Frequently Asked Questions
View the answers to the commonly asked questions about our services.
How Long?
Biblical Counseling is designed to be a short-term assistance to the local church discipleship ministries. Therefore, most situations should take between 6-8 sessions. The counselor anticipates that most of the work of change will be done outside of counseling sessions through projects and involvement in local church ministries.
How much?
CrossWalk Ministries offers Biblical Counseling at no cost. If you are unable or unwilling to participate in our free counseling (available Mondays 3-9 PM), you can arrange counseling after hours for a minimal cost.
How does it work?
Free counseling is available on Mondays from 3-9 PM. Clients will complete necessary information and waiver forms to participate in the program. The counseling is confidential and all trainees understand and agree to this requirement. Counseling sessions may have at least one trainee present.
Why this type of counseling?
There are four key advantages to Biblical Counseling:
A specific source: There are many counseling philosophies and processes in our world today. They are built on careful observation of human activity. There is no doubt that the world of psychology has provided us with excellent “snap shots” of human behavior. However, in that the various schools of thought differ on what this data means and what constitutes “normal”, it is difficult to decide what aspects of these observations and applications are beneficial. Biblical Counseling begins with the design God has depicted for His creation as found in the Bible. Goals, process for change and the definition of “normal” are derived from God’s perspective. Biblical Counseling involves careful interaction with individuals drawing out important information to help the counselee apply the appropriate Biblical truth to his or her specific situation. We believe that the Bible is from God and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, we have complete confidence that there are answers for those that seek God’s will and way.
A specific goal: As stated above determining the goal of counseling can be difficult if there is no absolute design that should be followed. The Bible clearly states that God’s design for the Christian is to grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). God created individuals to be unique, therefore, there is no particular model as to what a Christian is to look like. However, there are some excellent principles and examples throughout Scripture that allows the counselor to help the counselee make application to his or her unique situation and person. Biblical Counseling allows an individual to experience transformation in the context of his or her interests, abilities, gifts, and personality.
A special partnership: Biblical Counseling is designed to further the discipleship process of the local church. Therefore, it works in conjunction with the ministries and focus of the church. Pastors and spiritual leaders can count on the biblical counselor providing guidance that will create stronger believers and church members. Counseling becomes a short-term ministry with the anticipation that the church will accomplish the long term process of change.
*The attached is a basic generalization of counseling perspectives: Comparing Counseling Philosophies
How to get started?
Here are some quick steps to help you get started:
1. Check to see if CrossWalk Ministries is for you:
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You believe the Bible has answers to your problems
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You are willing to do projects outside of sessions
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You are comfortable with what you have learned from the website
2. Set up an initial appointment. You can do this on the webpage or call to set up an appointment. At times you might want to schedule a brief 30-minute phone session to ensure your confidence in the process.
3. Complete the Client Information Sheet and Confidentiality Form. Please have these completed prior to your first session.
Who will know?
Confidentiality is very important to the counseling process. We realize that hope and change require trust. Therefore, we put a great deal of effort into developing an environment that is safe. We also recognize that people change through the ministry of other believers. Therefore, we encourage clients to have other trusted Christians in his or her life to help in the process. This will be discussed prior to counseling and throughout the process. Permission will be requested prior to bringing additional assistance into the process. Trainees have agreed to keep information confidential. Each client is to complete and sign a Confidentiality Form.
What is Christian Conciliation?
The Christian Conciliator’s role is based upon 1 Corinthians 6:1-5:
"When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers..."
God has established the church to help believers work through issues. We believe that God has also equipped individuals to assist in this process. Christian Conciliators can help Christians avoid poor testimonies before the world; help save Christians and churches time and money; help parties not only deal with material issues, but help bring healing to the parties.
*For more information on Christian Conciliators go to Peacemaker Ministries