Counseling Support for Pastors & Families

Counseling

Minister’s Assistance Program (MAP)

We recognize that life and ministry can be stressful. We are devoted to help care for our pastors and their families through these stresses. Converge MSC offers a counseling reimbursement program for Converge MSC affiliated lead/senior pastors and their families.

Please confirm eligibility prior to scheduling appointments to ensure reimbursement

Please contact Kirsten Andreson with questions or if you need assistance finding a licensed counselor in your area.

Verify eligibility

How to Participate in the MAP Program

Eligibility & Annual Allowance

As a Converge MSC affiliated lead/senior pastor, you, your spouse, and dependent children (age 18 and under) are eligible to receive counseling reimbursement up to $1200/family per calendar year.

Payment & Reimbursement

You are responsible for the full and timely payment of the counselor’s standard rate for each session. After payment, it is your responsibility to submit the invoice to Converge MSC for reimbursement. You must pay the first $25 of the session rate, Converge MSC will then reimburse up to a maximum of $100 of the remaining balance of the session rate, you will then be responsible for any outstanding balance after that. If your counselor requires payment for a “no show” or a late cancellation, it will be your responsibility to pay the full fee.

Submission of Invoices

Submission of counseling invoices is your responsibility. You have the freedom to decide the frequency of submission – i.e., you may submit after each session, after every few sessions, or wait until the conclusion of the calendar year. Submission of invoice(s) will be made via email to the MAP Coordinator. You may be asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of the year.

Counselor Expectations & Responsibility

You are ultimately responsible for making judgments regarding your welfare and that of your family. Our expectation is that you would seek out a certified and/or licensed counselor. Please interact openly with your counselor about any expectations you have. Converge MSC is not liable for any counsel received.

Upon submission of this form, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit counseling session receipts for reimbursement.

Eligibility

All full-time lead or senior pastors, their spouses, and dependent children (college age and under) are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to twelve counseling sessions per calendar year per person. You must confirm eligibility prior to scheduling appointments to ensure reimbursement.

You are responsible for the full and timely payment of your counselor’s standard rate. After payment, please submit the invoice to Converge MSC for reimbursement. You must pay the first $25 of the session rate; Converge MSC will then reimburse up to a maximum of $100 of the remaining balance. You are responsible for any remaining balance after that. If your counselor charges a fee for a missed or late-canceled appointment, you are responsible for the full amount.

Privacy

Please contact the counselor of your choosing directly to schedule appointments. All counseling records are private between you and your counselor. Converge MSC does not have access to records or conversations to ensure complete confidentiality.

Additional Services

If more than twelve sessions per year are needed, consult your insurance provider or your spouse’s insurance for possible coverage. Some counselors offer sliding-scale fees for ministry professionals. If none of these options work for you, please contact us.

Liability

You are ultimately responsible for making decisions regarding your own welfare and that of your family. We encourage you to seek a Christian counselor who is certified and/or licensed. Please discuss your expectations openly with your counselor. Converge MSC is not liable for any counsel received.

Reimbursement & Submissions

Submission of counseling invoices is your responsibility. You have the freedom to decide the frequency of submission – i.e., you may submit after each session, after every few sessions, or you may wait until the conclusion of the calendar year. Submission of invoice(s) will be made via an online portal, which requires you to create a profile. You will be asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of the year.

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Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This [counseling] came for me at a crucial time in my ministry and played a significant role in helping me heal so that I am able to stay in ministry.

Converge MSC Pastor

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You are part of Kingdom building work as you invest in pastors and their families. You may never know the full impact you’ve had until glory, but thank you for allowing the Spirit to prompt you to give in this way.

Converge MSC Pastor

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Ministers and their families are under constant pressure (and often all out spiritual attack), and in the past it was difficult to find someone to talk to when life got overwhelming. We tend to be the counselors for our flocks, so who do we turn to when we need a human counselor? Thank you for helping us heal so we can continue to do the work of ministry.

Converge MSC Pastor’s Spouse