On April 7, 2024, SPBC will begin an expansion of the current counseling ministry by offering counseling groups as part of a ministry we’re calling G4.
What is G4?
G4 will provide peer-led, subject-specific counseling groups that will walk you through a curriculum.
Why do we call it G4?
The “G” is for gospel-centered. We want everything to point to the hope and identity we have in the gospel, so we are not defined by a particular struggle. The “4” stands for the four things provided in these groups — support, process, recovery, and therapeutic education.
Why do we call them “counseling groups” if they’re not led by a trained counselor?
While we are all providing informal counseling to each other all the time, in this context, we’re using counseling to refer to something known as “artificial pairing.” Rather than going to a friend to have an organic conversation about your struggle, you’ll be paired with individuals who have relevant experience with your struggle and have dealt with it in a God-honoring way.
Aren’t counseling groups a lesser form of counseling than one-on-one counseling?
In a word, no. Studies have shown that counseling is more effective in a group context than an individual one, as you have numerous people reinforcing the same message. A group breaks through harmful isolation more effectively, and its members tend to trust those who have had similar experiences more than those who haven’t. Finally, groups create a social system of their own, so what happens outside of group often happens inside of group, allowing you to deal with the “here and now” instead of the “there and then.”
What groups are being offered?
While we hope to offer additional groups in future, we are going to start on April 7 with two groups.
Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Food
Women only.
We can be tempted toward either restriction or over-indulgence—or both—and need to learn how to treat food as the good gift from God that it is rather than as a means of meeting needs and desires that should be fulfilled by the Lord. To be clear, this is not a weight-loss group, but a way of eating that honors God and nourishes your body in the way our Creator intended.
Navigating Destructive Relationships
Men and women.
You may be in a relationship with someone where abuse or addiction are present, or maybe experience fear of man or other unhealthy relational patterns that cause you distress. This group will help you to identify your situation and learn how to live in a way that honors God and loves the other person well without crushing you.
Meetings will be on Sunday evenings from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m at the church building. Childcare will be available except for evenings when the evening service is not held. The groups will be open, so you can join at any point and stay in the group as long as you need to work through your particular struggle. There will be some homework each week so that everyone comes prepared to press more deeply into the change process. Groups are intended for members of SPBC and for those who are exploring the Christian faith.
If you would like more information, or to sign up for one of these G4 groups, contact Brenda Pauken at brenda@sterlingparkbc.org.