Biblical Soul Care Ministry

What can I expect if I decide to receive soul care?

If you’ve been wrestling with a problem or situation, and realize you might need help coming to a good resolution, we’d love the opportunity to meet with you.

The first step in receiving soul care is to contact Wayne or Kathy Brown at 519-627-6414 or kathy@1stbaptist.ca or wayne@1stbaptist.ca . They will provide you with a Personal Data Inventory form (PDI) to complete, via e-mail or a paper copy available at the office. This form will supply them with information to help determine how they might serve you. All information shared in the PDI and/or their office is strictly confidential.

Once your form has been completed and returned an appointment will be made to go over the information provided. This appointment usually lasts approximately two hours.

Each case is handled for its individual needs, therefore the length of the process can vary case by case. Most cases require weekly, hourly meetings (unless it involves more then one person attending to the office, which is often approximately 90 minute sessions) for at least 4-8 weeks, depending on the progress of the case. As progress is made the sessions move to every other week and are eventually further spaced apart until you are graduated, which is often 6 months to a year from beginning to end. You are able to withdraw at anytime should your circumstances change or you feel it isn’t profitable. Appointments are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the day or evening.

Each session you will meet with either Wayne or Kathy, or them together, to discuss the problems at hand and seek resolutions for the best outcome for you, and for God’s glory. Our ministry is bible based, which means we rely on God, His Word, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the life-changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We seek to find practical solutions from God’s Word for the difficulties and struggles in your life. After each session you will be given a homework assignment to complete before your next appointment. The purpose of the homework is to practically apply what you’re learning into your circumstances.  We also recognize some issues may require more then we are equipped or trained to handle, therefore we will most often require/suggest you visit your physician for further help.  We also recognize medications can be a necessary part of your process, and because we are not medically trained to give our opinion on this will entrust these matters to you and your physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist.

The hardest part of soul care can be taking that first step to reach out. It is humbling, sometimes embarrassing, and can feel a bit scary as you unfold your most personal details to folks you may not know very well, or feel you know too well. Wayne & Kathy want to assure you they understand it’s a big step, but one you won’t regret as they warmly welcome you as a brother and sister in the Lord, and equal in light of the Cross. They are here to serve you!

Kathy has been certified with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) since 2008, and the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) since 2022, and has been serving at First Baptist Church since 2009. In addition, she served as organizer and facilitator of DivorceCare and GriefShare for a number of years, with Wayne joining her in these ministries in the latter years.  Wayne has been certified with the Association of Certified Counselors since January 2019, and Association of Biblical Counselors since 2022, and has been serving alongside Kathy, and individually, since 2015.   In addition, they both hold a marriage specialization certification from ACBC.

There is a nominal suggested donation of $40 per session, however this should not be a barrier for those seeking who cannot manage this. We seek to serve everyone who is in need as we serve on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ. Donations can be e-transferred to fbc@kent.net with a note to direct to the counselling ministry, or by cheque made payable to “First Baptist Church” with a note to direct to the counselling ministry, or by cash (the latter two options can be dropped off at the church).

Wayne and Kathy conduct Zoom or Facebook Messenger video appointments a variety of hours on Tuesday to Thursday, and limited in-person appointments on Tuesdays.  Appointments are first come, first serve, and will only be booked once the required paperwork is received from you.  Should their schedules be full you will be placed on a waiting list until their schedules allow them to serve you.

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2