Informed Consent Agreement

Please fill-out one form per counselee.

Our Goal – Our goal in providing biblical mentoring is to help you meet the challenges of life in a way that will please and honor the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31) and in a way that will bring you the greatest joy and satisfaction (John 15:11).

Biblical Basis – We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, our mentoring is based upon scriptural principles. Our mentors are not trained or licensed as psychotherapists or mental health professionals, nor should they be expected to follow the methods of such specialists.

All mentoring will be conducted in accordance with the mentors understanding of the scriptures. However, our mentors do not know all there is to know about biblical teaching and its application to life. Therefore, when necessary, they will seek help, input, or advice from pastors, mentors, or colleagues.

Biblical Mentor – If you have significant legal, financial, medical or other technical questions you should seek advice from an independent professional. Our mentors will cooperate with such advisors and help you to consider their counsel in light of scriptural principles. Our mentors are trained and approved by Creekside Christian Church leadership team to provide biblical mentoring.

Mentoring Observers – Because we are a training facility, our mentors often “team mentor.” You will meet with a biblical mentor, who will lead the session, and a mentoring trainee(s), who will observe as part of his/her training requirement.

Confidentiality – Confidentiality is an important aspect of the mentoring process, and we will carefully guard the information you entrust to us. There are situations, however, in which the mentors may believe that it is wise or mandated (biblically or legally) for them to share certain information with others. Some examples would be:

When a mentor is uncertain how to address a problem and needs to seek advice from another pastor or mentor.
When there is concern that someone may be harmed unless others intervene.
When abuse or another crime may have occurred.
When a person refuses to renounce a particular sin and it becomes necessary to seek the assistance of others in the church to encourage repentance and reconciliation or to begin the process of church discipline (Proverbs 15:22, 24:11; Matthew 18:15-20).
When observers sit in on mentoring sessions to assist the mentor or for training purposes (including audio & video recordings–only with permission).
When the mentee’s pastor, staff and/or church leadership is needed to provide pastoral assistance.

Please be assured that our mentors strongly prefer not to disclose personal information to others, and they will make every effort to help you find ways to resolve a problem as privately as possible.

Our Fee – Though it may be necessary for you to purchase materials for your own use, the actual discipling/mentoring is done free of charge as a ministry to our church and community.

Parental Involvement – When mentees are under the age of 18, we require parents to be involved in the mentoring process; this includes the following: mentoring sessions, homework, and/or accountability for their child.

Church Involvement: Because we believe the local church has a vital role in the lives of believers (Hebrews 3:13-13; 10:24-25), mentees are asked to commit to attending faithfully their Sunday School class and worship services while receiving mentoring.

Conclusion & Signature – Having clarified the principles and policies of our mentoring ministry, we welcome the opportunity to minister to you in the name of Christ and to be used by Him as He helps you to grow in spiritual maturity and prepares you for usefulness in His body. If you have any questions about these guidelines or conditions, please speak with your mentor or a Creekside Christian Church leader.

Liability: It is intended that that Holy Scriptures (the Bible) shall be the authority governing the mentoring process, and that God’s glory is the ultimate goal. However, failure of mentor to interpret or apply the Bible in any particular way shall not subject them to liability or give rise to complaint by anyone. There shall be no legal or other liability that attaches to mentor or any related institution or person for any advice, methods, conduct, or any act or omission related in any way to the service that is provided, and mentee acknowledges that mentee is voluntarily seeking this assistance (free from coercion, duress, or pressure) with a full understanding of the nature, purpose, and effect of this agreement.

Termination: At any time and for any reason, mentor or mentee may terminate counseling. However, termination will not preclude mentor from making the disclosures set forth above if deemed appropriate by mentor, or if compelled by other legal means. Mentor is not required to keep records, but if records are made, mentor may destroy any such records without incurring liability.

Having read the foregoing information and conditions fully and completely, my e-signature below indicates that I understand all the material presented and fully agree to comply with the foregoing, and I consent to the disclosure of certain communications as provided above and waive any legal privileges that may apply.