Imagine if every individual in counseling had a supportive companion who walks alongside them when receiving counseling. It would be powerful.
Yet most counseling centers aren’t set up to encourage this, or facilitate a true partnership to enable long term care and growth. Biblical Counseling Center is pioneering a new model for church care and partnership. A strategy that equips the church to improve in care while providing care to so many in need.
Role Summary
A Care Partner is a trained, trusted member of the church community who walks alongside an individual (or family) receiving biblical counseling. Care Partners strengthen the bridge between the counseling room and everyday life by providing prayer, encouragement, relational support, and connection to the local church.
Key Distinction: A Care Partner is not the counselor. They do not provide therapy, clinical assessment, or direct the counseling plan. They provide faithful presence, prayer, and practical support under clear guidelines.
Primary Responsibilities
- Prayer: Commit to regular prayer for the counselee and (when appropriate) pray with them.
- Relational care: Maintain agreed-upon check-ins; listen well; encourage hope in Christ.
- Reinforcement: Help the counselee carry biblical truths into daily routines and decisions.
- Connection: Support meaningful involvement in church life and healthy community.
- Advocacy: When appropriate, help the counselee connect to practical help/resources.
What a Care Partner Is Not
- Replacement for counseling, pastoral oversight, or professional care.
- Responsible to gather “all the details” or manage crises alone.
- Given confidential counseling records.
- The person to investigate abuse or handle legal steps (but does report concerns appropriately).
Time Commitment
Typically aligned with the counseling season (often 3–6 months). Expect consistent contact (commonly 1–2 touchpoints/month, as agreed). Individuals receiving counseling will be sent case report forms via email that capture the heart about what was discussed in counseling and lays out practical next steps. These forms are the basis of conversations with care partners. This is a voluntary step, but a powerful choice to invite others into the counselee’s long term care. This choice dramatically improves counseling success.
Confidentiality & Safety
Care Partners honor discretion and privacy. They do not share personal information learned in conversations, except when safety concerns require action (risk of harm to self/others, suspected abuse, or other mandated reporting situations). In those cases, Care Partners promptly involve appropriate church/counseling leadership.
Heart & Biblical Foundation
Care Partners embody the “one-another” ministry of the local church—bearing burdens, encouraging faith, and helping someone keep taking small steps of obedience and hope.
Scripture anchors: Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 14, Hebrews 10:24–25
To sign up to be a Care Partner – fill out the simple application here. You will be provided with several short training videos and access to resources that can help you in your role.
