To Charge or Not to Charge
Alan H. Black, pastor of County Line Church of God outside Auburn, Indiana, is willing to take counselees from beyond his congregation, but he's found that they participate more fully if it costs them something.
"I see about a dozen outsiders each month," he says, "and most of them expect to pay a fee." Yet Black feels uneasy charging for what is essentially ministry.
His solution: "Only when I'm asked about a fee do I tell the counselees, 'If, after a few sessions, you feel that some progress is being made, you might wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to the church and earmark it for the pastor's professional library.' In most instances, this helps everyone feel comfortable."
About 80 percent do make contributions, ranging from $10 to $40.
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