The Biblical Counseling Ministry of BCO
The Bible Church of Owasso provides Biblical counseling to those interested in working on the challenges of life from a Biblical perspective. Following is information about the Biblical counseling ministry.
Biblical Counseling is a Ministry
The Bible calls all Christians to be involved with others to help them deal with life (Romans 15:14; Col 3:16; 1Thes 5:14). Sometimes life becomes so complicated and difficult that we need that help from those God has equipped to provide it. For that reason we have established the BCO counseling ministry. The range of problems with which Biblical counselors deal includes marriage related issues, parent-child conflict, depressions, alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety, fear, worry, and any number of other problems resulting in distress.
We believe the Bible alone is sufficient to address all of life’s problems. It is the only source of truth we will use. The ideas and opinions of man are not part of our counseling. Our counselors are not trained in psychology but rather are trained in the use of the Scriptures as they apply to life.
The Biblical Counselor
Though some of the counselors at BCO are lay counselors and not part of the pastoral staff they have all been trained in the principles of Biblical Counseling. We typically conduct counseling in teams and often have both a lay counselor as well as a staff pastor in the session. In any case since Biblical counselors provide their time and energy as a service to God and as a ministry, each counselor serves without any charge or fee, or any financial requirement, actual or implied.
Confidentiality
It is important to understand that our Biblical counselors are considered trustworthy. Confidentiality is therefore a commitment made to each counselee. However there may be times when it is necessary to talk with our pastors and elders or the pastor of your church about your particular situation. The goal is only to help in the resolution of a complex issue. Never would that be done without the counselee’s prior knowledge.
Waiting Period
If a counseling team is not immediately available to begin a continued counseling period with you, you will be counseled as soon as possible on a one-time basis. During this session, your counselors will provide a plan for you to follow while you are waiting for the regularly scheduled sessions. In this way, you can work on solutions to problems immediately.
Length of Counseling
Normally, counseling sessions will last one to one-and-a-half hours each week and will continue for eight to ten weeks. As you respond to Biblical counsel, the number of counseling sessions may be shortened.
Counseling Appointments
BCO counseling Ministry has established counseling times on Thursday evenings and Tuesday afternoons. We will make every effort to work within that schedule. However, should a situation require more immediate attention exceptions may be made.
Even though we do not charge for our time that does not mean it is not valuable. We ask that you keep all appointments unless something unforeseen arises. Failure to show up or notify us in advance may be cause to discontinue counseling.
What is Required and What to Expect
You will need a notebook and a Bible at all sessions, including the first session. Homework will be assigned at each session and you are responsible to complete it before the next session. Since the church has been established by God as the place where Christians are to grow and be helped by one another it is important that you attend a church regularly. We welcome all those who do not have a church home to fellowship with us here at BCO.
When formal counseling ends there is still help available to you. There are many opportunities to continue the discipleship of the counseling sessions on a less formal basis through small group and home studies, Home group fellowship, and Sunday morning Equip-U classes.