Becoming a Life-Challenge Coach

Riverbluff is committed to providing comprehensive training for those who are interested in becoming a Life-Challenge Coach in the Lay Counseling Ministry.  The path to becoming a Life-Challenge Coach includes 4 stages.

Stage One – Open Invitation Classes

Each year, two classes will be offered to anyone who attends Riverbluff Church.  Those interested in becoming part of the Lay Counseling Ministry must successfully complete both classes by attending at least 75% of the session.  The classes are:

How People Grow — This 6-week course is based on materials from the book with the same title by Henry Cloud and John Townsend.  Participants will be introduced to the keys to growth from the scriptures along with how to apply them so that they can experience growth spiritually, relationally and emotionally in ways they never thought possible before.  The class addresses both personal growth and how to help others grow.
Late summer each year with other dates possible

Biblical Counseling Skills Class — This 8-week course teaches basic counseling skills that will help participants be better listeners and encouragers. Those participating will have the opportunity to practice the skills learned and explore how to handle some common problems people face from a Biblical perspective.  This is a great class for anyone interested in being a better helper. Fall each year with other dates possible

Stage Two—Invitation to Training

The responsibility of identifying and training Life-Challenge Coaches who are competent, equipped and prepared for the lay counseling ministry is approached with prayer and consideration of many factors. Upon completion of the Open Invitation Classes, individuals will be invited to continue in the program based on consideration of skills demonstrated in classes, spiritual maturity, consideration of other commitments to service at Riverbluff, input from pastoral staff and approval from the Elders.

Stage Three— Life-Challenge Coach Training Class

Those invited to training will continue on through 30 weeks of instruction on topics relevant to Biblical counseling. Each week, the class will recevie instruction and discuss topics such as depression, eating disorders, ethics, spiritual warfare, marriage and family issues and spiritual growth through counseling. These training sessions are conducted in 6-week cycles with breaks in between each cycle.

Stage Four— Interview and Internships

Individuals who have completed the Life-Challenge Coach Training Class will be interviewed by a team to assure that they demonstrate the qualities and have acquired the skills necessary to assist members in their spiritual growth.

After the interview process, invitations will be made for a 3 month internship that allows for observation and feedback to better prepare each Life-Challenge Coach for ministry.

Once the internship is completed,  Life-Challenge Coaches will be involved in ministry activities such as:

• Individual and couple coaching sessions
• Marriage mentoring
• Teaching discipleship counseling classes
• Recovery programs
• Freedom encounters
• Support Group Leadership
• Assisting with training of future Life-Challenge Coaches