What type of counseling is this?
The biblical counseling at Open Door is based on principles from God's Word. Bible-based counseling differs a great deal from other popular secular counseling ("heavenly wisdom vs. human wisdom" James 3:13-18). The paramount goal is to search God's Word for the principles and methods He has already provided. The premise is that God's instruction is always needed immediately, consistently, and without contradiction in the counseling process. God's Word is needed to guide individuals through their problems in a God-honoring manner and on to a healthy walk with the Lord Jesus Christ
(John 17:17; Romans 8:28-29; 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:17-5:20). Biblical counseling acknowledges that people may become confused, ill-adjusted, defeated, and hopeless relative to the issues of life. This may result from a crisis situation, the sin of others, lack of biblical understand, their own person sin, and/or, sometimes, an organic (medically proven) illness.
What is the goal of Biblical Counseling?
Biblical counseling has as its primary goal to help a person or family become "God's kind of person." The goal in biblical counseling is not necessarily to make the person feel better or simply to remove the problem. This will hopefully take place, but the goal is bigger than that. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him." The goal of biblical counseling is to come along side a person who is struggling and seek to apply the principles in God's Word in such a way that the person responds in an obedient and godly manner to the problems they are facing.
What are the tools used in the process?
Biblical counseling utilizes: thorough data gathering (Proverbs 18:13), health considerations (James 5:13-16), biblical instruction with application (2 Timothy 3:16-17), independent counselee Bible study and application (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:1-3), accountability with and help from other believers in the church (Philippians 4:2-3; Hebrews 10:24-25), prayer, and practical homework (Matthew 19:21; Mark 5:19).
What makes biblical counseling effective?
Biblical counseling relies upon: the power of the principles that God has provided in His Word (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 19), the work of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:13), the faithfulness of God to answer prayer (Matthew 7:7-12; James 5:17-18), the mutual encouragement and exhortation of the Body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25), and the disciplined effort of the counselee (1 Timothy 4:7).
Who can make an appointment?
First priority will be given to members of Open Door Community Church who desire biblical counseling. Second priority will be given to people who are regular attendees at Open Door. Finally, as openings are available, all other people will be considered. All counselees are to attend each Sunday and participate in a sanctioned Open Door Bible study during the week (special arrangements may be made for those who participate at other churches). These two additional means of grace will be of great benefit toward changing and growing during the period of counseling.
As a safe-guard, male counselors will not meet alone with women for counseling. A female counselee who has an appointment with a male counselor must be accompanied by another person willing to sit in during the counseling session (a spouse, parent, or friend).
How often will the appointments be and what will be the length of each session? How long will the counseling process last?
Counselors will meet with a counselee once a week to allow the counselee once a week to allow the counselee adequate time to complete the homework assignments. The sessions are approximately 50-60 minutes long and they will typically meet together for 10-12 sessions spread out over a period of several months.
What is the cost?
There is no cost for the counseling, but each counselee is expected to pay for any materials such as books and CDs.
How can I make an appointment?
You may begin by setting up an appointment with the church secretary (530-474-3836 Wed.-Fri. 9am-2pm). The church secretary will obtain your contact information and begin the process of scheduling an appointment for the first session. Biblical counseling forms are to be completed before the first session. Usually, the biblical counselor will have you arrive 45 minutes early (before the scheduled first session) in order to complete the necessary information.
Is Open Door Community Church a training facility?
Open Door Community Church is committed to equipping believers to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12), rather than just watching the pastoral staff do it for them. We believe that other godly, gifted believers who know their Bibles, and how to apply biblical truth to specific life issues, can effectively counsel others (Romans 15:14). All of our counselors have been taking training in biblical counseling and some are certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (biblicalcounseling.com). We are continually training others to be effective counselors. Part of the training includes the opportunity to observe another counselor in actual counseling sessions.
With this ministry model we ask that you agree to allow a person or couple who is in training to sit in on your counseling sessions, for the purpose of prayer, training, and observation (special considerations may be considered).
What must the counselee be willing to do?
* Sign the Consent to Biblical Counseling form provided in the initial forms that are sent.
* Agree to place yourself under the authority of the Elders of Open Door Community Church.
* Agree to the presence of counselors in training during your sessions.
* Regularly attend Sunday service at Open Door Community Church and an Open Door sponsored small group during the week (exceptions may be considered if you fellowship at another church).
* Complete any assigned homework prior to the counseling appointment (assignments may include reading materials, listening to CD's, worksheets, and Scripture memory). The counselor reserves the right to discontinue any counseling if the counselee consistently refuses to complete homework assignments.
* Arrive on time for each appointment and call ahead to reschedule.
Contact Information
To begin the counseling process with our ministry, please complete the form below as thoroughly as possible. Upon receipt of your Personal Data Inventory (PDI), we will assign a biblical counselor when one is available.
Your assigned counselor will contact you to set up a meeting time that is convenient for both parties. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (530)474-3836.
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