Why Lay counseling?
People within church congregations are dealing with the difficulties and struggles that life brings, both from external circumstances and from the internal struggle to die to sin and live to Christ. The essential teaching and preaching ministry and caring ministries of the church are demanding the focus of church pastors and leaders. Increasing requests come from members seeking personal time with church leaders to help them in their struggle to live out what they are learning in the circumstances they are facing, further taxing church leadership. Still others live silently with their struggle or seek help outside of the church. Church leaders often long to be freed to reach out to those in need outside the church, to bring the answer that comes only in Christ. Some churches have responded by hiring professional counselors to provide services. Others endorse and refer congregants to local professionals, yet most recognize that even the best professional services cannot address all of the needs. In addition, the cost of professional counsling can be prohibitive to many in need. LCI has responded to the needs of the church, providing an alternative to professional referrals.
