Church Buzz

Sunday afternoon was a beautiful day for a ribbon cutting at the new counseling center of First Baptist Church.

It is called The Bridge of Hope Counseling Center, and it replaces the somewhat scattered offices that were located at the main campus of the church.

By having all of the counselors together in one space, it will make it more efficient.

The counseling center started because Founding and Lead Pastor Ralph Sch-neck saw a need for the community. He believed that many times, those who need counseling the most, can afford it the least.

Paul Bishop was working in a private practice at a counseling center in Columbia when Pastor Ralph invited him to come on staff and do counseling and missions for the church. Paul accepted and initially was the only counselor.

They aim to be an affordable resource for those in need of guidance and support for emotional, relational and spiritual issues.

Over the years, the need for services has grown, and others became available. Now, the staff includes 3 full-time counselors, 3 part-time counselors, and 1-2 student interns being trained.

In addition, there are peer support groups led by individuals serving as lay mentors or lay counselors in their LIFT program and group support programs like Celebrate Recovery and other support groups led by other church volunteers.

With Pastor Ralph’s direction and vision, and generous gifts from members and friends of the church, they were able build the facility on church property across the street from the campus.

The center itself has a waiting room, 6 individual offices, a group room and an unfinished upstairs for future expansion. The other side of the building serves as a mission house for visiting missionaries.

This new facility stands as a testament to the commitment to our community from First Baptist of Lexington, their leaders and staff.

Do you have a ministry that you want to talk about? Contact me by phone at 803-348-0243 or email at Chuck. lexchron@gmail.com .