Our communities and churches are filled with hurting people.  It was out of this need that the Lay Counseling Ministry at Quail Lakes Baptist Church was born in 1995.  This ministry is available free of charge to people within our congregation and the community at large in an individual/couple, time-limited format (6-10 sessions) with a same-sex counselor. Lay Counseling should not be considered as a professional counseling service.  Lay Counselors have received training through the lay counseling training program and are supervised by Sue Eikenberry, Director of Women's Ministry, Counseling and Body Life.  The Counseling Ministry also includes support groups and Celebrate Recovery.

 Lay Counseling

At some point in our lives all of us need to talk with someone who can help us sort out the puzzle pieces of life.  It may be a "big issue" like a marital struggle, a life threatening illness, or the loss of a loved one.  It may be a "small issue" like a frustration with children, spouse, or stress.  It may even be a spiritual struggle-but all of us need to talk to someone we can trust.  This ministry is not just for those in advanced states of crisis, but also for those that will allow this ministry to help deal with little issues before they have a chance to become big ones. All appointments take place in the church offices and all scheduling is done through the counseling office, 951-2645.

Lay Counseling Celebrates 15 years at QLBC!

 It’s hard to believe, but the first lay counseling team was commissioned on Sept. 17, 1995!  Since that day over 1500 appointments have been scheduled and over 2200 people have walked through the counseling doors.  All praise and glory belong to God.  He equips, He heals, He provides, He reconciles, He forgives. He loves, He accepts, He mends, He cares.  And He does that through dedicated lay counselors.  If you know one, won’t you encourage them . . .  for they walk alongside and bear the burdens of others. Rejoice with us for all that God has done and continues to do.

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 Support Groups

The following support groups are offered at various times.  Call the church office at 951-7380 for more information.

  Anger Management
Beginning Monday, September 13, 2010
6:30 - 8:00 pm in Room A-212

This 10-week group will walk through a 13-step program of interactive exercises that help handle anger and restore healthy emotions.  A minimum of 6 people is needed to have the class.

Cost of materials: $12.

Depression
Beginning Wednesday, September 8, 2010
6:30 - 8:00 pm in Room A-117

This 6-week group helps those who struggle with or care about one who suffers with depression.  It gives understanding and provides tangible action.

Cost of materials: $10.

Grief Share (Co-ed)
Beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 pm in Room A-117

In this 7-week group you will learn how to process the changes that accompany the loss of a loved one.  Featuring a combination of videos, workbook and group support, it is an opportunity to share your journey from mourning to joy with people who care.

Cost of materials: $13.

Marriage 911
Beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 pm in Room A-203-204
For individuals even if the spouse is unwilling 

This class is held each fall and spring.  Is your marriage in trouble?  Are you separated? Then this group is for you! This 13-week group is designed to show you how to get out of God's way and allow Him to do what healing needs to be done.  The tools you will learn can be used in whatever circumstance you are facing and help you create a support system of prayer and accountability.  While it may take two to reconcile a relationship, it only takes one of you to make the commitment to begin the process.  Let it begin with you!

We finished the last 13 weeks of the Marriage 911 class and God did amazing things in the ministry. We had couples reconciled from seemingly impossible situations. Through their hard work on their relationship with the Lord and then their spouse, peace has been restored in many families.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Chist and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."

Cost of materials: $32. ($10. of this is an optional book)
 

Tools for Married Life
For Men
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm in Room A-112

Men, do you want to understand your wife’s deepest needs and learn how to meet them? This ongoing group will help you respond to your wife’s feelings, and also how to make her feel valued. We will work on simple steps to strengthen any marriage.

Cost of materials: $12.

More Support at QLBC

Flying Solo (Women)
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month
Beginning September 14, 2010
At Noon in Room E-213

This group for women who have been widowed meets at noon to share lunch and enjoy fellowship. We have discussion from the book From One Widow to Another. Bring your favorite potluck dish and join us!

Cost of materials: $12.

Flying Solo (Men)
Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month
10:00 am, beginning on September 16th

This group for men who have been widowed will resume meeting in September to share and enjoy fellowship.  Room: E-213

Cancer Support Group
The 2nd and 4th Sundays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Beginning on September 12th

For any questions or more information call Bev at 951-7380.

Lay Counseling Training

• Has anyone ever told you what a great listener you are?
• Have you ever been told you are such an encourager?
• Do you get a sense of fulfillment out of walking alongside someone when they are going through tough times?
• Would you like to improve your listening skills?

We offer this training each year for men and women of all ages, small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, spiritual mentors & disciplers.  This training is held each spring.  Watch for the next one coming up Spring of 2011.

For information on this annual training call Bev in the office. 209-951-7380