The Counseling Ministry at Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) provides biblical guidance and support to individuals facing various life challenges, helping them find solutions through Christ, the sole source of life.
Mission Statement
To provide guidance and encouragement to those faced with challenges in life, pointing them to Christ who is the sole source of life.
Vision
Wholeness in every aspect of life through a caring relationship based on biblical values.
Key Objectives
- Develop Christ-like Counselors: Build a team of counselors who exemplify Christ-like character and integrity.
- Promote Quality Counseling: Ensure the provision of high-quality, biblically-based counseling services within the church.
- Provide Professional Skills: Equip counselors with professional skills in various areas of counseling to address diverse needs.
- Reach Out to Those in Need: Extend counseling services to individuals within the congregation and the broader community.
- Support Altar Ministry: Assist individuals responding to altar calls, helping new believers find their footing in their newfound faith.
Activities and Programs
- Biblical Counseling Sessions: Offer guidance on emotional issues, parenting challenges, social challenges, marriage issues, self-esteem, addiction, and more.
- Altar Ministry Support: Provide immediate counseling and prayer support to individuals responding to altar calls during services.
- Training Workshops: Conduct training sessions to equip counselors with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective ministry.
- Community Outreach: Extend counseling services beyond the church to address the needs of the wider community.
Key Events
- Annual Counseling Training Workshop: A comprehensive program designed to equip volunteers with the necessary skills for effective counseling ministry.
- Community Counseling Outreach Days: Organized events to provide counseling services and support to the local community.
- Support Group Meetings: Regular gatherings for individuals facing similar challenges to share experiences and receive encouragement.
- Seminars on Contemporary Issues: Educational sessions addressing current societal challenges from a biblical perspective.
Biblical Foundation
The ministry is grounded in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of providing godly counsel and support:
- “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14
- “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
- “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:8
- “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” – Psalm 33:11
Integration into the Larger CITAM Family
The Counseling Ministry collaborates with other departments, such as the Family Care Ministry and the Prayer Ministry, to provide holistic support to individuals and families, ensuring that members receive comprehensive care that addresses both spiritual and emotional needs.
Requirements to Join
- Membership: Be a born-again believer with a heart of compassion, ready to serve when called upon.
- Express Interest: Contact the ministry leader at your local CITAM assembly to express your desire to join.
- Training: Participate in training sessions to equip you for effective ministry.
- Commitment: Demonstrate a willingness to serve consistently, especially during times of need.
How to Contribute to Our Mission
- Pray: Support the ministry through prayer, asking for God’s guidance and strength for both volunteers and those they minister to.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and compassion to counsel and encourage those in need.
- Provide Resources: Contribute financially or donate materials that can aid in ministering to others, such as Bibles, devotional books, or care packages.
- Share Information: Inform the ministry about members or community individuals who may benefit from counseling and encouragement.
Recurrent Meetings
- Weekly Team Meetings: Regular gatherings to plan sessions, pray, and share experiences to improve ministry effectiveness.
- Monthly Training Sessions: Ongoing training to enhance skills and spiritual readiness for ministry work.
Contact Details
For more information or to get involved with the Counseling Ministry, please contact the ministry leader at your local CITAM assembly or visit the official CITAM website: www.citam.org.
Through the Counseling Ministry, CITAM demonstrates Christ’s love by providing support and guidance to individuals and families, ensuring that no one walks through life’s challenges alone.