This service is available to the congregation and others in the community for short term lay counseling. The counselors are trained by Christian psychologists and are under the weekly supervision of a licensed therapist. Counselors and clients meet in counseling rooms located in the church. The types of issues that can be dealt with are loss, stress, a change, or a decision that is presently causing concern. Couples are also welcome to work through an issue in their relationship or talk about how to strengthen their parenting skills.
Many couples contemplating or planning marriage use the service.
The counseling office can also provide referrals to professional counselors, counseling centers, and educational and support groups. There is no set fee, but donations are accepted. They have all gone through an eight month training course to provide four types of care. First, Stephen Ministers can provide crisis care for people whose lives have been disrupted by changes, second, they provide follow-up care after a crisis, help one to care for chronic needs, or provide preventive care before a predictable change. Stephen Ministers meet with people in a variety of informal settings, including homes, hospitals, and cafes, and can even go on walks.