CARE MINISTRY

CARING FOR THE CHURCH

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There are two different programs, "Biblical Counseling Services" and "Care and Support Groups," both of which provide the opportunity for spiritual growth and a deeper walk with God.

OVERVIEW

BIBLICAL COUNSELING

TYPICALLY UP TO 10 SESSIONS

 If you are struggling with life and would like to have a trained biblical counselor come alongside you for a season, please reach out to us. Counseling is provided at no charge to those who attend VBVF or their friends (13-17 year olds require parental permission) and takes place over the course of several weeks. Our counselors do not tell you what to do; they observe, ask questions, speak truth in love, and encourage you to do the hard work to resolve your issues—always pointing you back to God and the Word, knowing that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). If you wish to participate in counseling, please read both the Overview and Biblical Counseling Principles and Procedures, then click on “Sign Up” and complete the Personal Data Inventory. When you click “Submit,” it will be transmitted to the Care Ministry Director for action.

CARE & SUPPORT GROUPS

TYPICALLY 9-13 WEEKS

Much personal and spiritual growth may be accomplished through participation in structured Care and Support groups such as GriefShare, Celebrate Recovery, Boundaries, and Changes that Heal. Groups are offered for a specific time-frame, typically meeting once a week for up to two hours, and include a video seminar, small group discussion, and individual study using a workbook. There is a nominal charge for materials. Registration for our groups is accomplished via the Church Center App or the registration link below. If interest in participating in one of our groups, please contact us for more information.

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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is biblical counseling and how is it different from traditional counseling?

    Biblical counseling centers on Christ, relying on God’s Word and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to bring about change in one’s life. It brings to bear the truth, mercy and power of Christ’s gospel of grace. Traditional counseling may, but does not necessarily, rely on the truth of Scripture or include the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Traditional counseling focuses on mental health and wellness; biblical counseling focuses on sanctification.

  • What are the ground rules for your Biblical Counseling program?

    All counsel/guidance is biblically based, resting on the sufficiency of God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. As capacity permits, there will be two counselors per care receiver.  Couples counseling is available with a certified male and female counselor to work with couples. There is no cross-gender counseling.  Sessions always begin and end with prayer; Scripture and homework will be given every session.  Confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality will be respected.

  • How are biblical counselors certified? What is involved in the training?

    All counselors must complete the biblical counseling certification offered on-line through the Biblical Counseling Center (https://biblicalcounselingcenter.org/we-train/certificateprogram/). This rigorous course consists of 60 lessons in three sections, Foundations of Biblical Counseling, Portraits of Biblical Counseling, and Contemporary Issues.  Once certified, our counselors must observe a minimum of 5 live counseling sessions before being approved to participate as full-fledged counselors.  They also participate in recurring training.  If you are interested in becoming a biblical counselor, please contact us.

  • What are the ground rules for Care and Support Groups?

    Care and Support groups may be open to the public and are typically mixed gender. There is a fee for the group workbook, normally no more than $20. Group leaders receive special training prior to leading a group. Small group discussions should be treated as confidential. Some groups may close participation after the first few weeks to build relationship and encourage greater trust, while others may remain open the entire time. GriefShare, for example, lasts 13 weeks and remains open to new attendees throughout because each week is stand-alone lesson.  Registration for groups is accomplished via the Church Center app.

BIFF WILLIAMS

CARE MINISTRY DIRECTOR

BIFF WILLIAMS

Biff is blessed to lead a wonderful Care Ministry team of biblical counselors and group leaders. After a 27-year career in the Air Force, she transitioned in 2006 to volunteer service, supporting the Brooke Army Medical Center Burn Unit and wounded warriors as a listener; Bible Study Fellowship as a group leader, class administrator and area team member; and lay counselor at her local church for many years. She helped develop the biblical counseling program at VBVF and has led Care Ministry since its creation. She is passionate about Jesus Christ and sharing Him with others.

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