Biblical Counseling requirements:
1. Must be an active member of, or willing to attend Summit Woods Baptist Church
2. Members of SWBC will receive priority consideration in requests for discipleship counseling.
3. If you are a member of another church, it may be necessary for your pastor to be notified and potentially accompany you to session. Summit Woods desires to recognize and respect the shepherding responsibility and authority of the church of which you are a member, making the transition to their pastoral care more effective.
4. Elder approval/referral will be sought
5. Discipleship Counseling Information Form will be completed 24hrs prior to meeting
6. Must complete and turn in all homework on time as assigned
7. Must be willing to have “counseling advocates” to assist you (assigned or selected)
8. Books and homework resources may not be included (at members expense)
9. Must agree to attend weekly ministries of SWBC during the counseling process
10. No psychological labeling
11. We aim to maintain confidentiality in counseling sessions unless the Bible warrants otherwise (i.e., Matthew 18:15ff and church discipline related issues). Certain circumstances require counselors to disclose facts to appropriate persons and thus precludes absolute confidentiality.
12. At any time, for reasons sufficient to themselves/himself, those receiving counseling or the counselor may choose to end the sessions.
13. All counseling is free of charge as a ministry of Summit Woods Baptist Church. Those receiving counseling who wish to express gratitude through financial means should give to the church and not to the individual counselor.
Waiver and Statement of Agreement:
I have read and understand the counseling requirements as listed in this form, and I agree to submit to them. I also understand that I am not seeking nor receiving paid professional psychological counseling, but I am seeking and asking for biblical and spiritual counsel and advice. I understand that all counseling will be conducted in accordance with the counselor’s understanding of the scriptures. Counseling will be biblical, and pastoral in which the scriptures are in all cases the final authority. If I am unwilling to use the Bible as the final authority in counseling, sessions will be terminated. I also understand that confidentiality of my problem(s) and circumstances will be respected by the counselor(s), and the Staff/Elders of the Summit Woods Baptist Church within the guidelines listed in the counseling ministry policies. I also understand and agree that all lay counselors or advocates assigned may be required to discuss my problem(s) with the pastoral staff and the counselor when needed.
My signature below affirms that I have read and agree with all of the above instructions and requirements.
