When people are in trouble, one of the first places they turn is the church. It should not be surprising then that ministers and other religious workers often face complex and difficult issues when they counsel parishioners.

Attempted suicide, eating disorders, domestic abuse (either as an abuser or victim), addictions, emotional disorders, sex crimes, and other criminal offenses are not uncommon issues in today’s society. Ministry staff must be prepared to understand their responsibilities regarding confidentiality, the scope of their advice, abuse reporting, safety planning for victims, or possible harm of other potential victims.

If an abuse allegation is made against one of your church employees or volunteers, church leaders must respond quickly, following state law while carefully considering the rights of the victim, the rights of the accused, and the potential safety threat to others until the issue is resolved.

David can help your church navigate difficult counseling issues. If there is an abuse incident, David can help your church leaders identify a response that reaches out with compassion to the victim and the victim’s family, facilitates prosecution of criminal acts while dealing fairly with the accused, and minimizes the likelihood of a law suit being brought against your congregation.

How we help our clients:

• Help develop pastoral counseling policy and procedures for ministry staff
• Conduct pastoral counseling training for staff
• Clarify abuse reporting requirements and their relation to the clergy-penitent privilege
• Create abuse reporting training material for staff and key volunteers (available on-line)
• Develop an abuse response plan
• Develop abuse response training for staff and key volunteers
• Provide situational advice when abuse issues arise