Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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  • What kind of problems does IBC counsel? Throughout life, different people face a wide variety of problems and struggles. We believe that the Bible speaks to all of them. Whether you've been diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare professional with some kind of mental or emotional disorder like bipolar, schizophrenia, paranoia, or multiple personalities, or you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage & family problems, sexual abuse, pornography, or an addiction, we want to help! We aim to apply a Christ-centered worldview to these problems and through this approach, we have seen and are seeing life-changing results.
  • How does counseling and the church work together? We believe that the local church is God's chosen context for change. Jesus redeems and renews His people by joining them to Himself. In so doing, He also joins us to each other. Together, we create a community where change and growth takes place. We consider all of the counseling that we do to be an extension of our church. The kind of counsel and encouragement that you receive in a counseling setting is the same kind of counsel and encouragement you would receive from our church services, just more directly applied to your situation.

    If you are not a member of a church, we encourage you to begin attending and consider joining our church. The teaching and preaching ministries that go out from the classrooms and pulpit of our church will support and further deepen your understanding of yourself and the answers to your deepest problems.

    If you are an active member of another church in Louisville, we would love to partner with your church in any way we can. At the very least, that means that we want you to work towards applying the truths you learn from us to your relationships at your church. When possible and appropriate, we would ask you to consider informing a pastor, care group leader, or other shepherd from your church about the counseling process. Further, (with the counselee's permission), we would love for you to invite them to be part of the counseling sessions. Having said this, we are also very committed to confidentiality. The Bible repeatedly warns against gossip/slander and encourage us to keep confidences. To release counseling information without a a counselee's consent would violate biblical standards as well as commonly accepted codes of counseling ethics. Prior to meeting with one of our counselors, you will be required to read, agree to, and sign our "Counseling Consent Form."

  • What are the qualifications of IBC counselors? The primary qualification that is required of every counselor is that they have repented of their sins and they have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Many of our counselors have also received formal training in both the Bible and counseling. Some have master's degrees in biblical studies and counseling and others don't. All of our counselors have been acknowledged by the church as gifted in counseling. All counselors meet regularly for counseling supervision with one of the pastors of the church.
  • How are people matched with counselors? Can a particular counselor be requested? Counseling appointments are made through the church office at: (502) 585-2733, or by emailing: counseling@ibclouisville.org. Pastor Jeff King keeps a list of counselors, their available hours, and a summary of their education, experience, and areas of interest or expertise. Particular counselors can be requested and will be assigned depending upon their availablity.
  • Any specific pastors available to counsel? How long is the waiting list? All of our pastors are involved in teaching and helping people apply the Bible to their daily living. Some pastors are available more quickly than others. Our church secretary, Patti Withers, can give you an idea of how long you might expect to wait for a particular pastor. Generally, we try to be available within a few weeks. We usually recommend that counselees not become too set on being counseled by a pastor, since all of our counselors are guided by the same biblical principles.
  • How much does IBC counseling cost? We hope that you will be delighted to know that all of our counseling is free. We consider it our privilege to give you all the truths that God has entrusted to us. One goal of our counseling is to move you from being a counselee yourself to a person who is changed so deeply that you are made able and eager to counsel and help others