Sliding Scale Philosophy
In addition to being Gospel-centered and pastoral, we want our resources to be accessible to those who need them. One obvious reason we provide a sliding scale is that there are those who cannot afford the going rate ($115 per hour) for counseling in the Birmingham area. The Scriptures teach that each believer is given both a certain measure of faith and unique gifts. It is in accordance with what has been given that God measures and judges each believer. One size does not fit all. Judging “justly” means we employ eternal truths to discern what action to take in each unique situation. Thus, as one picture of justice, we try to employ a fee structure that recognizes the unique path each person is walking in life. As much as is humanly possible, we want each individual to make an equal sacrifice, rather than an equal payment, in what he contributes for his counseling.
In addition to seeking justice in our fee structure, we try to break down barriers that prevent people from seeking Christian growth. One of the reasons the Corinthian believers were accusing Paul of being an inadequate apostle was because he was making tents on the side for financial support. In essence, they were condemning him for not receiving all his pay as a gift from those he was ministering to. He told them it was actually the opposite. He was so convinced of his calling that he sacrificially made tents on the side so that he did not have to ‘charge’ others to preach the Gospel. He wanted to be able to pursue others with the Gospel message without money being an obstacle. He said, “What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News. Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings (I Corinthians 9:18-19,23).
In our flesh we naturally seek things that will destroy our faith or oppose things that will enhance our faith. The Scriptures are clear on this point – none of us naturally chooses what is best. We need assistance doing that. Although counseling is helpful to individuals and couples they often do not choose it. Sometimes, finances are a practical or spiritual barrier to counseling. Therefore, by providing a sliding scale, we soften a natural barrier (finances) for those that might have a difficult time choosing counseling because of its cost. Like Paul, we want to move towards those who need our services regardless of their ability to pay the going rate. As Christians, we “belong to each other” and are exhorted to pursue each other with the Gospel regardless of what obstacles are in the way. Churches and individuals give sacrificially to Daymark so that we can offer a sliding scale. The very heart of the Gospel is that we “incarnate” its truths. Just as Christ limited His freedom and nature to become a man and die a shameful death, we ought to willingly choose self-sacrifice on behalf of those who are in need. We are attempting to do that through our fee-structure.
