One does not have to look far to know that people are suffering. In fact, I remember a time when I was suffering before I even knew Jesus as my Savior. My husband’s job transferred our family to a small town in Idaho, and the depression I was being treated for in our previous hometown escalated. Our town had no professional counselor, so I decided maybe God could help. My husband Joel and I began attending a small local church and found some warm, caring and comforting people. The pastor had a big heart and a listening ear, which helped me tremendously. Eventually, my depression lifted as I allowed Jesus and my new church friends into my life.
Especially during that season of life. I needed a caring person to hear my heart and direct me to the God of all comfort. This is what Scottsdale Bible’s Counseling Center endeavors to do—providing hope and comfort to individuals in many ways, one of which is the Lay Counselor Program. Presently, the program has approximately 25 men and women who serve as lay counselors. They provide a safe and confidential relationship for people who feel their burdens are beyond the hope that Jesus can provide.
Perhaps people have suggested that you are a comfort to others when they hurt. If so, consider being trained as a lay counselor. A new training session begins October 3. Pre-requisites for the class are being at least 25 years of age and having had previous experience providing one-on-one care giving, such as a Stephen Minister or Crisis Pregnancy Center counselor. Maturity in Christ is essential.
Training is on Tuesday evenings for 30 weeks, plus three Saturday classes, beginning Saturday, October 3; the cost is $130. The training provides 60 hours of interactive experiences with speakers, videos and your fellow trainees. To get started, download an application from. After completing the application, email or drop it off at the Counseling Center. You will be called for a screening interview. If you have questions, call the Counseling Center at 480.824.7239 or email us at counseling@sbcaz.org. Check out the website for more information.
People can only be healed through Christ, who is the ultimate comfort for our pain. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
