God called our beloved BCC counselor, Don Hart, home to heaven this past Friday. While we grieve this loss, we rejoice knowing he is no longer in pain or suffering.
Don’s impact resonates across Biblical Counseling Center, through his church service at Harvest Bible Chapel and The Bridge, and most recently among his new community of friends and church family in East Tennessee.
Two words capture the essence of his counseling ministry: faithful and convicted.
Don was faithful.
Our Director of Counseling, Mark Johnson, said it best:
“What always struck me about Don was his persistence as a lover of Christ and a lover of his counselees. Don never failed to point the way to Christ because he knew Christ’s love.
“One couple comes to mind that he worked with—it was a tough case, but Don did not give up on them. They are together today because of Christ’s patient work in Don and through Don to them.
“In that way, Don modeled what it means to be a counselor captured by the Savior’s love. That’s what I admire about Don, and I give thanks to God for his example and leadership.”
Don was convicted.
Don never thought of himself as the smartest counselor or the most articulate spokesperson, but he was deeply convicted that God’s Word shared with God’s love was the best way to reach people and help them grow.
Over the years, countless stories have emerged about the impact of Don’s unique ability to be both tough and tender in the counseling room. His conviction was simple but profound: counseling is done best by those who walk with God, and ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact with God’s help.
Don is survived by his wife Donna, who is also a long-time counselor at BCC. She loved Don as her husband and was a faithful caregiver over the past few years.
How You Can Honor Don’s Legacy
Share your story. If Don counseled you and you’d like to share how he impacted your life, please leave a note of encouragement here. We’ll compile these and share them with Donna in the coming weeks.
Continue his mission. If Don’s story inspires you to care for others, consider joining an upcoming Biblical Counseling course—the very training where God grew the vision that shaped Don’s decades of ministry. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room; you just need to be willing. Learn more and register for courses!
Staff Tributes
Below, you’ll find tributes from staff members about how God used Don in their lives and ministry.
“Don’s unwavering commitment to the Word of God, Biblical theology, and accurate Scripture interpretation has shaped countless counselors and students. His teaching materials continue making an impact in Cuba and beyond, training the next generation in sound doctrine.” – Dr. Ron Allchin
“Don’s office was a treasure trove of memories – pictures, trinkets, and meaningful items filled every surface. Each piece had a story, and Don could spend an hour sharing the fascinating history behind every single item, making even the smallest detail captivating and memorable.” – Sherry Allchin
“The Lord used Don powerfully to heal and restore marriages with wisdom and care during difficult seasons.” – Steve and Cheryl Singley
“Don’s sense of humor, tenacity, and love for the Lord made every interaction memorable. His distinctive voice, recognized even during a Thanksgiving poem reading, became a cherished part of ministry fellowship.” – Karen Coulter
“Don’s wisdom lives on through the resources he created and left behind. His pearls of wisdom shared in staff meetings were treasured, with colleagues ready with pen and paper whenever he spoke.” – Colleen Ryan
“Don was an excellent reflection of Jesus and a light to a fallen world. His powerful influence in ministry was needed for the impact of God’s kingdom and glory.” – Luke & Rachel Trifilio
