FAQ
FAQs
What types of services do you offer?
We provide confidential, comprehensive, clinically astute, developmentally oriented, and spiritually sensitive vocational guidance, counseling, and assessment for pastors, for people entering or considering ministry, and for the general public.
What do you know about ministry?
All of our clinicians have a good understanding of life in the church and in ministry. Over 95% of our work is with people in ministry or preparing for ministry. As an ecumenical organization, we work with people from a very wide variety of religious and theological perspectives.
Why do you call your programs “developmentally oriented?”
All of our assessments are intended to contribute to the personal and vocational development of those who come to us. We don’t put you in a diagnostic “box.” Rather, we invite you to explore and discern with us the important factors relevant to your vocation.
Why would a pastor or church worker come for an assessment?
Pastors typically come because of questions or concerns about their ministry. Sometimes pastors come when they are in a vocational or personal crisis. Pastors may also come as they approach major milestones and decision points in ministry. They may come at their own initiative or be referred by their judicatory or ministerium.
Why would a person entering ministry come for an assessment?
Usually these people are referred to us as part of the normal way a denomination discerns a person’s fit for ministry and as part of their vocational formation. A number of seminaries refer their entering students as part of their personal and vocational formation. Sometimes people come to us at their own initiative, as part of their personal discernment process.
Why would the general public come for an assessment?
We provide vocational assessment and guidance for the general public.
What happens during an assessment?
Most assessment processes include time for completing inventories to assist with your program and face-to face time with a counselor and/or psychologist.
How much time will my assessment take?
Assessments typically range anywhere from half a day to three full days, depending on the particular program and its goals.
Are services confidential?
Yes. Any information shared with outside parties, either verbally or in writing, is subject to your written consent.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call the office of your choice during business hours at least six weeks prior to the time you wish to schedule an appointment. Weekend or evening hours are not available. For those scheduling a Candidate Assessment, they should be scheduled at least fifteen weeks in advance of your candidate committee deadline.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my assessment?
Yes! You will complete detailed autobiographical material and should plan on spending 6-8 hours on this. You will also complete some inventories. Depending on your assessment and the office you are visiting, you may need to complete some testing in a proctored (monitored) situation. You will select the person to proctor you, but it cannot be a relative or close friend. Ask the office staff if you have any questions about this.
What is the cost? How do I pay for services?
Fees vary depending upon the program needed, whether a report is required, and whether or not your denomination is one of our supporting partners. Call one of our offices to get specific information. A deposit is required to hold your date. The balance of the program fee is expected at the time of your visit. Visa/MasterCard and check are accepted.
Do you provide childcare? Can I bring an infant who is breastfeeding?
We do not provide childcare and you should make you own arrangement for your children. If you have a special need, such as a breastfeeding infant, please discuss this with the office.
Do you provide housing?
We do not provide housing, but we can refer you to local hotels.
What types of candidate assessments are available?
Candidate assessments are done in either an individual or a group format. An individual assessment can be scheduled anytime during the month. Group assessments are held once per month, with a maximum of six people per group.
What programs are available for clergy or others in church ministry?
Our primary programs for clergy are a two-day life planning program and a two and one half day career counseling program. However, we have a number of specialty programs as well. Call the office and we can help you determine what program will accomplish your goals.
How is an Intensive Assessment for clergy different?
Most clergy programs are voluntary and initiated by the clergy because of their desire for more information about themselves. An Intensive Assessment is initiated by a referring judicatory which needs specific questions answered about a clergyperson or staff member. The referring judicatory is heavily involved in determining the focus of the counseling sessions based on the issues raised and is invited to be a part of the last afternoon’s discussion (in person or by phone) with the individual and counselor.
When can I expect to receive my report from my Candidacy Assessment?
A preliminary copy is typically issued six to eight weeks after the completion of the program. If you are on a tighter deadline, discuss this with our office as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee our ability to provide a “rapid turnaround time” for your report.
Do you offer career counseling programs for laity?
Yes, the Direction Finder program is designed to assist young persons and adults who are seeking a basic direction in their search for satisfying work.
Will you come to our location for a workshop?
Yes, onsite programs can be arranged to meet the needs and schedule of the judicatory/clergy group/church.