ENDORSEMENTS
What some trusted friends are saying about who we are and what we offer.
FIL ANDERSON
JOURNEY RESOURCES | SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, SPEAKER, & AUTHOR, BREAKING THE RULES - TRADING PERFORMANCE FOR INTIMACY WITH GOD
“For years I have richly benefited from Hayne Steen’s friendship. His wisdom and expertise as a counselor are a matter, not only of the mind, but of the heart. Hayne is a compassionate listener and a competent, reliable guide. I have trusted him with the care of my soul and would urge others to do the same.”
MICHAEL JOHN CUSICK, M.A., L.P.C.
PRESIDENT, RESTORING THE SOUL | AUTHOR, SURFING FOR GOD - DISCOVERING THE DIVINE DESIRE BENEATH SEXUAL STRUGGLE
“As a minister, non-profit leader, and networker I'm constantly on the lookout for extraordinary professionals and organizations to which I can refer friends, clients, and colleagues. Hayne Steen, leader of Elbow Tree Christian Counseling, is one of the rare ones. With the heart of a shepherd, the wisdom of a sage, and the counseling skills of a seasoned clinician, Hayne lives out integrity in every area of his life and practice. I can assure you, once you get to know Hayne, he will become your trusted ally and "go-to" resource."
CHUCK DEGROAT, PH.D.
PROFESSOR OF PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING | SENIOR FELLOW, NEWBIGIN HOUSE OF STUDIES | LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR | AUTHOR, WHOLEHEARTEDNESS - BUSYNESS, EXHAUSTION AND HEALING THE DIVIDED SELF
"Through wonderful collaboration, Hayne has become a friend and a trusted go-to therapist. He is a wise soul who patiently wades into the waters of a person’s story with compassion and curiosity. He brings attention to both one’s emotional growth and spiritual maturation. I recommend Hayne without hesitation!"
RUSSELL COURTNEY
FOUNDING DIRECTOR, THE SOULCARE PROJECT
"We all want real conversations with people, like the ones you have where you're not editing what you say. Hayne Steen provides this type of conversation, and my life is more full and alive because of it. So if you are a person searching, questioning, struggling, and wandering please know your heart will be met with a radical hospitality if you are fortunate enough to be a recipient of Hayne’s care."
PASTOR BEGINNING 3 MONTH SABBATICAL
REFLECTIONS FOLLOWING A SOUL CARE INTENSIVE
"I can’t imagine a phrase as challenging to me personally as to “practice being unnecessary.” In our culture, being necessary is synonymous with having value, being productive and being worthwhile. I had a panic attack sitting on the beach looking for dolphins because I thought I should be doing something. Certainly there must be something I could be doing that is more productive. Yet as I engaged in the journey of being unnecessary, I find myself, even now post-sabbatical, in a different spot. Others may think I’m necessary or place demands upon me, but I don’t need to be needed. Others can think I am an necessary as they so desire, but I don’t need it for my own validation because my value and worth comes as a child of God, not for what I can produce."
JIM BRANCH, FOUNDING PRESIDENT, CORE LEADERSHIP | | SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR | AUTHOR, THE BLUE BOOK - A DEVOTIONAL FOR EVERY SEASON OF YOUR LIFE
“Hello partners in life and ministry. It is my privilege to recommend to you my friend Hayne Steen. I have known Hayne for several years and have partnered with him on various soul care efforts through The SoulCare Project and others. In that time, I have found Hayne to be a wise and faithful partner in ministry who understands both the makeup of people, as well as the movements of God's Spirit. Hayne is relational to the core and is skillful in the art of listening to people, listening to God, and paying attention to where God may be working and leading. His openness, his vulnerability, and his genuine faith seem to really connect with those who spend time in his care. I'm sad to see he and Ruth Ann leave Tennessee, but know that he will be a blessing to all who come across his path in the years to come.”
STEVE MCILVAINE
LMFT, LPC-MHSP, APPROVED SUPERVISOR - ELBOW TREE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING | STAFF COUNSELOR - PRIESTHILL CENTER AT COVENANT COLLEGE | ELDER - NORTH SHORE FELLOWSHIP
“I have served as Hayne’s clinical supervisor [at Elbow Tree in Chattanooga] for the past five years as he has been actively pursuing licensure in Tennessee. Hayne is a consummate and consistent professional of the highest ethical and moral standing. He has without deviation displayed a strong and compassionate commitment to all of his clients and demonstrates a thoroughness to his work that rivals clinicians long into their careers. Hayne will be a lifelong learner of his craft and will advance our profession each year he is in practice.”
PASTOR IN TRANSITION
REFLECTIONS FOLLOWING A SOUL CARE INTENSIVE
"I found the benefit of the Soul Care Intensive to be that I was able to step away to gather language and skills to properly care for my own soul, so that I could help others care for theirs. In the hectic pace of pastoral care giving, I was not able to rest, reflect, and gather the necessary skills to lead others. Learning to unbusy one's self might be the greatest skill you learn and teach others in our current ministry context.
If you feel as though ministry is getting the best of you or you are just too busy, you need to relearn what it means to be you and connected to the God that desires you. You are not a machine made for productivity and meeting all the demands of those around you. In fact, the best gift you can give your congregation is that when they are in your presence, they feel the presence of God."
DAVID SWANSON
SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ORLANDO, FL | AUTHOR, VITAL SIGNS - HOW GOD ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT GRIEF, LOSS AND THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN
'I have known Hayne for many years and trust in his deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the consistency of his faithfulness to God, his life has born much fruit for the Kingdom, and I know that will continue in his counseling practice."
LEN TEAGUE
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH | LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | FORMER PROFESSOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY - COVENANT COLLEGE | FORMER CHAPLAIN - BAYLOR SCHOOL | FORMER YOUNG LIFE AREA DIRECTOR
“Hayne has been a good friend to our pastoral staff. He is a servant to us as we refer to him congregants that need relational care that we need help with. Hayne has given to us, a caring, relational counseling partnership that has helped many of our church congregants with whom we have referred to him. Personally, I will miss his warm and quick response to help.”
WILL HONEYCUT
MCCALLIE SCHOOL - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING (UPPER)
“I am writing to express a fond appreciation for Hayne Steen.
Hayne has been a consistent referral resource for the students of our school for the last five years. Hayne's winsomeness and humility draw you in, creating a safe place for a relationship to begin. As your time with Hayne increases his deep wisdom and acute sense of the human heart begin to press into your life. Talking with Hayne is not always comfortable but when you trust that someone genuinely cares for you, you are more able to absorb their penetrating questions and piercing observations about your life.
I am thankful for Hayne as a professional colleague and I am grateful for Hayne as a father. Hayne helped my son maneuver through some difficulties when we, as parents, felt like we had exhausted our options. Hayne patiently entered the fray and helped us navigate the rough waters better as a family. I am sorry to see Hayne leave our community because we are better with him in the mix. But Chattanooga's loss is Saint Augustine's gain!”
RAY SPENCER
LUIS PALAU ASSOCIATION | FLAGLER COLLEGE ALUMNI (1994) | FORMER YOUTH DIRECTOR - REDEEMER CHURCH | FORMER YOUTH DIRECTOR - FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO
“Hayne has been a long-term friend since our days at Flagler College. He has always been a compassionate and understanding man of high character. He connects easily with people of all ages and gains trust quickly.”
CLIENT
COLLEGE STUDENT | CHATTANOOGA, TN
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have allowed the Lord to do through you in order to get to me. I came to Elbow Tree in my hour of desperation, with nothing left in my corner and you created an environment that became synonymous between us which made it so easy to discuss life, passions, even things that were at the depth of my heart. I am so very grateful for your life and your ministry! I know our paths will cross again someday. I will be praying for you and your family! Thank you again.”
CLIENT
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER | CHATTANOOGA, TN
I cannot express how much my husband and I are going to miss you! You have been our security blanket the last few months and before that you were a lifesaver for our marriage. We would like to have the opportunity to still meet with you online from time to time. Hayne, thank you for your help in our marriage. We trusted you and knew you would help us through some tough times.
LUKE LANGSTON
CHAPLAIN FCI-2 | FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX
“I was a scrawny, excited yet anxious, Flagler college freshman when I tentatively walked into my dorm room to meet this guy named Hayne. He was my next door suite-mate for that formative year in my life. What transpired that year laid a foundation for what I can honestly say is one of my most trusted and meaningful friendships in the world. In my 25 plus years of knowing Hayne what has always stood out is his genuine care and concern for the heart and soul of those whom God places in his path. I have had the privilege of personally observing Hayne invest and dive deep into the lives and stories of youth group kids, fellow pastors and professionals, therapy clients, and even with inmates inside the Federal Prison where I serve as Chaplain. Hayne has a gift of placing others at ease and creating an environment in which one feels they can trust him with the deeper matters of the heart. In addition, Hayne is always seeking ways to enhance his ability to care for both his own as well as the soul of others whether it be through reading, listening to a podcast, formal training and education, consulting with peers, or taking time to honestly self-reflect and invest in his own family and relationships. I hope you have the opportunity to be blessed by what God is doing in and through the life of one of my dearest friends, Hayne Steen.”
BRIAN SALTER
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF MISSION AND VISION | LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“For us as a church and me as a pastor, Elbow Tree has been an invaluable partner and wise friend in caring for people who are hurting, confused, desperate, grieving, growing, and reconciling. Hayne is a compassionate counselor with rich insight into the way the heart works and how God's truth, presence and healing care flesh out in life and relationships. I trust Hayne completely and am thankful for his voice and presence in this broken world.”
ANDY CORNETT
PASTOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILY, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Hayne has been a trusted partner for me and our church in counseling adolescents and adults in our community. He draws deeply from the well of wisdom in Christian faith and is capable and conversant in the best of contemporary resources. I am thrilled he gets a chance to be a blessing to others in listening well and leading to transformation."
JOURNEY RESOURCES | SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, SPEAKER, & AUTHOR, BREAKING THE RULES - TRADING PERFORMANCE FOR INTIMACY WITH GOD
“For years I have richly benefited from Hayne Steen’s friendship. His wisdom and expertise as a counselor are a matter, not only of the mind, but of the heart. Hayne is a compassionate listener and a competent, reliable guide. I have trusted him with the care of my soul and would urge others to do the same.”
MICHAEL JOHN CUSICK, M.A., L.P.C.
PRESIDENT, RESTORING THE SOUL | AUTHOR, SURFING FOR GOD - DISCOVERING THE DIVINE DESIRE BENEATH SEXUAL STRUGGLE
“As a minister, non-profit leader, and networker I'm constantly on the lookout for extraordinary professionals and organizations to which I can refer friends, clients, and colleagues. Hayne Steen, leader of Elbow Tree Christian Counseling, is one of the rare ones. With the heart of a shepherd, the wisdom of a sage, and the counseling skills of a seasoned clinician, Hayne lives out integrity in every area of his life and practice. I can assure you, once you get to know Hayne, he will become your trusted ally and "go-to" resource."
CHUCK DEGROAT, PH.D.
PROFESSOR OF PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING | SENIOR FELLOW, NEWBIGIN HOUSE OF STUDIES | LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR | AUTHOR, WHOLEHEARTEDNESS - BUSYNESS, EXHAUSTION AND HEALING THE DIVIDED SELF
"Through wonderful collaboration, Hayne has become a friend and a trusted go-to therapist. He is a wise soul who patiently wades into the waters of a person’s story with compassion and curiosity. He brings attention to both one’s emotional growth and spiritual maturation. I recommend Hayne without hesitation!"
RUSSELL COURTNEY
FOUNDING DIRECTOR, THE SOULCARE PROJECT
"We all want real conversations with people, like the ones you have where you're not editing what you say. Hayne Steen provides this type of conversation, and my life is more full and alive because of it. So if you are a person searching, questioning, struggling, and wandering please know your heart will be met with a radical hospitality if you are fortunate enough to be a recipient of Hayne’s care."
PASTOR BEGINNING 3 MONTH SABBATICAL
REFLECTIONS FOLLOWING A SOUL CARE INTENSIVE
"I can’t imagine a phrase as challenging to me personally as to “practice being unnecessary.” In our culture, being necessary is synonymous with having value, being productive and being worthwhile. I had a panic attack sitting on the beach looking for dolphins because I thought I should be doing something. Certainly there must be something I could be doing that is more productive. Yet as I engaged in the journey of being unnecessary, I find myself, even now post-sabbatical, in a different spot. Others may think I’m necessary or place demands upon me, but I don’t need to be needed. Others can think I am an necessary as they so desire, but I don’t need it for my own validation because my value and worth comes as a child of God, not for what I can produce."
JIM BRANCH, FOUNDING PRESIDENT, CORE LEADERSHIP | | SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR | AUTHOR, THE BLUE BOOK - A DEVOTIONAL FOR EVERY SEASON OF YOUR LIFE
“Hello partners in life and ministry. It is my privilege to recommend to you my friend Hayne Steen. I have known Hayne for several years and have partnered with him on various soul care efforts through The SoulCare Project and others. In that time, I have found Hayne to be a wise and faithful partner in ministry who understands both the makeup of people, as well as the movements of God's Spirit. Hayne is relational to the core and is skillful in the art of listening to people, listening to God, and paying attention to where God may be working and leading. His openness, his vulnerability, and his genuine faith seem to really connect with those who spend time in his care. I'm sad to see he and Ruth Ann leave Tennessee, but know that he will be a blessing to all who come across his path in the years to come.”
STEVE MCILVAINE
LMFT, LPC-MHSP, APPROVED SUPERVISOR - ELBOW TREE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING | STAFF COUNSELOR - PRIESTHILL CENTER AT COVENANT COLLEGE | ELDER - NORTH SHORE FELLOWSHIP
“I have served as Hayne’s clinical supervisor [at Elbow Tree in Chattanooga] for the past five years as he has been actively pursuing licensure in Tennessee. Hayne is a consummate and consistent professional of the highest ethical and moral standing. He has without deviation displayed a strong and compassionate commitment to all of his clients and demonstrates a thoroughness to his work that rivals clinicians long into their careers. Hayne will be a lifelong learner of his craft and will advance our profession each year he is in practice.”
PASTOR IN TRANSITION
REFLECTIONS FOLLOWING A SOUL CARE INTENSIVE
"I found the benefit of the Soul Care Intensive to be that I was able to step away to gather language and skills to properly care for my own soul, so that I could help others care for theirs. In the hectic pace of pastoral care giving, I was not able to rest, reflect, and gather the necessary skills to lead others. Learning to unbusy one's self might be the greatest skill you learn and teach others in our current ministry context.
If you feel as though ministry is getting the best of you or you are just too busy, you need to relearn what it means to be you and connected to the God that desires you. You are not a machine made for productivity and meeting all the demands of those around you. In fact, the best gift you can give your congregation is that when they are in your presence, they feel the presence of God."
DAVID SWANSON
SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ORLANDO, FL | AUTHOR, VITAL SIGNS - HOW GOD ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT GRIEF, LOSS AND THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN
'I have known Hayne for many years and trust in his deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the consistency of his faithfulness to God, his life has born much fruit for the Kingdom, and I know that will continue in his counseling practice."
LEN TEAGUE
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH | LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | FORMER PROFESSOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY - COVENANT COLLEGE | FORMER CHAPLAIN - BAYLOR SCHOOL | FORMER YOUNG LIFE AREA DIRECTOR
“Hayne has been a good friend to our pastoral staff. He is a servant to us as we refer to him congregants that need relational care that we need help with. Hayne has given to us, a caring, relational counseling partnership that has helped many of our church congregants with whom we have referred to him. Personally, I will miss his warm and quick response to help.”
WILL HONEYCUT
MCCALLIE SCHOOL - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING (UPPER)
“I am writing to express a fond appreciation for Hayne Steen.
Hayne has been a consistent referral resource for the students of our school for the last five years. Hayne's winsomeness and humility draw you in, creating a safe place for a relationship to begin. As your time with Hayne increases his deep wisdom and acute sense of the human heart begin to press into your life. Talking with Hayne is not always comfortable but when you trust that someone genuinely cares for you, you are more able to absorb their penetrating questions and piercing observations about your life.
I am thankful for Hayne as a professional colleague and I am grateful for Hayne as a father. Hayne helped my son maneuver through some difficulties when we, as parents, felt like we had exhausted our options. Hayne patiently entered the fray and helped us navigate the rough waters better as a family. I am sorry to see Hayne leave our community because we are better with him in the mix. But Chattanooga's loss is Saint Augustine's gain!”
RAY SPENCER
LUIS PALAU ASSOCIATION | FLAGLER COLLEGE ALUMNI (1994) | FORMER YOUTH DIRECTOR - REDEEMER CHURCH | FORMER YOUTH DIRECTOR - FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO
“Hayne has been a long-term friend since our days at Flagler College. He has always been a compassionate and understanding man of high character. He connects easily with people of all ages and gains trust quickly.”
CLIENT
COLLEGE STUDENT | CHATTANOOGA, TN
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have allowed the Lord to do through you in order to get to me. I came to Elbow Tree in my hour of desperation, with nothing left in my corner and you created an environment that became synonymous between us which made it so easy to discuss life, passions, even things that were at the depth of my heart. I am so very grateful for your life and your ministry! I know our paths will cross again someday. I will be praying for you and your family! Thank you again.”
CLIENT
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER | CHATTANOOGA, TN
I cannot express how much my husband and I are going to miss you! You have been our security blanket the last few months and before that you were a lifesaver for our marriage. We would like to have the opportunity to still meet with you online from time to time. Hayne, thank you for your help in our marriage. We trusted you and knew you would help us through some tough times.
LUKE LANGSTON
CHAPLAIN FCI-2 | FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX
“I was a scrawny, excited yet anxious, Flagler college freshman when I tentatively walked into my dorm room to meet this guy named Hayne. He was my next door suite-mate for that formative year in my life. What transpired that year laid a foundation for what I can honestly say is one of my most trusted and meaningful friendships in the world. In my 25 plus years of knowing Hayne what has always stood out is his genuine care and concern for the heart and soul of those whom God places in his path. I have had the privilege of personally observing Hayne invest and dive deep into the lives and stories of youth group kids, fellow pastors and professionals, therapy clients, and even with inmates inside the Federal Prison where I serve as Chaplain. Hayne has a gift of placing others at ease and creating an environment in which one feels they can trust him with the deeper matters of the heart. In addition, Hayne is always seeking ways to enhance his ability to care for both his own as well as the soul of others whether it be through reading, listening to a podcast, formal training and education, consulting with peers, or taking time to honestly self-reflect and invest in his own family and relationships. I hope you have the opportunity to be blessed by what God is doing in and through the life of one of my dearest friends, Hayne Steen.”
BRIAN SALTER
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF MISSION AND VISION | LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“For us as a church and me as a pastor, Elbow Tree has been an invaluable partner and wise friend in caring for people who are hurting, confused, desperate, grieving, growing, and reconciling. Hayne is a compassionate counselor with rich insight into the way the heart works and how God's truth, presence and healing care flesh out in life and relationships. I trust Hayne completely and am thankful for his voice and presence in this broken world.”
ANDY CORNETT
PASTOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILY, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Hayne has been a trusted partner for me and our church in counseling adolescents and adults in our community. He draws deeply from the well of wisdom in Christian faith and is capable and conversant in the best of contemporary resources. I am thrilled he gets a chance to be a blessing to others in listening well and leading to transformation."