FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fresh Faith was formed in 2021 to provide an outlet and opportunity for anyone who wishes to explore or expand their personal spirituality and Faith.

Its services may be particularly suitable for those who which to do so – for whatever reason – outside of a church environment.

While not anti-church, Fresh Faith recognises that many people are not comfortable with churches.

Fresh Faith, does, however, also provide other separate services to established Christian individuals and small groups.

We're based in the Wairarapa, servicing the lower North Island.

Fresh Faith is currently fully operated by its founder, Sam Bate.

Sam’s credentials, qualifications & experience include:

- Batchelor of Theology (Otago)

- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) trained.

- Management & leadership experience.

- Over 25 years in parish and community ministries, including 10 years as an ordained minister.

- Licenced Anglican Priest, current working as a Chaplain in the aged-care sector.

- Very experienced in pastoral care

- (But please note Sam is not a qualified counsellor, clinician or therapist).

- Qualified and accredited Spiritual Director.

- Associate Member NZ Association of Christian Spiritual Directors (ACSD).

Sam is a practising Christian and is married (to Christina), with one adult son.

As part of their own faith journey, Sam & Christina are members of a well-established worshipping church community in the Wairarapa.

No.

You will not be coerced or encouraged to join or attend any church.(Unless you specifically request to seek a church).

Fresh Faith:

- Is a safe space where you will not be judged for what you think or believe.

- Does not push any particular doctrine, theology or agenda.

- Does believe in God, in Jesus, and in basic Christian principles.

- Is not ‘anti-church’.

It can be.*

- Only if you are able and willing.

Fresh Faith is sensitive towards you regarding fees & costs:

- Affordability will never be a barrier to our offered services.

- Matters of Faith should never be up for sale.

On the other hand Fresh Faith staff:

- Are committed, trained & qualified professionals who receive their livelihood providing this service.

- Know that whenever money is paid for a service, this increases accountability and credibility for both the provider and the client.

Your first meeting with Fresh Faith is always free.

Any fees and costs will be:

- Fully negotiable.

- Agreed up front.

- Confidential to you and Fresh Faith only.

- Covered in a simple, easy to understand contract which you can end at any time at no further cost to you.

Affordability is never a barrier to on-going services offered.

* Please note that Spiritual Direction (a particular, specialist ministry) is always a paid service.

For your confidence and safety, Fresh Faith staff:

- Are not employed by, or professionally affiliated to, any particular church.

- Will never ‘recruit’ for members for, or on behalf of, any church.

- Are under professional-body membership, accountability and oversight.

There is no obligation to engage with Fresh Faith after our first meeting.

For female clients (as Sam is a male):

- Either or both parties may bring a trusted friend to any meeting if they wish, and this is agreed beforehand.

No information shared between us is ever shared with any other party, unless:

- You specifically request otherwise, or,

- We’re required by law.

All on-going clients are covered by a simple, easy-to-understand agreement:

- This ensures accountability and credibility from Fresh Faith.

- You can end the agreement at any time.

Please note that Fresh Faith is not qualified to provide counselling and therapy services (but can refer clients to these if required).

Only a few. Fresh Faith:

- Does not engage with clients 16 years of age or under.

- Is not qualified to conduct clinical treatment, therapy or counselling (but can refer clients to these services if required & agreed).

Fresh Faith is providing a personal service and therefore any fees or costs paid by clients are:

- Not tax-deductible.

- Not subject to GST.

- ie; We’re neither a registered charity nor GST-registered.

(Fresh Faith does pay its own appropriate taxes though!).

Remote sessions (eg; via Zoom, Teams) may be appropriate, but our initial meeting is always in-person.