Our Approach to Prayer Counseling 

We highly value wholeness at New Song. As a result our counseling department plays and essential role. Because not any single method works for everyone, our approach is a thoroughly biblical blend of the teachings of Elijah House pioneered by John and Paula Sandford and Restoring the Foundations pioneered by Chester and Betsy Kylstra. 

Each of our regular paid pastoral staff counsels by appointment as part of his or her regular schedule, but this is limited by the need to administrate and lead a growing congregation with effective programs and ministries for everyone. We've therefore developed a multi-tiered approach to meeting the need for personal counseling.

 Extended Prayer by Appointment 

This is done in teams and is offered for those who simply wish to receive prayer for physical or inner healing from a trained team for an hour at a time by appointment over a period of weeks. This ministry is prayer, not counseling, and is free of charge.
 
Trained Lay Counselors 
We offer lay prayer counseling by appointment with approved lay people who are graduates of our year long Elijah House training program and a subsequent internship and who are willing to give of their time to help those in need. This level of counsel is offered free of charge and is a very effective alternative. If God is calling you to donate something toward the new Song counseling department, we would all appreciate it.
 
Pastoral Staff Counselors
Realizing that there are deep problems that neither prayer teams nor lay counselors are equipped to deal with, we have given ministerial license to several individuals who have undergone more extensive training. What they offer is of a more professional quality. Time after time it has been proven that a person heals as that person takes responsibility for his healing and a very practical part of that responsibility is being responsible back to your counselor. Our counseling is offered free of charge, but it is important that you have sought God through prayer concerning the amount of money He would have you donate to the counselor as a part of your healing process. Counselees experience that as they take this responsibility for their healing they sense that God releases blessing and honor into their lives.  
 
THE RESTORATIONS COURSE
This is a year long course with entry points offered twice or more per year and is based on three week school offered by Elijah House. It is video assisted and overseen by two of our pastoral staff counselors. There is a modest cost. This is an indepth study including teaching and ministry. Our lay counselors begin with this course but it's open to anyone with a serious desire to be whole. Watch for announcements.

HEALING ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS
Periodically we offer a concentrated Friday night through Saturday afternoon healing event, a mix of teaching and ministry facilitated by sponsors assigned to each participant. It's a great entry level, get your feet wet exposure to inner healing. Watch for announcements about times!
 
APPLYING FOR COUNSELING HELP
To apply for counseling help, either call the office or stop at the Information Desk in the worship center. You will receive a pre-counseling interview form. Please fill this out and return it to the church office. We'll evaluate it and refer you to the counseling resource we feel best meets your need.

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