The Congregational Assistance Program (CAP) is a ministry that provides counseling services, life enrichment education and professional development opportunities for members of congregations and pastors through a contractual relationship with the Pastoral Institute. There are 36 area congregations participating in the CAP and taking advantage of its benefits.

	How does CAP Work?
	What are the advantages of participating in CAP?
	What are the levels of participation?

To learn more about CAP or to request a contract, you may e-mail us at mrc@pilink.org or call 706-649-6360 or toll-free 1-800-649-6446.

How does CAP work?

If your church is a part of the CAP program, your congregation members may receive individual or family counseling at the Pastoral Institute. Members may also attend workshops or seminars sponsored by the Pastoral Institute.

Advantages of CAP

Through the years, we've heard from a number of ministers of churches that have participated in CAP. Here are some of the benefits they have experienced:

• Offering CAP is more cost effective than establishing a new staff position with salary, benefits, etc. It gives us an extension of ministry in the community.
• By providing a referral source for counseling, as a pastor I feel I have a partner with greater expertise in this aspect of pastoral care.
• By the church entering into a covenant relationship with the Pastoral Institute, members can feel like the church is giving its blessing for them to receive help at a pastoral counseling center.
• Linking people with the Pastoral Institute provides a strong statement from the church to its members about the importance of good mental health, balancing work and home life, stress management, strong marriages, healthy family life and creative parenting.

Levels of Participation

There are three levels of participation available. Costs associated with each program are based on the number of congregation members living in the Columbus and LaGrange, Georgia and Lanett, Alabama region, as well as the estimated annual usage of the program.

Comprehensive Level

This program is designed for congregations with 200 or more members. Benefits provided below are paid for through the contractual agreement between your church and the Pastoral Institute.

1. Six individual or twelve family counseling sessions are available annually at no cost for each family unit who is a member of the congregation.
2. 25 percent discount for three ministers or church staff members to participate in one Ministry Resource Center program, seminar or workshop per year.
3. 20 percent discount for congregation members to attend any Ministry Resource Center educational program or workshop.
4. Up to six hours annually of educational programs and seminars at your church.

Enhanced Level

1. Congregation members pay only $25 per counseling session at the Pastoral Institute. They are provided with up to six individual or twelve family sessions per family unit annually. 
2. 25 percent discount for two ministers or church staff members to participate in one Ministry Resource Center program, seminar or workshop per year.
3. 10 percent discount for congregation members to attend any Ministry Resource Center educational program or workshop.
4. Up to three hours annually of educational programs and seminars at your church.

Basic Level

This program is designed for all congregations, regardless of size.

1. Free initial visit to the Pastoral Institute for counseling for an individual member and/or family. Fee assistance may be available for subsequent visits if necessary.
2. 25 percent discount for one minister or church staff member to participate in one Ministry Resource Center program, seminar or workshop per year.

All CAP levels include:

1. Scheduling priority for congregation's members. Our goal is to see your congregation member within two days. In crisis situations, we do our best to see the client the same day.
2. Access to trauma response teams. To help your staff or congregation deal with a trauma, our team of trained mental health professionals comes to your site and conducts a debriefing that allows participants to begin the healing process.
3. Access to support groups. From time to time there are support groups available for ministers and church staff. Contact us for details.