Question 1

Who qualifies to receive support and counseling?

Accepted Answer

Pastors and Ministry Leaders on staff with a Christian ministry organization in a role that involves ministering directly to others. This includes Lead Pastors, Worship Pastors and Leaders, Youth Pastors and Leaders, College Pastors, Campus Pastors, Women's Pastors and Leaders, Men's Pastors and Leaders, Discipleship Pastors and Leaders, Teaching Pastors, Pastoral Counselors, Missions Pastors, Missionaries, etc.

Question 2

Why is it a challenge for Pastors and Ministry Leaders to seek help?

Accepted Answer

Financial limitations, privacy concerns and not knowing who to talk to (counselors that understand the challenges of vocational ministry) are common barriers that make it a challenge to seek help.

Question 3

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Getting help is simple...  Reach out to a Counselor, mention Abide Leader Care, and schedule your first session.

Question 4

Who are the counselors on the directories?

Accepted Answer

All counselors are independent, Christian professionals with a Biblical worldview and have a heart for Pastors and Ministry Leaders.  They have been trained at various seminaries, colleges, universities and counseling programs.  You are encouraged to learn more about their unique life experiences, training and skills, and counseling philosophy.

Question 5

How many sessions are provided?

Accepted Answer

The first session is offered free of charge to help Pastors and Ministry Leaders take a step towards their personal and relational growth.  This may be in person or online.  Counselors offer a reduced fee (typically between $50-$100) for additional sessions. *Some counselors have a fixed number of reduced fee sessions.

Question 6

What if I'm struggling to afford ongoing sessions?

Accepted Answer

We understand that many Pastors and Ministry Leaders have financial constraints.  That is one of the main reasons we started Abide Leader Care.  Based on current professional counseling rates ($100-$200/session), counselors offer the first session free of charge and generously reduce fees for additional sessions to make counseling affordable.  Sessions may be spread out and/or scheduled as needed.

Question 7

Can I meet with a counselor online?

Accepted Answer

Remote counseling online in place of or in addition to conventional face-to-face counseling may be available depending on the counselor.  We recommend you search for a counselor located in your state.  If your state is not represented yet, you can reach out to one of the counselors on the nationwide directory.

Question 8

Is this service confidential?

Accepted Answer

All counseling professionals involved create a safe, confidential space for Pastors and Ministry Leaders to be honest and transparent.  We do encourage allowing other trusted individuals into your life to know and walk alongside you.

Question 9

What if I meet with a counselor and it's not a good fit?

Accepted Answer

For various reasons, not all counseling relationships are a good fit.  Participating counselors are private practice professionals and we are not liable for anything that occurs between both parties.  Other counseling referrals and helpful resources may be recommended.

Question 10

Can family members of Pastors and Ministry Leaders seek help?

Accepted Answer

Family members may only be involved if they are part of the main issues needing help.

Question 11

What if my city is not represented?

Accepted Answer

Directories in new cities are actively being developed!  If your city is not represented, you can contact a counselor in your state for phone or online counseling.  Please visit our nationwide counselor page to get to know counselors available for support and counseling to Pastors an Ministry Leaders throughout the US.

Question 12

What if I need immediate help?

Accepted Answer

Here are some resources if you need immediate help or someone you know is in need of immediate care. Emergency: 911 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) Crisis Text Line: Text "DESERVE" TO 741-741 Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging): Visit Suicide Prevent Lifeline Website Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288) Planned Parenthood Hotline: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)  American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222 National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line: 1-800-622-2255 National Crisis Line - Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357 Suicide Prevention Wiki: http://suicideprevention.wikia.com

FAQ

Who does Abide Leader Care serve? Our ministry serves pastors and ministry leaders on staff with a Christian organization including churches, nonprofits, and businesses.

Why is it a challenge for pastors and ministry leaders to seek help? There are a lot of reasons. Some examples are confidentiality concerns, shame, limited finances, not knowing who to talk to...

How does it work? Please fill out our form and we will follow up shortly with recommendations to help you navigate next steps. Browse the site to learn more about counselors and other resources to serve pastors and ministry leaders.

Who are the counselors? All partnering counselors are independent Christian professionals that have a passion to serve pastors and ministry leaders. If your city or state is not represented, you can contact a counselor listed on our nationwide page.

Can family members of Pastors and Ministry Leaders seek help? Family members may use our resources if they are part of the main issues needing help.

FAQ’s by Abide Leader Care, A Counseling Service for Pastors, Pastor’s Wives & Leaders | US