In May of 2013, a months long discussion about the need for truly Gospel-centered biblical counseling within the local church community in Tampa Bay gave way to a vision for what became Baylight Counseling, Inc.
Three years later, having started with nothing more than a vision for a hope-giving ministry that would be accessible to all, we're celebrating and giving thanks to God for all that He has done.
Not by our might or by our strength, but by God's Spirit moving in hearts through the power of the Gospel, couples, families, and individuals have been redeemed and restored from various stages of despair and hopelessness.
In these cases, the fruit of our labor, we rejoice, give thanks, and pray that God would continue to send the rain (Zech. 10:1).
Accesible, Affordable, Christ-Centered Care
Many of you who watched from the start are aware that the mission of Baylight Counseling has always been to provide a place for clinically-informed, biblical soul care for couples, individuals, and families facing a life-dominating circumstance.
Further, we desired that Baylight be established as a donor supported non-profit organization so that our counseling fees, currently set at $65.00 per session, would remain lower than market averages (commonly $75.00-$90.00).
In recent weeks, we've heard from counselees whose insurance copays were higher than our fee, and still others whose insurance plans provided no mental health benefits whatsoever. In another case, one counselee had been paying $175.00 per session for secular mental health care.
With suicide rates in the U.S. increasing 24% over 15 years, a growing heroin epidemic in our communities, and pornography addiction destroying lives and families, the Christian community, entrusted with the life transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ, must "seek the welfare of the city" (Jer. 29:7).
We believe that counseling is not only a great need in the church, but that it also presents the body of Christ with a tremendous opportunity to speak the Gospel into the lives of hurting people outside its walls.
The Next Three Years
With the help and support of our ministry partners, our mission and effectiveness will continue to grow and expand. To this day, we regularly provide pro bono counseling to those in need and have never turned anyone away for an inability to pay.
In the near future, we hope to be involved in the equipping of local church members for the work of biblical shepherding (Gal. 6:2). We exist to serve the church, not replace it!
In the meantime, everyone who comes to Baylight for help will not only hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but they will be led in an ongoing conversation about how that same Gospel message applies to their circumstances and offers real hope for lasting change.
But, we cannot serve others in this way absent the very deliberate and intentional support of ministry partners just like you.
Prayer support coupled with financial giving serve as catalysts for our work. Both are essential and we're asking you to get involved with Baylight Counseling today. Your support has a ripple effect that makes its way all the way to the counseling table where our work happens.
Friends, we have a tremendous need at this time to raise our monthly giving amount (not connected to counseling fees or periodic one-time gifts) by an average of no less than $1,000.00 per month. That's just 50 ministry partners at $20.00 per month!
We say no less than because not only are these ministry funds needed for counseling services and other administrative concerns (eg. liability insurance, computer equipment, training, etc.), but as a non-profit organization, the IRS requires that we raise a significant amount of donor support (approx. 1/3 of total income).
If we fail to do this, we risk losing our non-profit status. This would have a negative economic impact on the future of Baylight Counseling.
How You Can Help
If you or someone you know has been effected by mental and emotional health issues, or if perhaps you or someone you know has been helped by this ministry, would you prayerfully consider becoming a monthly supporter of our work?
No gift is too small and many hands make light work. Monthly gifts in the $20.00, $50.00, $75.00, and $100.00 range are not uncommon for ministries of our size. We're asking for your help in this way today.
Joining us is in the work of soul care is easy. All you have to do is click on this link, and follow the giving instructions. Some partners give by check and others prefer online giving for convenience (via PayPal).
Either way, your dollars will be tax-deductible, but more importantly, they will have direct, local impact in the lives of real people, marriages, and families!
We Exist to Serve
We understand that you may have questions after having read this post. If you'd like to learn more about us or if you have other thoughts, comments, or questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. It would be our pleasure to speak with you by phone, or perhaps to schedule an office visit.
Lastly, to the many of you who helped make our first three years of counseling ministry possible, we say thank you!
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." Phil. 1:3
