Counseling Policy
Be it resolved, that all counseling is to be Biblically based rather than psychologically based. Our counseling/advisement/help reflects our Biblical training and is therefore aimed at spiritual issues and offers spiritual solutions. The Biblical premises for counseling is two-fold: Man is created in the image of God and man is fallen and twisted by the results of sin.
The goal of Biblically based Counseling is to attempt to negate the detriments of the fall so that one lives not through fallen motivations but by those consistent with being an image bearer of God. In other words, to be recreated (Ephesians 4:21-24; Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29). The goal of the counselor is to assist the Christian in this process.
Be it further resolved, that any sexual contact (whether intercourse, prolonged kissing, fondling, or caressing) with counselee is expressly outside the scope of Biblically based spiritual assistance, and therefore not recognized as spiritual help offered by the Pastor, staff, or referred volunteer.
Whereas, all counseling is to be done within the following guidelines:
The goal of Biblically based Counseling is to attempt to negate the detriments of the fall so that one lives not through fallen motivations but by those consistent with being an image bearer of God. In other words, to be recreated (Ephesians 4:21-24; Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29). The goal of the counselor is to assist the Christian in this process.
Be it further resolved, that any sexual contact (whether intercourse, prolonged kissing, fondling, or caressing) with counselee is expressly outside the scope of Biblically based spiritual assistance, and therefore not recognized as spiritual help offered by the Pastor, staff, or referred volunteer.
Whereas, all counseling is to be done within the following guidelines:
- No counseling of the opposite sex or person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be done without another person present.
- Counseling of the opposite sex or person shall be done so that it is visible to adjacent areas.
- Individual counseling of the opposite sex shall be limited to four one-hour sessions unless extended after review and approval by the Ruling Elders for additional specific number of sessions.
- Home visitation of the opposite sex or person shall not be made alone, but only if accompanied by another member of the Ruling Elders, staff, or volunteer.
- It is recommended that the Waiver and Advisement form and the Counselee Information form be used at formal counseling sessions as deemed appropriate by the person offering the counseling, advisement, help, or discipling.