INFORMATION & CONSENT

Dear CBA Member/Attendee:

We want to give you some information to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in spiritual guidance sessions conducted by a ministerial staff member of The Christian Business Association or layperson designated by the staff.

The ministerial staff member of The Christian Business Association, either licensed or ordained ministers, and any layperson designated by the staff are NOT LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. The ministerial staff members and any layperson designated by the staff offer spiritual guidance only, not professional counseling. They will listen, encourage, care, and pray for you.

If at any time a ministerial staff member or designated layperson recognizes that your need exceeds that beyond listening, encouraging, caring, and praying (i.e., a member and/or attendee experiencing major depression, a relapse into addictive behavior, suicidal ideation, domestic violence, eating disorders, personality disorders, or another issue which requires professional help), then the CBA ministerial staff member or layperson designated by the staff will consult with a licensed counselor and an appropriate referral will be made in order to better assist you.

As a member/attendee, a ministerial staff member or a layperson designated by the staff will offer you spiritual guidance at no cost. After the first session a determination will be made if spiritual guidance sessions are appropriate for you, with a maximum of 3-5 sessions. If it is determined that spiritual guidance is not appropriate for you, we will provide you with an appropriate referral. All of your records pertaining to the offering of spiritual guidance are the exclusive property of The Christian Business Association.

Ministerial staff members and only layperson designated by the staff will keep all of your information confidential with the following exceptions: 1) Consulting with the other ministerial staff members; 2) When required under Missouri, or applicable state laws where the counselee resides, including but not limited to, the disclosure of physical or sexual abuse under applicable reporting statutes; 3) In case of threats of suicide and/or homicide when the ministerial staff member designated layperson determines there is a serious threat to the life of the one seeking spiritual guidance or a third party; 4) Under lawful subpoena of any civil or criminal court with proper jurisdiction.

In order to receive spiritual guidance with The Christian Business Association, all associated partied freely and voluntarily agree to indemnify and release forever The Christian Business Association, all associated parties freely and voluntarily agree to indemnify and release forever The Christian Business Association, its ministers, directors, designated laypersons, officers and other representatives from any and all liability, claims, losses or damages. This statement of understanding acts to release and is binding on heirs, assigns, or successors in interest in any capacity.

Spiritual guidance sessions may be terminated at any time by the mutual consent of both parties or at the request of either party. If you agree to all of the above terms and choose to participate in spiritual guidance sessions under The Christian Business Association, please sign your name and date below.