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You Don't Have to Carry This Alone
Whatever you are walking through, our pastoral team is here to listen, pray, and walk alongside you. Conversations are private, unhurried, and held in confidence. You don't need to be a member, and there is no cost.
- Confidential
- No judgement
- Free of charge
No One is Beyond a Listening Ear
You may be reading this in the middle of a hard day, or because you have been carrying something for a long time, or because someone you love is hurting. Whatever brought you here, you are welcome.
We want to be honest about what pastoral counselling at GGC is — and what it isn't. It is a chance to sit with one of our pastors, talk openly about life and faith, pray together, and find encouragement from Scripture. It is not formal psychotherapy or clinical counselling, and it is never a substitute for medical or specialist mental-health support. Where you might benefit from professional help, we will gently say so and help you find it.
What Pastoral Counselling Can Cover
Grief & Loss
Walking through bereavement, miscarriage, or another deep loss.
Marriage & Relationships
Tensions in marriage, family conflict, or singleness and longing.
Faith & Doubt
Questions about God, prayer that feels unanswered, or seasons of spiritual dryness.
Life Transitions
Job loss, career change, parenthood, retirement, or moving cities.
Anxiety & Heaviness
Worry, low mood, or a sense of weight you can't quite name. See also our crisis-support note below.
Addiction & Recovery
Walking with someone — or yourself — through addiction recovery as part of a wider support plan.
This is not an exhaustive list. If your situation isn't here, please still reach out — we'd be honoured to listen.
How a Conversation Works
- 01
You Reach Out
Fill in the simple form below or call our office. Share only what you're comfortable sharing — you're never asked to explain everything up front.
- 02
We Arrange a Time
A pastor will gently get in touch within three working days to agree a time and place that works for you. Conversations usually last 45 to 60 minutes.
- 03
We Sit, Listen, and Pray
We meet at the church or, if helpful, somewhere else nearby. There is no script. We listen, ask gentle questions, share Scripture if it's welcome, and pray together if you'd like.
Confidentiality and Safeguarding
Conversations with our pastoral team are held in strict confidence. We don't share names, details, or stories outside of the small care team — and even then, only when you've agreed and only as much as is helpful for your support.
What stays private — Anything you share stays between you and the pastor you meet with, unless you agree otherwise.
When we may need to act — UK safeguarding law requires us to act if there is a serious risk of harm to you or to someone else, particularly children or vulnerable adults. In those rare cases, we will tell you what we are doing and why.
Records and notes — We keep only the minimum notes needed to support you well. You can ask to see them at any time.
Are You in Crisis Right Now?
If you are in immediate danger, having thoughts of harming yourself, or feel you cannot cope tonight, please contact one of the professional services below straight away. Pastoral counselling is not a crisis service, and these teams are trained to help.
Call 999
In an immediate emergency or if life is at risk.
Samaritans · 116 123
Free, 24/7, confidential listening line for anyone in distress.
NHS 111 · option 2
Mental-health crisis support across England, 24/7.
If you would still like a pastor to walk alongside you afterwards, please come back and reach out — we will be here.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Psalm 34:18
Request a Conversation
You don't need to know what to say. You don't need to give us much information up front. Just leave your name, a contact, and as much (or as little) as you'd like to share. A pastor will be in touch gently within three working days.
There Is No Hurry. We Are Here When You Are Ready.
You don't need to come with the right words or the right questions. You only need to come.