Ministers are people, too. When they struggle with family, church, or personal and moral issues, the pastoral ministries office of the South Carolina Baptist Convention is ready to help. Clergy in the midst of crises have access to affordable counseling sessions from Palmetto Health counseling staff.
“Danny Garnett and his group of trained counselors are invaluable to our office,” said Monty Hale, director of the SCBC’s pastoral ministries and bivocational office. “They help in a way that no one in my position is trained to.”
Garnett is the director of the Palmetto Health counseling office located in downtown Columbia at Palmetto Health Baptist. He holds a master of divinity degree from Southern Seminary, a doctorate of ministry, and has done additional post-graduate work to become licensed in pastoral minister care, and he has 25 years of counseling experience. “I just want ministers to grow, because I am one,” Garnett said.
During the first few counseling sessions, Garnett gets to know the person by asking questions, listening to determine what is causing pain in their life, and how they deal with emotional issues. He might introduce new skills, such as anger management, marital communication, leadership skills, help them nurture their own spiritual growth, or encourage them to think about their ministry strategies. Some individuals have anxiety, depression, or burnout; and Garnett can help with those needs too.
“I want to help ministers live a more balanced life. Everything we discuss is integrated spiritually so that a person comes through on the other side of the experience having grown in wisdom and spiritual depth,” Garnett said.
Some clergy reject counseling because of a perceived stigma or embarrassment, but in many cases time is of the essence. According to Hale, six clergy members in South Carolina have committed suicide in the last six years. “It’s so important to get the help before you need the help,” Hale said, adding that all counseling sessions are completely confidential.
Palmetto Health counseling services are for church and denominational staff and members of their immediate family. Individuals are responsible for a $35 co-pay per session and are eligible for 12 sessions per calendar year. The counseling center offers additional services for lay leader training, staff retreats and consultations, vocational assessments, and leading family/couple enrichment retreats.
To inquire about referrals, or for more information about counseling services through Palmetto Health or other services through the SCBC’s pastoral leadership group, visit www.scbaptist.org/pastorleadership. – SCBC