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LCI Update |
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Spring Training at The 25 participants who gathered in Reston Bible Church’s Gap facility for training this spring weren’t there to play baseball. The Lay Counselor Institute’s Level 1 training, held April 17–19, 2008, drew people from 11 churches for an introduction to biblical counseling. The relatively new training format—two evenings and a Saturday, rather than two weekends—allowed more people to attend the Virginia training than would have been able to otherwise. “Everyone seemed so engaged in all aspects of the weekend, from the teaching and sharing in the large groups to the vulnerability in the small groups,” commented Barbara Giuliano, LCI Training co-leader. The attendees participated eagerly during the teaching sessions and asked animated questions during a Q&A with a panel of lay counselors. It’s exciting to see how the word about LCI is getting out. “Two pastors are here; that’s a little unusual,” said training co-leader Bill Clark. Of some of the churches represented, he added, “we’re not even sure how they heard about us!”
Level 2 Training at McLean Presbyterian Wraps Up In March, the largest Level 2 training group ever gathered for its final meeting at McLean Presbyterian Church. The 30 participants, plus 8 group facilitators, came from a grand total of 14 churches located in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Due to the size of the group, LCI inaugurated a new Level 2 format when the training began this past November. Each meeting started with a teaching time led by LCI’s Executive Director, Bill Clark. Participants then divided into four small groups with two facilitators each for a time of discussion and application. Greg Conrad, who attends Church of the Epiphany in Herndon, Virginia, described his experience facilitating one of the small groups: “As with most Level 2 sessions, our group slowly evolved and began to learn the value of being open and vulnerable with one another, thereby making room for the redemptive work of Christ through a demonstration of love and grace.” “The beauty in the work we did is that it will have a life reaching impact far beyond just a counseling role,” said one participant. “Now it is an indelible |
part of me, so as God calls I am able to offer my heart to others as we share in the journey home toward Jesus.”
Level 2 Comes to Maryland Training that began in March and will continue to July is being hosted by Mid-Atlantic Community Church in Crofton, Maryland. Twelve people from five different Maryland churches are attending this Level 2, including three people on the staff at Mid-Atlantic Community. The larger-than-usual group is utilizing the same format as was used at McLean Presbyterian Church this past spring. After a one-hour teaching time by Bill Clark, the group splits in half for a deeper exploration of the concepts taught. Dr. Clark divides his time between the two small groups, each of which has two facilitators.
“Bill has not taught LCI-2 in Maryland for several years,” said Cindy Hunter, co-leader of the Maryland training and an LCI board member. “We’re excited to have him on this side of the Beltway.” Lee Ann Bisulca |
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