Lay Counselor Training 2007-08
The Lay Counseling Ministry is planning the fifth training class to begin in September, 2007. Presently there are 20 men and women who serve as lay counselors here at Scottsdale Bible. They provide a safe and confidential relationship to people whose burdens feel beyond the hope that Jesus can provide.

Larry Crabb, in his book, Connecting, expresses the value of safe support to those who hurt. “It is hard to be seen at your worst. Perhaps that’s why our deepest tears are often shed alone. We’re afraid friends will tire of our struggles, so we keep them to ourselves, especially the ugly ones that we can’t quite put behind us. But tears without an audience, without someone to hear and care, leave the wounds unhealed. When someone listens to our groaning and stays there, we feel something change inside us.”

Perhaps you have had people suggest you are a safe person. If so, please pray about applying for the next training class that begins Saturday, September 15 and ends March 4, 2008. You will also be asked to attend training each Tuesday evening from 7–9 p.m. There are three Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon trainings on September 15, October 20, and November 17. The cost of the training is $100.  It’s important that you have previous experience providing one-on-one caregiving, like Stephen Ministry or Crisis Pregnancy Center counselor. Maturity in Christ is essential.

The training provides 60 hours of interactive experiences with speakers, videos and the other trainees. If you have questions, call the Counseling Center at 480.824.7239.

Lay Counseling Application and Welcome Letter

Practicum and Intern Students
Our Counseling Center has a long history of reaching into the church and community. Through the years the staff members and volunteers have come alongside those who are looking for help and answers to life issues from a Biblical perspective. They have also opened their hearts and doors to offer wisdom and insight to those who are in the final stages of Professional Counseling programs—such as practicum and intern students. These students are welcomed into the Counseling Center and blossom under the direction and supervision of our licensed professional counselors. The students have benefited from not only the collective counseling expertise, but Godly wisdom in applying Biblical principles to those seeking counseling through the Center.

If you are interested in exploring potential opportunities of the Counseling Center as a practicum or internship site, please contact us at 480.824.7239.

Application

Stephen Ministry
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion. Colossians 3:12

Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life-needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who:

• Express God’s care through their lives to others
• Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
• Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
• Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care
• Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
• Serve for at least two years
• Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service

Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! The needs include but are not limited to:

• the hospitalized
• the terminally ill and their families
• people who move into or out of our community
• those grieving a death or serious loss
• the homebound or institutionalized
• prisoners, ex-offenders and their families
• those with job crisis
• the aging and elderly
• those with disabilities and their families
• those needing the support of a Christian friend
• those facing life transition
• the separated or divorced
• households experiencing birth or adoption
• those in spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry is confidential; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

Stephen Ministry will equip you, and our congregation will support you, so that you can show God’s mercy, care and compassion to another person who is hurting. You will walk beside your care receiver, pray for him or her, and help him or her work through life’s difficulties.

Through this ministry God will bring forth new life and renewed faith in both your care receiver and in you as a Stephen Minister. Is God calling you in this way?

What do Stephen Ministers do?

• Listen
• Explore feelings
• Pray
• Share Christ’s love
• Maintain confidentiality
• Attend to the caregivers process and leave the results to God

Application

To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact: Stephenministries.org or
   David Walther
   dwalther@sbcaz.org
   480.824.7239

Volunteer Professionals
Would you enjoy connecting and fellowshipping with other believing behavioral health or medical professionals?

The Scottsdale Bible Counseling Center hosts a quarterly Professional Care-Givers Breakfast. The schedule for 2008: January 25, March 28, May 30 and September 26. If you would be interested in receiving an invitation to our gatherings, please call us at 480.824.7239.

There are many opportunities to serve in the Counseling Ministry. To find out more, call us at 480.824.7239 and/or fill out and send this information card. Contact and Referral Information Update Card