A Staff Counseling Policy
A church should prepare and adopt a written staff policy to govern counseling activities.
Here are steps to do so.
1. Prepare a written counseling disclaimer.
This written disclaimer should be given to each person counseled. Clearly state that no professional, medical, or psychiatric counseling is involved, but that counseling is limited to spiritual, biblical counseling. Adhere to this policy.
2. If your church has qualified counselors as members, consider establishing a counseling service, supplementing the cost to members.
Substantiate the credentials of all counselors, providing insurance coverage for both counselors and the church.
3. Develop a list of qualified Christian counselors to whom you can refer people.
Use this list to make referrals and to avoid having only one counselor for referral.
4. Include specifics on when and how to refer a person to another counselor.
5. Refer counseling of a sexual nature to a person of the same sex as the person requiring counseling.
6. Refer difficult counseling situations to professional Christian counselors or agencies.
Many staff members lack the training required for more advanced counseling needs.
Bill Phillips is the Association Mission Strategist for the Willamette Valley Baptist Association in Eugene, Ore. He has served as a pastor in Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon.
Important Note: This article is provided as information only and is not intended nor should it be construed as legal advice. Always check with an atorney on these important matters as laws vary from state to state.
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