was launched in order to demonstrate the love of Christ through the provision of legal aid to those in need. Several months later, Compassionate Counsel received approval from the Internal Revenue Service as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) entity.

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Compassionate Counsel hosted its first legal aid clinic at the Nashville Rescue Mission on January 14, 2012. Since that time, hundreds of men and women have received free legal counsel through the efforts of the ministry's growing team of dedicated volunteers. More than just providing legal counsel, though, our volunteers truly listen to the clinic participants, pray with them, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them as the Holy Spirit leads.

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When asked why we do this, Founder Nick Tidwell says, "We are Christ followers. Jesus met needs. In John 14:15, Jesus said 'If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.' In John 13:34, He commanded us to 'Love one another.' We serve legal needs to demonstrate to those we serve how much God loves them."

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Today, Compassionate Counsel continues to grow as a ministry, impacting lives by carrying out the command of scripture to seek justice for the poor. The ministry has formed partnerships with the Nashville Rescue Mission (a ministry in downtown Nashville), the Babb Center (a counseling ministry of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville), First Baptist Church of Gallatin, Belmont University, and the Open Door Pregnancy Center in Springfield, coordinating regular legal clinics at their locations. The ministry has also participated in community events such as The Gift at Long Hollow Baptist Church to provide a brief seminar on legal topics that many people encounter.

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OUR NETWORK

Gospel Justice Initiative

Compassionate Counsel is an official chapter of the Gospel Justice Initiative. GJI exists to equip Christ followers all over the country to serve the legal and spiritual needs of the poor. GJI has helped to foster a growth in Christian legal aid ministry all over the country, with more than 60 gospel justice centers in at least 13 states and even one in Honduras.