Wellspring Partnerships
Wellspring seeks to partner with pastors, church leaders, parachurch organizations, and other professionals to help their people. We come alongside and complement these individuals and organizations with confidential counseling proficiencies when their constituents’ life situations require special expertise or time.
We believe that the Body of Christ is composed of many diverse parts whose purpose is to glorify Christ. We also believe that the local church is the primary organization God uses to carry out his mission in the world – to redeem those broken by the fall and to mature them into Christ-likeness so the world will know him and glorify his kingdom greatness. We believe that pastoral counseling is a vital role of the church and that Wellspring professional counselors function in a complementary (and perhaps collaborative) manner so that church leaders can maximize their ministry effectiveness.
Viewed in a different way, we believe that the pastor functions like a primary care physician and ministers to the diverse needs of many people, thankfully often without needing expert assistance. However, just as in healthcare, some situations require the skills of a trusted specialist with respected experience and capabilities. When is it appropriate and advisable for a pastor or other church / parachurch leader to refer cases to a professional counselor?
When to refer cases to a professional counselor:
- Time (e.g. number of appointments) required is too great without sacrificing other vital duties.
- Expertise, skills, or competencies needed are beyond what the pastor can provide.
- Experience indicates that the pastor is beyond the "comfort zone."
- Emotional support needed exceeds what the pastor can give.
- Boundaries: To protect one’s self from personal dangers like emotional, spiritual or physical stress; excessive involvement; or being overwhelmed, threatened, or tempted.
Refer counselees to a professional counselor when they display subtle or obvious warning signs like:
- Instability. Mental or emotional isolation, deep anger or sadness, or loss of will or motivation.
- Continual disinterest in life functions (e.g. eating, working, socializing) or inability to sleep.
- Persistent abnormal conduct like obsessive or compulsive behavior, violence, or addictions.
- Conflicts recurring in interpersonal, marital, family, or organizational relationships.
- Trauma such as domestic violence, child abuse, or suicidal and homicidal threats.
How can churches, pastors, parachurch ministries and other professionals partner with Wellspring?
- Know Wellspring. Get personally acquainted to ensure trust.
- Counseling referrals. Recommend Wellspring to address special counseling situations like those noted above.
- Satellite office. Open your facility to Wellspring counselors for local appointments.
- Conflict mediation. Advocate or require conflict intervention through Wellspring
- Support groups. Sponsor local support groups facilitated by Wellspring counselors
- Education. Invite Wellspring counselors to address topics of distinct proficiency such as:
- Training seminars for staff or lay leadership
- Speaking at classes, conferences, or retreats
If you want to know more about Wellspring or discuss how to best advance your ministry through partnership, call 314-878-5425 or email wellspring@wellspringstl.org to arrange a prompt conversation with one of our staff.
Healing Hearts • Restoring Relationships • Liberating Lives