The Counseling Ministry” at First Baptist Church [FBCD] consists of who are trained laymen and women. They assist the pastors in welcoming those who request membership or indicate some other spiritual decision. This request is usually made by coming to the front of The Church at the invitation time during each worship service but can be made at some other time. 

The Counselors help new members into The Church, obtain data for The Church records, assist people in making and clarifying life decisions, and help them get “plugged into” The Church. Our desire is for a newcomer to feel he/she has a contact, a point of reference, a friend at First Baptist Church.  

Purpose  
A long term goal of The Church is for all members and includes assisting the pastor to help promote the following objectives: 
That the membership of First Baptist Church is made up of those who have made Jesus Christ their Savior and Lord.                
That all members have been scripturally baptized.  
That First Baptist Church has an informed, active and responsible membership.  

“The Counseling Ministry” has as its purpose to help achieve these goals for new members as they come into The Church.  

Ministry Tasks  
When a prospect requests membership, an “Invitation Helper” [counselor] is assigned to interview the prospect regarding membership. The interview includes listening to the testimony of the prospect concerning their salvation and baptism as well as obtaining membership data. This interview helps to achieve the first two purposes listed above.  
See “Procedures Below - After the Church Service” for the ministry tasks that help achieve the purpose of “an informed, active and responsible membership.”

Organization
“Invitation Helpers” are organized into three teams of approximately 20 to 25 “Counselors.” Each team serves as primary counselors once every three months.  Each team has a Captain who schedules the counselors for the individual church services and coordinates the assignment of counselors to prospective members during the invitation. During the month of primary service, “Invitation Helpers” are requested to wear identification badges that says “Ask Me” during any church service in attendance.  

If needed, all “Invitation Helpers” are available to help in any service in which they are in attendance.  

“The Counseling Ministry” is a part of the pastoral ministry and everything is done with the approval of the pastor.  A deacon membership committee has general oversight of the ministry.  The associate pastor has the ultimate authority for membership decisions during a church service.  
If you have an interest in participating in the counseling ministry or obtaining more information, contact Cliff Feeler, Associate Pastor, at the Church, 382-2577, ext 155, or Bill Morris, 387-7015. 

Procedures
After the Church Service  
The “Invitation Helper” arranges for a visit with new member and his/her family to respond to their questions concerning programs of The Church, and determine family needs.

• If required, assistance is given to the new member to make arrangements to be baptized   
• After the new member has been interviewed and baptized, arrangement is made for the new member to be presented to The Church. This helps new members to feel welcomed by the Church.  
• Encouragement of the new member to attend an orientation session. This helps new members to be better informed about The Church and its affiliations.  
• Continued follow-up with the new member until they have been  integrated into the activities of The Church.

During the Church Service  
The “Invitation Helper” when scheduled for counseling:  

• [wearing the badge] Stands at the front of the sanctuary during the invitation.  
• When assigned by the Team Captain, goes immediately to the prospect as he/she is talking to the pastor, and then accompanies the prospect to the counseling room.  NOTE:  A new member is presented for membership at a church service subsequent to the service in which membership is requested.  
• Conducts the interview to determine the nature of the decision;  confirms that the prospect genuinely understands the decision, and is in agreement with The Church beliefs about salvation and baptism.   

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