Q: How do I find a safe person or place to confess my “stuff” to?

A: At Point of Grace we have worked very hard at being a point-of-grace, that is-a safe place for people to bring their true selves. Unfortunately, churches can become places where people don’t feel the freedom to share their hurts, hang-ups and habits. I’ve heard many stories through my counseling over the years of people who have felt, judged, alienated and even rejected by the church. I can say with confidence that we work diligently to maintain a safe, confidential environment for those who need and want to share.

Our One-2-One caregivers are trained to never break confidentiality of those they are caring for. They are asked to sign a statement agreeing to that. They are trained how to handle situations where family members or friends might be seeking information about an individual's issues. Further we never use a person's name in the context of someone we may be caring for. We also give each person coming to us for help a written explanation of our confidentiality guidelines and promises. Small group leaders, Marriage Mentors, Stephen Ministers, and Lay Counselors all understand that breaking confidentiality means they would not only hurt the relationship with the person involved, but would also jeopardize the effectiveness of the total ministry.

Finally, I have had the privilege of being a part of the Counseling and Care Ministry at Point of Grace for almost ten years and I personally have gotten to know the folks who have dedicated their time and energy to walk with people who are struggling. I have trained with them and worked with them side by side. All of them have had to deal with their own hurts, hang-ups, and habits. All of them, including myself, have experienced the freedom of having a safe place at POG to share and be real. And all of us realize that we will always need that safe place, and that our healing never really ends. Our desire is that Point of Grace will continue to provide a place of authenticity, where people don’t have to hide or put on a mask.

If you or someone you know is looking for a safe, confidential person to talk with please contact me, Lori Hommer, or any of our pastoral staff. I can be reached by e-mail at lorihommer@pointofgrace.com or by phone at 515-577-2289.

Marriage Mentoring is off and running at Point of Grace.  We are excited to now have eight couples trained as Marriage Mentors.  We have had several couples both pre-marital as well as those who are having some struggles take advantage of the mentoring program.  The response has been very positive so far.  Read what one couple has to say about their experience:

We started attending Point of Grace about 5 months ago when our marriage was at the lowest point it’s ever been. After 7 ½ years we couldn’t see ourselves getting past the next hour, let alone day to make it work. We were talking of separation and wondering how to tell our two young children. We made a plea for help by e-mailing a request to pray for our marriage and family. The next day we received a call from the counseling office. After meeting with each of us separately it was suggested that we start meeting with a mentoring couple; a mature and loving couple who would give us tools and a Christian perspective on our struggles.

We have a long way to go, but we’ve taken new wisdom from each week’s visit with our mentoring couple. We now find it easier to talk and even laugh and joke. We are learning to parent our children with the love of God and recalling the love that brought us together 7 ½ years ago.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…

Joel and Julieanne

To sign up for a Marriage Mentor please fill out this form and send it to Lori Hommer at the church office.  Marriage_Mentoring_Request.pdf

To learn more about Marriage mentoring contact lori@pointofgrace.com or visit the Marriage Matters of Iowa website at www.ifpc.org.