Our goal is to provide you with help and hope for the challenges of life. We seek to do this in a way that will please and honor the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 10:31) and bring you great joy and satisfaction (John 15:11).
We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3ff). Therefore, our counsel is based on scriptural principles rather than those of secular psychology or psychiatry. Neither the pastors nor others involved in this ministry are licensed as psychotherapists or mental health professionals.
All teaching will be conducted in accordance with our understanding of the Scriptures. However, we do not know all there is to know about biblical teaching and its application to life. Therefore, when necessary, we will seek help, input, or advice from mentors or colleagues.
Because we are committed to equipping others for the work of ministry, we may have individuals learning to counsel participate in the sessions.
If you have significant legal, financial, medical or other technical questions you should seek advice from an independent professional. Our team will cooperate with such advisors and help you to consider their counsel in the light of biblical principles.
Confidentiality is important and we carefully guard the information entrusted to us. There are situations, however, in which it may be wise or mandated (biblically or legally) for us to share certain information with others. Some examples would be: (1) When we are uncertain about how to address a particular problem and need to seek advice from mentors or colleagues; 2) When you attend another church and it is necessary to talk with your pastor or elders; 3) When there is a clear indication that someone may be harmed unless others intervene; or 4) When a church member persistently refuses to renounce a particular sin and it becomes necessary to seek assistance of others in the church to encourage repentance and reconciliation (see Matthew 18:15-20; Proverbs 15:22; 24:11). Please be assured that we strongly prefer not to disclose personal information to others, and we will make every effort to help you find ways to resolve a problem as privately as possible.
There is no charge for this ministry. There may be resources that are part of the weekly homework assignments that will need to be purchased. If you wish to express your gratitude for the ministry in a tangible way, donations can be made to East Side Baptist Church.
On rare occasions a conflict may arise as we seek to help you. In order to make sure that any such conflicts are resolved in a Biblically faithful manner, we require you to agree that any dispute that arises as a result of our ministry will be settled by mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Institute for Christian Conciliation, a division of Peacemaker® Ministries (complete text of the Rules is available at www.Peacemaker.net). It is expressly understood that by agreeing in advance to arbitrate that you are giving up your right to a trial in the civil courts.
Having clarified the principles and policies of our ministry, we welcome the opportunity to serve you. If you have any questions about these guidelines or conditions, please let us know.
If these guidelines are acceptable to you, please sign electronically below.