UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

For anyone who is interested, the UPCI does have an anonymous hotline for anyone to call who care to seek for help. My brother is a licensed counselor with a Master's degree in Christian counseling and is on the panel.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Thanks for that information sharp!

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Wow....I'm not in the UPC fan club, but I must applaud on that one. Way to go, that's cool. Is it publicized? How do people find out about it? Can you publish the number? I just hope it's not "you need to pray through" kind of advice, but that's really cool.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Yeah, I don't believe him either. He's making that up.

But seriously, I started to try and find something and got this - don't know if it's still up, or what... http://www.addictionsearch.com/treat...upc_15231.html




http://www.addictionsearch.com/images/spacer.gif
800-559-9503 - Addiction Helpline
Below is the listing for Apostolic Life UPC, a business in the Rehabilitation Centers category.
Address:4070 Old Cottondale Road
City:Marianna
State:FL
Zip:32448
Phone: (850)482-8720
Fax:unknown
County:Jackson
Website:Is this your listing? You can add a link to your website here.
Email:unknown

**** The 800 number does not appear to be for the Apostolic Life program. And the "Residential Inpatient" and etc. descriptions appear to describe the types of things you can find generally on the web site and are not intended to describe this particular listing.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

New Life Church (UPC) in Austin, Texas, has a program outlined here: http://www.newlifeupc.org/help-for-a...drug-addiction

I forget who the pastor there is.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

The UPCI has something set up like Points of Refuge, counselors or those with like skills that any Lic. Minister can contact. The problem is that the UPCI is a small pond and most problems will become public knowledge.

As a Lic. Counselor I have a mandate and can be legal jeopardy if I disclose information given to me, I am doubtful if those in that ministry are bound by the same ethics and laws. But I think it to be a good step forward.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

So their "hotline" is like a gossip line, too?

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

With that in mind, now I'd like that number... I could be a new and a better Thad!

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

There is a cultural stigma in the UPC for anyone to really admit weakness and unfortunately and especially to another fellow minister.

Think about it, we all have the power of the Holy Ghost, it is part of our nature, the power of the Holy Ghost to overcome sin and all ungodliness...one of which is has been perceived depression (of the devil and not a clinical issue), weaknesses, and the like.

Unless the UPC can begin to break down that small corner of their entire foundation, I am not sure what good this will do minister to minster or even saint to saint.

This is one reason why I cannot stand men's breakfast prayer retreat meetings, they have good times of prayer, but rarely if ever have we the courage to talk about real issues or to talk about problems that plague us...it is all about the toys, the cars, the golf, the fishing, the this the that...God forbid we admit weakness...we always have to be on our game, we are the men, the leaders, the hunters...

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Maybe it takes one to have the courage to put themselves out there and be the first to admit weakness and ask for prayer others will be emboldened to confess their faults and seek the help of their brothers in the Lord. Afterall we all have the same goal in sight...eternal life with Christ. None of us wants to see anyone perish especially those who are closest to us.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Keith, this is the program I was talking about. My brother is on the panel. He said those who need help do not call much. I don't know if its the stigma attached or they really don't trust the anonymity? It is a great leap forward and I applaud their efforts, however this prideful atmosphere works against those who are hurting. When u are told to just pray threw and a lot of pastors would even discourage counseling, you have a culture of fear.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Is this intended for the clergy only - it wasn't clear in the original post. It sounded to me like it was some kind of nationwide A.C.T.S. outreach.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

Not sure, didn't ask. I'm no longer in the UPC loop, but the way it was described to me, it is open to anyone who needs or seeks counseling. Everything is done anonymously and r assigned to a specific counselor.

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

There are a growing number in the UPC with degrees in psychology or some sort of counseling. I think the atmosphere is changing but probably not fast enough

Re: UPCI Does Have Counseling Hotline
 

I agree, however the core doctrine remains stronger than ever. I really don't understand how these educated people can rationalize and reconcile such inconsistencies. In my mind, they would just have to "not care" or seek to "disconnect" from the reality of what they know to be true. I have friends who are very educated and believe in the Holy Hair doctrine? go figure. I don't understand.