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Christians in the U.S. can now access a minister around the clock through a new 24-hour hotline.
Non-profit organization the Bless Me Network launched the new service to fill "the need for convenient and direct access to clergy," according to an announcement Wednesday.
"We feel that in this modern day, individuals are losing touch with their church due to inconvenience and lack of time and accessibility," the organization states.
The new service is intended to "redefine the parameters by which the church and its community have mutual access" and "help foster and redevelop the relationship between these two."
Crisis hotlines for suicide, abuse or depression have been in existence for decades. Some Christian groups, including Focus on the Family and Pat Robertson's The 700 Club, offer counseling over the phone. But the Bless Me Network touts its new call-in service as the first of its kind for the Christian community.
The number (1-888-9-BLESSME) is toll free but those who want to be connected to a priest or an ordained minister must pay a fee. Half of the earnings will be directed to clergy, church, charity and humanitarian aid over the next five years, founders of the call-in service said.
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With many churches underfunded and understaffed, the Bless Me Network says their new service is designed to provide support services to all Christian denominations worldwide and to promote spiritual wellbeing and charitable contribution.
"These donations are expected to exceed US $200 Million." stated Dr. John McGinn, an ordained minister. "This service is philanthropic on many levels. Our callers can expect to gain spiritual guidance through reinforcement of the Christian faith but they will also be donating to charitable causes independent of religious faith."
Along with confidentiality, the organization assures that those manning the telephones are "loving" and "non-judgmental" ordained ministers who have given their lives to Christ.
"The Bless Me Network provides affordable faith based counseling with a level of convenience and confidentiality that has never existed before," John Adams, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of the company, stated," and our accessibility presents an open door to those who may have grown apart from their faith over the years."
