The Role of Spiritual Care & Consent Agreement

The Paradox Church provides spiritual care for the expressed purpose of providing biblical help for those who seek it. We believe Jesus came to bring healing to the way we think, behave and feel. He declared: "I came to bring healing to the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, and recover the sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18).

The elders and others who provide spiritual care desire to help people overcome spiritual or emotional concerns by applying spiritual principles to areas of need. They are exempt from the laws regulating professional counselors under RCW 18.19.040 (3) and (6) (counseling under the auspices of a church and counseling provided without mandatory charge). In most cases, they are not professionally trained, registered, licensed, or certified by the State of Texas or a national certifying body. Should an elder or other person providing pastoral care also happen to be a registered counselor with the State of Texas, the spiritual care provided by such person at The Paradox Church is not being provided in their capacity as a registered counselor.

By signing below, you acknowledge that you will be receiving spiritual care. Spiritual care through The Paradox Church is not a substitute for professional care by a psychologist, psychiatrist, medical doctor, or other health care provider, and staff at The Paradox Church are not professionally trained to diagnose or treat mental illness or other medical conditions. Therefore, it is your sole, exclusive responsibility to seek professional care, and you agree it shall not be the responsibility of The Paradox Church to make such a referral.

Confidentiality - The staff at The Paradox Church will attempt to preserve the confidentiality of any matters discussed. However, confidentiality will not apply 1. When there is evidence of abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, or where disclosure is required by law. 2. When your pastor or church leader feels a need to discuss your situation for consultation purposes with his/her supervisor, peers, professionals, or elders/pastors who may be a resource involved in your situation. 3. When there is a contemplation of or commission of a crime or harmful act. 4. When there is a subpoena or other legal process. 5. When you or your legal representative authorize the disclosure of information. 6. In other circumstances where the pastor or counselor deems it necessary to disclose the information.