Introduction
Read the following Introduction carefully. Then, look at each of the links that we have posted. This will give you a significant "idea" of where the MARET Premium Services website development is going. This information is crucial to many in your congregation.
We live in a troubled world. And, unfortunately, that world is not getting easier. In fact, it is becoming harder by the day. As a pastor, you hear of the troubles that people face. I am sure that you feel overwhelmed at times by these troubles. I am also sure that at times - maybe most of the time - you feel incompetent to deal with many of those struggles.
Even more unfortunate, things are changing in other areas of our collective society that will directly or indirectly have an effect on you as a pastor. I have already heard of it from a few or you. I'm sure that in the near future I will hear it more and more.
Insurance Woes
The insurance industry is "maxed out." They are paying out many more dollars than they are receiving. That has forced them to make substantial changes that will directly or indirectly affect a number of individuals in your congregation.
One of the areas that is being effected by the insurance industry's changes is the area of drug and medication compensation. As the population matures, more and more people are being given monthly medications that are expensive and "drain" the resources of the insurance industry. As a result, some insurance carriers have modified the way that they pay out for monthly prescriptions. Most have added substantial yearly deductibles prior to allowing for co-payment for drugs.
Even more drastic, however, insurance carriers have modified the way and the means that they pay for mental health care. Many insurance carriers have significantly limited or reduced the amount that they will allow for psychological compensation. I recently heard from a licensed therapist that her insurance carriers are now only allowing four to six visits for a condition diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Previously, it was 26 weeks.
Anyone who has dealt with Generalized Anxiety Disorder understands that four to six weeks is not enough time to even get started treating the mental illness of that person. Thus, the person is left either paying out of pocket at a rate of well over a hundred dollars an hour or the individual is left without any care at all. Neither option is beneficial for most people; and, people are left to suffer and "fall through the cracks" in our new world.
Pastoral Assistance
Who is going to "pick up the slack? Who is going to care for the people in the insurance trap that cannot care for themselves? A wise pastor will realize that it might be his or her responsibility to pick up at least part of the "slack" left by the system's degeneration.
But, that prospect presents another significant problem. For years pastors have had the "luxury" of falling back on the spend-free policies of the insurance industry. Now - suddenly - they are faced with a flood a people who have no help. And, they have no substantial education to help those people. They have not needed it. The insurance carriers have paid third party agencies to counsel these individuals (e.g. professional counseling centers). But now, suddenly, it all falls back on the pastor.
What is a pastor to do with cases that he or she has never encountered? Do you ignore them? Does the congregation assume the payment for services to the third party agency when individuals can't? Or, most practically, do you learn how to deal with those situations and counsel as many of those people as possible.
It is our intent through the MARET Premium Services website to give pastors the tools to deal with situations that they have not dealt with before. Some of this education will be very substantial and will give a pastor College level education in areas that they have never touched. It is our desire to give you tools to help those in your congregation who are hurting. Of course there will still be those that need outside intervention. But, at the same time, I believe that you can learn to deal with situations that you would not have previously touched.
If you care about the people in your congregation, you will strongly consider the services that we have to offer through the MARET Premium Services. They may give you the education that you need to significantly help others. They may even save lives. It wouldn't be the first time that a MARET tool has saved someone's life.
Contents of the MARET Premium Services Website
There are a number of initial services that we will be delivering to the individuals who are subscribers to the MARET Premium Services. Below you will find detailed descriptions of each of them. As time goes on and needs change, the list will be appended to meet the needs of pastors who counsel.
PDF Files
MARET Tests on the computer!
Professional Pastoral Education at the College Level (potentially free of charge)
GiftMaster Spiritual Gifts Management System (one of the most important things you can read!)
Software Updates
Professional Services
MP3 Files (available at a time in the near future)
Signing up for the MARET Premium Services
If you are a pastor who counsels to any degree, it is important for your ministry to sign up for the services that we offer on the MARET Premium site. The cost will far outweigh the benefits of this service.
Even if your only "real" counseling efforts are related to marital and premarital counseling, this website will greatly enhance your abilities to deal with relationships. We will be providing you with tools that you likely do not have that will become essential components in your counseling efforts. Do not let a few dollars stand in the way of you receiving essential information to minister to the congregation that you serve. If you cannot afford our services, please find a sponsor in your congregation who is willing to pay for this service. It is essential to your ministry.
Below is a link to the signup page for MARET Premium Services. When you click on it, you will be asked for all of your information. When you have completed that form and have officially signed up, we will be notified by email. As soon as we are notified, we will be in contact with you to give you additional instructions.
Signup for MARET Premium Services now!
Don't pass up this opportunity; it may become your lifeline to those in your congregation who are suffering.
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