Code of Ethics

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Code of Conduct for all Registered Members of IBC

FOUNDATION OF THE COUNSELING MINISTRY

The word "therapon" is the noun form of the Greek verb "therapeuo." We derive our English word "therapy" from "therapeuo." It is translated "cure" and "heal" several times in the Gospels. Therapon is translated "servant" in Hebrews 3:5. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews called Moses a therapon in the house of God, implying that Moses occupied a more confidential position, offered a free service, and possessed a higher dignity than a dulos (bond servant). Therapon is an exceptional and honorable title.

Helping hurting and healing people to recover from life-controlling problems by using Biblical Counseling is also an exceptional and honorable ministry. A Biblical counselor does not heal, but rather assists in healing. Ironically, that is exactly what a Therapon does. God does the healing, but He uses skilled, trained, compassionate Therapons to assist in the process. (Dr Carlin from the Therapon institute)

 

Our mission is to train born-again believers to serve the Lord as "Therapons" in a "Therapeia" Ministry located in your local church

(Therapon is a description, used by Dr Carlin (Therapon Institute) for Biblical Counselors skilled in Belief Therapy(R))

(Therapeia Ministry(R) is a name used by IBS as parent Ministry for all Registered Biblical Counselors. The mission of IBS is to have a registered Therapeia Ministry(R) in every local church)

 

PREMISE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS

The code of ethics is founded on the premise that -

· Every human being has a unique value and potential, irrespective of origin, ethnicity, sex, age, beliefs, socio-economic and legal status;

· Each individual has the right to the fulfillment of his/her innate and acquired skills;

· The biblical counselor has a responsibility to devote his/her counseling knowledge and skills for the benefit of each individual, group, community and mankind;

· The biblical counselor has a primary obligation to render service within Biblical ethics;

· The biblical counselor shall recognise and take into account his/her personal and counseling limitations.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

CONDUCT THAT RELATES TO BIBLICAL COUNSELING AS MINISTRY

Conduct that concerns the Biblical Counseling Ministry shall mean that a biblical counselor will -

· Challenge unacceptable Biblical Counseling practices and uphold those that are acceptable;

· Protect the ministry from unfounded criticism which could bring it into disrepute;

· Remain actively involved with the formulation, development, determination and implementation of counseling policy;

· Base Biblical Counseling on Biblical knowledge, keep abreast of relevant developments and participate in research.

 

CONDUCT THAT RELATES TO CLIENTS OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING MINISTRY

Conduct that concerns a client shall mean shall mean that a biblical counselor will -

· Recognise the uniqueness or each client;

· Maintain a counseling relationship with the client;

· Acknowledge the right to self-determination of the client;

· Take into account the client's rights, preferences and objectives when structuring service-rendering, even in the absence of the client;

· Strive towards the client's optimal use of his/her abilities;

· Respect the client's right to decide whether or not to cooperate with the biblical counselor;

· Maintain the client's right to confidentiality;

· Not refuse service-rendering to a client, irrespective of whether or not the client is in a position to pay the fees for such services, where fees are applicable;

· Inform the client of and prepare him for any decision regarding the termination of service rendering (closure of therapeutic intervention).

 

CONDUCT THAT RELATES TO A COLLEAGUE OR ANOTHER COUNSELOR

Conduct that concerns a colleague or another counseling person shall mean that a biblical counselor will -

· Respect and honour the training and service-rendering of colleagues, other counselors and counseling professions;

· Respect the trust that exists between colleagues;

· Resolve criticism of and differences between colleagues in terms of the authority structure within the ministry;

· Protect and defend colleagues against unfair criticism;

· Promote opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and experience between colleagues, other counselors and counseling professions.

 

CONDUCT THAT RELATES TO A COUNSELING MINISTRY

Conduct that concerns an employer shall mean that a Biblical Counselor will

· Acknowledge and honour his/her parent ministry's authority (Local Assembly or Church Denomination/Affiliation) as far as it is compatible with this course of conduct;

· Cooperate with those care giving institutions whose policies, procedures and operations are directed towards adequate service-rendering and encouragement of counseling practices consistent with this course of conduct.