ABOUT INSIGHT

BIBLICAL BASIS 

We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life (II Timothy 3:16-17 II Pet. 1:3). Therefore, our counseling is based upon scriptural principles rather than those of secular psychology or psychiatry. Our Chaplains are not trained or licensed as psychologists, psychotherapists or mental health professionals. Nor should they be expected to follow the methods of such specialists. We counsel in our ministerial capacity as members of the clergy at Aletheia Bible Fellowship (under ORS 675.090.G). The eldership of ABF trains our Chaplains over a 5 year proprietary course to give sound Biblical guidance in problem solving real world problems.

NOT THERAPY 

We provide counseling as to the spiritual nature of life and how it affects all other things. If you have significant legal, financial, medical or other technical questions, you should seek advice from an independent professional in those technical fields. Our Chaplains will cooperate with such advisors and help you to consider their counsel in light of scriptural principles.

INSPIRATIONS 

Although the Insight Program is a proprietary program and its teachings and requirements are primarily based on the Bible and the teaching of ABF’s Eldership, it draws heavily on the works of Jay Adams and his work in Biblical Counseling. We encourage our clients to read his works as a precursor to better understanding our Directive Method.

CONFIDENTIALITY 

Confidentiality is an important aspect of the counseling process and we will use appropriate discretion regarding the information you entrust to us. There are situations, however, in which it may be necessary for us to share certain information with others such as: 

1. When a counselor is uncertain about how to address a particular problem and needs to seek advice from another Pastor or Chaplain. 

2. When there is a concern that someone may be harmed unless others intervene. 

3. When abuse or another crime must be reported to the authorities. 

4. When a person refuses to renounce a particular sin and it becomes necessary to seek the assistance of others in the church to encourage repentance and reconciliation (Proverbs 15:22 24:11 Matthew 18:15-20). 

5. When observers sit in on counseling sessions to assist a Chaplain or for training purposes or resolution of conflicts with a Chaplain.

ARBITRATION

On rare occasions, a conflict may develop between a Chaplain and a client. I Corinthians 6:1-8 forbids Christians from bringing lawsuits against each other in secular courts of law In order to ensure that any such conflicts will be resolved in a biblically faithful manner, we require all our clients to agree that any dispute which arises with a counselor or Chaplain of this church will be settled by mediation, and if necessary legally binding arbitration in accordance with biblical principles. The arbiters will be the Elders of Aletheia Bible Fellowship. If the Elders of Aletheia Bible Fellowship are a party in the dispute then three arbiters will be selected from among Elders from churches in the Christian Resource Cooperative (CRC) with each party in the dispute choosing one arbiter and the two arbiters selecting the third. 
It is expressly understood that by agreeing in advance to arbitrate that the counselee is giving up his right to a trial in the civil courts. Having clarified the principles and policies of our counseling ministry, we welcome the opportunity to minister to you in the name of Christ and to be used by Him as He helps you to grow in spiritual maturity and prepares you for usefulness in His body. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please speak with a pastor or elder. If these guidelines are acceptable to you please fill out an intake form.

for more info:
counseling@abfpdx.org
9712085290