The Connections in Christ through Coaching & Counseling is a church based Lay Ministry of Southgate church.  Our Lay Counselors & Coaches DO NOT have professional degrees and are being led by the Eldership team and supervised by Lay Supervisors.  

All of our volunteers have gone through several months of training, learning from leaders and other outside teachers in the field to teach them how to connect with others on a deeper level to help facilitate growth towards Christ.  Training included skill-building, case studies/discussion, and observation, with a focus on Biblical, Gospel-centered coaching and lay counseling.  Our Lay Ministers are excited about connecting with you!

We realize that people come to coaching or counseling for a variety of reasons.  Personal problems, spiritual problems, relationship problems - some people find it hard to even label the problems they are having.  Please know that we want to hear your story and be a part of your healing process.  

You may be wondering the difference between the two …

Coaching is working on a present/future goal and the focus is on how to attain that goal.  Things that arise from the past are acknowledged but generally not explored in depth.  Once we define the goal, we are looking at what gets in the way, not necessarily solving a problem but offering guidance, ideas and support to move forward through.  The majority of time is spent in present and future focus. 

Counseling will involve a more detailed inventory of the past, and helping to see what is hindering future growth.  It may involve grieving losses, acknowledging harm, forgiveness, etc. Time is spent in the past and present to influence the future.  

Edges tend to blend instead of having a hard boundary.  There can be coaching moments in counseling, and some “counsel” moments in coaching but where you start will be based on the needs of the client.