How do I know if I qualify for the Shepherds Heart Ministry program?

If you hold a ministerial position, work full-time in Christian ministry, want to make some serious changes in your life; you, your marriage or family is in serious trouble; or you are experiencing some sort of life crisis, this intensive program may be what you’re looking for.

What type of counseling is provided?

All Counseling is Biblically based. Pastor Larry and Minister Lorrie Russell both have their M.A. in Counseling from the University of Colorado. Pastor Larry has done over 18,000 hours of therapy with individuals, couples, families, step-families, all racial groups with various cultural backgrounds; Bishops, Pastors, church staffs and boards. Lorrie Russell assists in the process when needed in areas such as sexual issues, control, abortion, step parenting and more. The sessions will be goal oriented, providing therapeutic techniques for specific issues.

Will my counseling be kept confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the foundational principals of Shepherd’s Heart Ministries. The founders, staff and Pastors are committed to protecting and preserving the privacy of every individual, couple and affiliation.

How much counseling will I receive?

Every situation varies depending on the type, history and level of pain. Most intensives are from 4-7days and usually take place Monday – Friday in order to be back in your church on the weekend. However, they can be longer depending on individual situations. Each day will include individual and/or couple counseling, private time for reflection and prayer, and homework in the privacy of your room or retreat center grounds. Follow-up sessions may be suggested.

Will I run into anyone I know at the Retreat Center?

Our goal is to honor confidentiality to the best of our ability. Although we only counsel a maximum of two individuals or two couples at any given time, we schedule couples from different States and Countries in order to avoid any recognition.

Do we need to go to one of the Retreat Centers to receive help?

In most cases, we are available through the Black Forest Retreat Center just outside of Denver, Colorado and soon at the Retreat Center North of Toronto in Canada. Pastor Larry and Lorrie have and are willing to travel to other cities to work with Pastors in specially arranged situations. In those cases, all of their expenses are covered and arranged by the host in advance.

We have very deep and embarrassing issues. Will you be able to help us?

We have counseled Pastors, Bishops and clergy from all over the world. In over 18,000 hours of counseling we have encountered every imaginable problem you could think of. We will always take the time to conduct a telephone interview to make sure we are comfortable handling your specific issue. If we do not feel qualified to handle your issues, we will be happy to refer you to a qualified counselor.

If I am married, does my spouse need to come with me?

In most cases we see the need for the spouse to be present either for support, encouragement, or as player in the therapeutic process. Further details can be discussed in the initial telephone interview. Our facilities are not equipped for children, so we encourage you to find child-care during your stay at the retreat center.

How much will this intensive therapy program cost?

You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the Retreat Center. In Colorado, car rentals are available from Denver International Airport and maps will be provided before you depart from your home. In Canada, there is a transportation company that provides round trip service to and from the Toronto International Airport. In both cases, we will discuss those options with you to assist you in keeping your cost as low as possible
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A Continental Breakfast will always be provided as well as many of your other meals. Upon your arrival, you will be given a meal option card that will list the meals that will be served during your stay. You will also have a small kitchenette area, but we encourage you not to spend a lot of time cooking, so we will provide a list of nearby restaurants in the Denver area, should you want an evening out.

Your desire to get well should always cost you something. Because we feel that some sacrifice is necessary, we will ask you to donate an amount you feel God has placed upon your hearts after the intensive session is completed at the end of your week. In extreme cases, the entire cost may be donated to you. Checks should be made out to Shepherd’s Heart Ministry.

How do I go about scheduling a time to come to one of the Retreat Centers?

We would ask you to begin by praying about this divine appointment. After you have made your decision, the process begins with a telephone conversation with us about you and your issues in general. If our ministry is appropriate for you and we feel we would be able to help you, we will discuss possible dates that work for both of our schedules. When you make a commitment, we will ask you for a $200 refundable deposit that confirms your reservation. This deposit will be returned to you upon your arrival. Should you decide to cancel your trip, and have not provided us with at least a one-week notice, your deposit will be donated to Shepherd’s Heart Ministries. You will receive a confirmation packet via e-mail or mailing address of your choice that will include all the information you need to make your travel arrangements.

Does Shepherd’s Heart Ministry provide a spiritual covering for Pastors, Ministers, Rabbi’s, or other ministry workers?

Often pastors and ministers are looking for a “Spiritual Father” or mentor who would be available to provide accountability and support in the ministry. If you would like to develop a relationship with and be accountable to a ministry that can provide that kind of support, please discuss your desire in the comment section of “Contact Us” on the website.

Are you available to conduct a Marriage Retreat at my church or in my congregation, and how do I go about scheduling it?

Pastor Larry and Lorrie Russell travel around the world speaking, hosting Marriage Retreats and Conferences, working with ministry teams and staff members and feeding into the lives of those in ministry. For more information, go to www.solutions.com or Click on “Contact Us” to express your desire to receive more information about their availability.