What Is Lay Counseling…and Why Does It Matter?
By Katie Nelson
Director of Care Ministries
In today’s world, more and more people are feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and wounded by life’s circumstances. Jesus Christ—the Wonderful Counselor—cared for people by meeting their spiritual and practical needs. He spoke words of hope and healing. Now more than ever, the local church is called to be a refuge—a safe place for spiritual care and biblical guidance for the complexities of life.
At Chapel Hill, our response to this growing need is to offer lay counseling, a ministry rooted in the call to “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12).
But what exactly is lay counseling?
It’s an unfamiliar term to many. “Lay” refers to those who are not ordained clergy—regular members of the church body who are trained to provide care and support. Lay counselors are not licensed professionals or pastors. They are everyday believers with compassion, humility, and a desire to come alongside others in their pain.
Chapel Hill has nurtured a thriving lay counseling ministry for over 15 years. We are eager to expand our team with people who want to help others experience healing in their relationship with God, with others, and within themselves.
If you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you toward this meaningful work, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us.