The Pastoral Counseling Ministry (PCM) of Crossroads Community Church is a Christ centered, Biblically based ministry which seeks to promote spiritual, emotional, and relational growth. The goal of the Christian life is to deepen ones intimacy with God, to increasingly develop the character of Jesus Christ, and to faithfully live out the love of God with oneself and others. PCM walks alongside of individuals, couples, and families during the difficulties of life to help them achieve this.
Scope of Ministry
PCM is not the practice of psychiatry, psychology, and/or mental health counseling. Not all issues or behaviors are best served by PCM. We reserve the right to bring to a close any on-going PCM if the pastor or pastoral representative finds that your needs or issues exceed the limits of pastoral counseling ministry. At that time, every reasonable effort will be made to assist you in accessing competent professional psychiatric, psychological, and/or mental health services, should you desire to pursue further support which is appropriate to your current issues and challenges.
Growth Process
PCM has the ability to promote tremendous growth. Yet, dealing with difficult life issues can elicit painful emotions. At times people may ‘feel’ worse before experiencing life improvement. At other times ministry adjustments or referral to a mental health care giver may need to be made. You are encouraged to talk with your PCM staff member if this occurs for you.
Appointment Duration
The duration of a PCM appointment is 45 minutes. Pastoral Counseling Ministry is typically short term ranging from a few to 20-30 appointments. Issues requiring more extensive care may result in referral to an appropriate service provider.
Contributions
The PCM is fully supported by the contributions of those receiving ministry. The standard contribution is $100. There is a need based contribution schedule which is available based upon total family income and immediate family size.
Cancellations
The appointment time you have scheduled is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel and/or reschedule your appointment we ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance, unless emergency circumstances prohibit such notification. Failure to follow this may result in being charged for the appointment.
Confidentiality
It is understood (and agreed) that all statements, whether written or verbal, with your pastoral staff are of a confidential nature and ethically cannot be disclosed, without written consent, with the following exceptions that will result in confidentiality being waived.
1. Suspicion of child/elder abuse - We reserve the right and/or may be mandated by law to report child abuse or suspicion of child/elder abuse of any type to the proper authorities and/or the right to cause a report of child/elder abuse to occur.
2. Threats to harm self or others - We reserve the right and/or may be mandated by law to disclose to the appropriate person, agency or civil authorities any threats of harm that a person may attempt or desire to do to one's self or to others.
3. Necessity of consultation - We reserve the right to consult with other ministry professionals or appropriate church ministry staff members regarding your sessions. This consultation will be held in the same level of confidence as your sessions.
Ministry Files
All PCM files and the contents therein are the property of Crossroads Community Church Pastoral Counseling Ministry. Ministry summaries may be supplied to a professional provider upon written request.
Resolution
On the rare occasion that a disagreement should arise between the person receiving ministry and the pastoral ministry staff (and/or the Church) regarding the ministry session or the pastoral staff member’s ministry or conduct, one should bring this dispute to the attention of the Executive Director of CCC. If the dispute cannot be resolved at this level, all parties agree to resolve such dispute by submitting to the Church's Executive Senior Staff team for full and final resolution and conciliation.
Waiver of Liability
In consideration for receiving any form of PCM from Crossroads Community Church, the person receiving Pastoral Counseling Ministry agrees to release and waive any and all claims of any kind against the ministry, the staff, the pastoral/lay counselor(s) or the Church, which may arise from, result out of, or be related to the ministry, conduct, or advice given.