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During the sixteen years of this organization it is rare, but necessary to distribute a caution to all of our members and affiliates, and brothers and sister in Christ, and particularly those who participate in care ministries.
I personally cannot tell you how much I seriously and critically embrace the call upon my life to ensure that A3CEES glorifies God to the highest degree possible (Matthew 5:15).
It is a spiritual reality that the more we grow personally or in ministry, we can expect opposition. We know the source of opposition to all that is holy, good, and mission driven. We have found that with all we do, there are always new challenges, and we must respond in-kind.
Recently we had an incident, and we desire to learn, inform, and admonish ourselves and each counselor. The counselee in this matter lodged a complaint against a counselor. While we are thankful that this counselor was not an AMLP, it was a counselor who completed the basic certification, and represented himself as a member of NACCBC.
As a Christ-based organization, we follow Biblical guidance to resolve any complaint. This begins with Matthew 18:15-19. If this does not suffice, per the Laws and Policy governing Christ-based counselors we provide due process. We have the right and authority to adjudicate the matter, or make any interim decision until the matter is resolved.
Since the complainant did not pursue our initial requirement according to Matthew 18:15-16, we did not initiate any formal investigation. However, we did inform the counselor about the complaint, and that no further action would be required because the complainant did not observe his responsibility to contact the counselor first about his issue. However, the counselor's response to us was unfortunate and not Christ-like whatsoever. Since he used his relationship with NACCBC for advertising on his web site and proudly displayed his basic certification, the counselee knew to contact us. However, in the counselor's view, the counselee's complaint was not "our" business. Among other acts, the counselor's conduct was consistent with the counselee's allegation.
We want everyone to know that this is a rare experience, and overwhelmingly our counselors are some of the dearest and most dedicated believers in Christian service. They get it! However, we operate nationally. We recognize that there are persons with the darkest motivations who will take advantage of every opportunity to fulfill their lusts for power, sex, greed and any authority they can assume.
Anyone who uses our credentials or markets our name or trademark, but attempts to hold that it is not our business if they hurt or harm a counselee will find swift and unmistakable Biblical, civil and criminal responses. In this case, the counselee reported the counselor to the state. We have experience of assisting when this happens by assuring the state that we investigate matters and that a counselor is using a faith-based approach. However, in this case the counselor was not using a faith-based approach, and the counselor is not a state licensed counselor. It is a criminal offense in the counselor's state to operate without being state licensed, or faith-based. The counselor faces potential criminal charges, and the counselor does not have our support. The counselor has further been ordered to remove any reference to A3CEES ministries.
More importantly, each member and associate must understand that believers represent the highest authority in creation.
We are Christ-based! We are our sister's and brother's keeper. Even if we did not have an organizational relationship, we have a "blood-of-Jesus" relationship. We attempt to resolve matters between sisters and brothers in-Christ. Ultimately, if a person refuses correction, two-or-three spiritual leaders will join together and declare the person "in-fact" an unbeliever (verses 17-18). Amen!
Some states actually list state licensing offenders on their web sites. I'd like to hear from you, what you think would be appropriate in cases of this nature.
Again, overwhelmingly, the majority understand and will operate accordingly. However, this warning is for those who have an agenda-of-darkness. Presently, we do not know who that is. Therefore, we are giving this document the widest distribution. However, do not be fooled, my Father knows. He will not keep anything from His friend Abraham, and He will not keep anything from us. Eventually, He will reveal anyone hiding in shadows.
Please continue to work to His glory!!!
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