Question 1

Will my church know if I request support?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not share your story with your church, board, employer, or family without your consent, except where safety or legal obligations require action. Enquiries are handled privately.

Question 2

Do I need to be in crisis?

Accepted Answer

No. Counselling is not only for crisis. It can be a safe space to process stress, discern next steps, restore emotional capacity, attend to family relationships, and be cared for as a whole person.

Question 3

Can my spouse or family member receive support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spouses and immediate family members of pastors and ministry workers may reach out on their own. Ministry is carried by families too.

Question 4

Is this only for senior pastors?

Accepted Answer

No. Support is available to pastors, associate pastors, ministry workers, church staff, missionaries, and their families.

Question 5

Can I choose my counsellor or therapist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer introductions and options, but the choice of counsellor or therapist is yours. Fit matters, and there is no pressure to continue with a referral that does not feel right.

Question 6

Is this pastoral counselling, Christian counselling, or clinical therapy?

Accepted Answer

It can be any of these, depending on what would help. We help you think through what kind of care may fit — from pastoral care and Christian counselling to clinical psychotherapy or specialist mental health support.

Question 7

What funding may be available?

Accepted Answer

A number of counsellors and community organisations offer subsidised rates for pastors and ministry workers. Some denominations and networks also have care funds. Where a gap remains, the Initiative may be able to offer limited gap support, subject to eligibility and available funds. Nothing is guaranteed in advance.

Question 8

What happens after I submit the form?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to fill out a form. Simply write to hello@danieljoy.org in your own words. We reply privately and arrange a first conversation to consider what kind of support may fit.

Question 9

What if I need urgent help?

Accepted Answer

The Daniel & Joy Initiative is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent mental health support, please contact local emergency services or a crisis helpline in your country. In Singapore, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour hotline is 1-767, and the Institute of Mental Health helpline is 6389 2222.

Frequently asked questions

01Will my church know if I request support?

02Do I need to be in crisis?

03Can my spouse or family member receive support?

04Is this only for senior pastors?

05Can I choose my counsellor or therapist?

06Is this pastoral counselling, Christian counselling, or clinical therapy?

07What funding may be available?

08What happens after I submit the form?

09What if I need urgent help?