Counseling Approach
Hope Community provides biblical counseling as a ministry of the church.  Our goal is to help people to meet the challenges in their life by coming alongside them and guiding them to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ as found in the Scriptures.  This process is dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit to bring heart change.  Counseling is given in order for people to learn to live in a way that is pleasing to God,  find joy and peace through the gospel, and make choices for lasting life change.

As a ministry of Hope Community, we will provide counselors with:

• Safe place for counselors and counselees to meet
• Access to resources and materials needed for counseling
• Support and accountability

Counselor Qualifications

1. Counselors understand the importance of doing all things for the glory of God and will live a life above reproach (Colossians 1:10; 3:17).
2. Counselors will maintain a growing faith by:
   daily reading the word and prayer (John 15:5)
   personal accountability through a Community group (Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. Counselors will have an organized counseling system that includes, but is not limited to:
    maintaining loving relationships (1 Corinthians 13:2)
    the ability to understand human problems (Proverbs 18:13)
    having a thorough understanding of Scripture to interpret these problems biblically (2Peter 1:3-4)
    the ability to assign helpful homework
4. Complete an approved Fundamentals Training Course - (see www.biblicalcounseling.com for training options)
5. Complete reading of Instruments in Hands of Redeemer by Paul Tripp & Peacemaker by Ken Sande. 
6. Complete 10 sessions of observed counseling with an approved counselor, with at least 2 sessions observing a Hope Community Counselor.  

Next Steps to Become a Counselor:
1) Complete Counselor Application
2) Review & sign Hope Counseling Policies & Procedures