Q. I'm not a Christian. I don't even know if God exists. But I still would like to talk to a pastor and get feedback.
A. No problem. There comes a time in everyone's life when they wonder if the problems and issues in their life might have a spiritual component. In other words, we begin to wonder about the meaning of life and the important things in life - and we wonder if there is more to life than just eating, drinking and having a good time. We would like someone to point us in the right direction or offer some resources.
Sometimes we would like someone credible to answer some questions that we have about life, God or the purpose of our existence. But we don't want to go somewhere where they might pressure us or try to lay a trip on us. And we don't want to talk to an amateur.
Q. How long have you been advising people?
A. 22 years.
Q. I have an issue with my spouse. I read the rules at the Free Chat tab. It says no counseling. But I still want to get some pastoral counseling. I went to Pastor's LivePerson page. The fee is over a dollar a minute and I can't afford it. Now what?
A. Pastor has a special right now where anyone who need counseling at Talk to a Pastor Online can talk to him for 50 cents a minute. Just go to Liveperson, and when the chat session begins, mention right away that you are from Talk to a Pastor and he will change the fee to 50 cents a minute.
Q. Why don't you do pastoral counseling at free chat?
A. The main reason is because it is not fair to either you or pastor. A chat question session usually lasts less than 5 minutes. This is not enough time to do justice to your issue.
Just remember that you can start at free chat. It is free and you can explore with Pastor whether counseling might be right for you. He often directs people to free resources. If you then decide to continue you can contact him easily for pastoral counseling.
Q. Can someone who is not a Christian try the mindfulness meditation.
A. Of course! It is to de-stress and get centered. It is a marvellous little tool that can prove beneficial for anyone.
Q. I have an issue. Can I start at Free Chat?
A. Yes. Chat with Roland and briefly tell him your issue. If you and Pastor agree that pastoral counseling might be right for you, then look at the options, decide whether you want texting chat, email or telephone, and choose either pay per minute or counseling for a donation.Choose one and get started.
Q. I'm in therapy already. Can I still talk to a pastor?
A. Of course. In fact, most people who come to a Christian counselor or pastoral counselor are already getting treatment. Pastor Roland is a spiritual care giver. Every hospital has doctors and nurses, and also has a chaplain. The doctors and nurses give medical care and the chaplain gives spiritual care. Likewise a person can be working with a social worker, psychologist, or counselor about some issues,and also have a pastor to talk to.
Q. I'm on meds. Can I talk to a pastor.
A. Of course. Many people are on meds nowadays. Just because you are on meds does not mean that you can't go to church (for example) or talk to a pastor about spiritual issues.
Q. Why does Pastor charge for counseling?
A. Pastor does not work for a church. He gets no salary. He does this (for 22 years now) as a volunteer. He is an internet pastor. So he needs help with his expenses like radio time and internet time from internet people who he has helped.
