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 unhappy most of the time. I've talked to my doctor about it and I'm getting some counseling too. I think there may be some spiritual part of it too. I have some questions about God. I've always wanted to know Him but I just don't. I think I believe in God but I'm not sure. There are some other things too. Can I talk to a pastor.
A. Of course. An often overlooked factor in chronic unhappiness is resentment. Without realizing it we might be resenting our partner, people, or someone from our past (unfinished business). Resentment cuts us off from love and leads to a loss of joy, guilt, a feeling of inferiority, and can contribute to a loss of confidence and even shying away from people. I can do a spiritual assessment and we can explore whether resentment or unforgiveness might be contributing to your unhappiness. If it is, I have some strategies to help eliminate resentment and unblock your wellspring of love both for yourself and for others.
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.
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.
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.
