Because Cross Connections desires to assist pastors by providing Christ-centered care to their parishioners, we have a referral process that is different from most counseling agencies. Prior to a person becoming a Cross Connections client, he first meets with his pastor who, after prayerful consideration, makes a referral.
The next step is a meeting with one of our clinical directors for an assessment of the client's needs. Based on what is learned in that meeting, one of these three courses of action will be recommended:
- Counseling with one of our professional counselors
- Counseling with one of our volunteer covenant partners
- Matching with a Stephen Minister*
*A Stephen Minister is a trained listener commissioned by his/her home congregation to provide encouragement to others. Stephen Ministers are volunteers. Cross Connections does not train or supervise Stephen Ministers and is indebted to those congregations that are willing to share their Stephen Ministers when this is an appropriate course of action for a referred person. For more information on Stephen Ministry go to www.stephenministries.org.