The Counseling Ministry at First Baptist Church of Lodi exists to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of the people in our congregation and in the Greater Lodi Area, and to fulfill our call to “bear one another’s burdens” and to “love one another as Christ loves us”
WE are teaming up for training!
One of the main goals of the Counseling Ministry at First is to always look for opportunities to be better equipped to love and serve our congregation and community. We are partnering with Gracepoint Church to bring this awesome Biblical Counseling training opportunity to our churches in the greater Lodi/Stockton area. For more information or to register, please click on the link below.

FRONTLINE SOUL CARE
EQUIPPING EVERYONE FOR GOD'S HEART TO HEAL
Front line Soul Care was established to equip the everyday ministers, lay leaders, family member, and friend to have the hard talks of life. This training provides both theological understanding of our broken human condition along with practical tools to help those who are struggling. We are called to be "a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) and participate in a Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) helping people to reconcile with God and each other. Our hearts desire is to see each person equipped with the essentials to have these life-to-life conversations and participate in the joyous work of Soul Care.
Front line Soul Care was established to equip the everyday ministers, lay leaders, family member, and friend to have the hard talks of life. This training provides both theological understanding of our broken human condition along with practical tools to help those who are struggling. We are called to be "a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) and participate in a Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) helping people to reconcile with God and each other. Our hearts desire is to see each person equipped with the essentials to have these life-to-life conversations and participate in the joyous work of Soul Care.

Thank you for a great day! Frontline SOul Care will return next year. Stay tuned for dates and other training opportunities.
Our Team
Our Lay Counseling Team consists of men and women of a wide range of ages. Each counselor has completed intense training with Dr. Cindi Telander, a licensed Clinical Psychologist, specializing in the training and equipping of lay counselors. Our counselors are trained in listening, clarifying, and assisting in goal setting, while offering a biblical approach to counseling and caring, all in a strictly confidential manner.
Our counselors are unpaid and volunteer in this ministry service. The Lay Counseling Ministry is under the staff leadership of John Shinn, MACM & BCPC.
Our counselors are unpaid and volunteer in this ministry service. The Lay Counseling Ministry is under the staff leadership of John Shinn, MACM & BCPC.
The Lay Counseling program aims to provide:
- Connection and acceptance on a one-to-one basis for those who may need someone to talk to, all in a confidential setting for up to 10 sessions.
- Encouragement and supportive help for those who may be facing difficult issues in life or emotional/spiritual problems.
- Guidance and growth experiences for those who may be searching for practical ways to grow spiritually and mature as people.
- Referrals to professional or appropriate agencies for those who seek or need further assistance.
Counseling is by appointment only. Please call (209) 224-4917 to speak with our Counseling Coordinator about setting up an appointment. You may also fill out the form below to begin your Lay Counseling journey with us.
To Cancel or Change an appointment please call the same number (209) 224-4917
To Cancel or Change an appointment please call the same number (209) 224-4917
counseling REquest form
Please fill out the form to the best or your ability and our Counseling Coordinator will reach out to you about setting up an appointment.
*FBC Lay Counseling functions on a voluntary basis, and should not be considered a professional counseling service.