LCI works with church leadership to assist in the development of a counseling ministry that eases the burdens of counseling from the pastoral staff. Its intent is to train leaders; organize and strengthen care and shepherding ministries; equip and oversee lay counselors so that they can address the needs of the congregation and the surrounding community; and in doing so, help the ministry of the body to bring the gospel to bear on the specific obstacles and struggles that inhibit its members from growing in grace.
Stages
The LCI model, ideally, has 4 stages. The first involves consultation with a church about a counseling ministry, model, etc. LCI exists primarily to assist churches to develop a viable counseling ministry incorporating pastoral staff, lay counselors and local mental health professionals (ideally in their own congregation) as well as whatever other resources the church or community has to offer (i.e., support groups, recovery programs, marriage mentors, etc.).
The next two stages involve LCI’s two training modules (Level 1 and Level 2). These can stand alone as a training program/introduction to counseling or supplement the church’s training program (about counseling, relationships, the scriptures, change, etc.).
The final stage, and by far the most significant, involves establishing an ongoing consultation or supervision program for any in the church who do the counseling. LCI recommends that either an experienced pastoral counselor or Christian mental health professional oversee this group. In this setting, cases are presented, discussed and monitored, training continues, referrals can be made, etc.
