How to Become a Church Counselor (Guiding Souls to Solace)

If you’ve ever felt a calling to provide spiritual guidance or wondered what it takes to become a church counselor, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll explore the EXACT steps you need to take to begin your journey as a church counselor. We’ll discuss:

The necessary skills and qualities.
The education and certification that will support your path.
How to secure a position as a church counselor.

So, whether you’re a novice in counseling or a seasoned professional looking to utilize your skills in a spiritual context, stay tuned.

We’re about to unveil the roadmap to become a church counselor.

Let’s embark on this journey!

Contents show

Steps to Become a Church Counselor

Step 1: Understand the Role and Responsibilities

A church counselor provides emotional and spiritual guidance to individuals, couples, and families.

They help people overcome personal difficulties or cope with crises, using their understanding of religion and theology.

Before you pursue a career in this field, you need to understand the depth of the role and responsibilities that a church counselor carries.

As a church counselor, you may be called upon to assist with a wide variety of issues, including marital conflicts, substance abuse, grief, stress, mental health issues, and spiritual uncertainty.

You will need to be adept at providing both spiritual and practical advice to help individuals improve their lives and relationships.

Moreover, you will also be responsible for maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating compassion and empathy, and using your knowledge of religious doctrines and principles to provide appropriate advice.

Understanding the role and responsibilities will help you to decide if this is the right career path for you.

It will also be beneficial in guiding your educational choices and professional development in the future.

Step 2: Acquire Relevant Education

To become a Church Counselor, one needs to have a strong educational foundation in counseling, theology, or a related field.

The first step would be to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in either Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling.

This will equip you with the basic understanding of human behavior, thought processes, and interpersonal relationships.

However, most church counseling positions require a Master’s degree or higher in Counseling or a related field.

Look for graduate programs that offer a focus on pastoral counseling, which combines psychological and spiritual perspectives in its approach.

These programs usually include coursework in areas such as ethics, counseling theory, family systems, and theology, among others.

In addition to your degree, some states and denominations require licensure or certification to practice as a church counselor.

This may involve additional coursework, supervised clinical experience, and a certification exam.

Remember that church counseling involves guiding people through some of the most challenging times in their lives.

Therefore, your education should also focus on developing empathy, listening skills, and a deep understanding of religious and spiritual matters.

It’s also important to remain open to continuous learning and professional development throughout your career.

Step 3: Obtain a Master’s Degree (Optional but Recommended)

For individuals seeking to advance in the field of church counseling, pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field is highly recommended.

This advanced degree will provide in-depth knowledge on a variety of counseling techniques and psychological theories that can be applied within the context of a religious setting.

During your master’s program, you may have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, or spiritual guidance.

Additionally, you will likely need to complete supervised clinical hours, providing hands-on experience in counseling individuals and families.

While a master’s degree is not always required to become a church counselor, many employers prefer candidates who have this level of education.

Additionally, if you plan to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC), you will need a master’s degree.

This step is crucial if you wish to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of counseling and gain a comprehensive understanding of how faith and spirituality can integrate with counseling practices.

It allows for a richer understanding of how to help individuals cope with life’s challenges within the context of their religious beliefs.

Step 4: Complete Counseling Training

If you’re pursuing a role as a Church Counselor, completing extensive counseling training is critical.

This may involve obtaining a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or theology.

Some institutions offer courses tailored specifically towards religious or spiritual counseling.

During this training, you will learn a variety of counseling techniques, theories, and practical applications.

You’ll also study the ethics of counseling and how to maintain a professional relationship with your clients.

These courses often involve real-world training experiences, such as internships or practicums.

Additionally, it’s important to learn about different religions, beliefs, and cultural practices to be sensitive and respectful to all clients, regardless of their faith.

You should also focus on mental health issues, crisis intervention, and grief counseling, as these are areas that church counselors often deal with.

Remember, being a Church Counselor is not just about religious guidance.

It’s about providing emotional and psychological support to people in need.

Hence, comprehensive counseling training is vital for this role.

Once you’ve completed your training, you may also need to pass a certification exam, depending on your location and the specific requirements of your church or religious institution.

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

As you’re pursuing your education and professional training, it’s crucial to gain practical experience in church counseling.

This can be achieved through internships, practicum experiences, or volunteering at local churches or religious organizations.

Practical experience in a real-life setting will offer a firsthand understanding of the counseling processes and techniques, and the various challenges that church counselors may face.

This stage gives you an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned during your education and training.

You’ll work under the supervision of experienced church counselors, who will provide guidance and feedback to help you improve.

Remember, each interaction is a learning opportunity.

As you gain more practical experience, you’ll also build a professional network that can support your career development.

Don’t forget to document your experiences, as this will be beneficial when you’re ready to apply for licensure and full-time positions in the field.

It’s also a good idea to seek out opportunities for experience in various facets of church counseling to help determine your specific areas of interest, whether that be in marriage and family therapy, youth counseling, addiction counseling, or grief and loss counseling.

Having a specific focus can make you more attractive to potential employers and can help you tailor your career to your interests.

Step 6: Get Licensed or Certified

In many cases, to work as a Church Counselor, you need to become licensed or certified.

This requires additional training beyond your degree and passing an examination.

Licensing requirements vary by state, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specifications in your area.

There are also different types of licensure for counselors such as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), depending on the area of counseling you wish to specialize in.

In addition to state licensure, you can also gain certification from recognized associations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).

These certifications can provide additional credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Remember, obtaining licensure or certification is not a one-time event.

You will be required to maintain it through continuous education and professional development in order to stay current with the latest knowledge and skills in the field.

Step 7: Develop Active Listening and Empathy Skills

As a Church Counselor, your primary role is to provide guidance and support to individuals or groups in your community.

This often involves addressing personal, spiritual, or mental health issues.

Therefore, it’s crucial to develop active listening and empathy skills.

Active listening is a skill that involves truly hearing and understanding what someone is saying.

This means giving the person your full attention, not interrupting, and providing responses that show you’ve understood.

You can enhance this skill through counseling workshops, seminars, or even online training modules.

Empathy, on the other hand, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

As a Church Counselor, you need to empathize with people’s struggles and emotions to provide effective advice and guidance.

This involves understanding diverse perspectives and being sensitive to cultural and social differences.

Practice empathy in your daily interactions and consider empathy-building exercises and training.

The combination of these two skills will enable you to connect deeply with the people you counsel, fostering trust, and providing a safe space for them to share their experiences and emotions.

Step 8: Learn about Different Counseling Approaches

As you progress in your journey to becoming a Church Counselor, it is crucial that you learn about the different counseling approaches available.

There are many therapeutic techniques, theories, and strategies that you can use to help your clients, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to solution-focused brief therapy and more.

Familiarize yourself with as many of these approaches as possible so that you can tailor your counseling method to the needs of each individual client.

Some clients may respond well to a more traditional, psychoanalytic approach, while others may benefit more from an approach centered on mindfulness or spirituality.

It’s also crucial to understand how to blend psychological and spiritual approaches, balancing religious beliefs with mental health needs.

In the context of church counseling, one approach you might consider is faith-based counseling, which incorporates religious beliefs into the therapeutic process.

This approach can be particularly effective for clients who are deeply religious and seeking guidance that aligns with their faith.

To learn about these approaches, consider taking additional courses or attending workshops and seminars.

You could also undertake further reading, join professional counseling networks, or seek mentorship from experienced church counselors.

The more you understand about different counseling approaches, the better equipped you’ll be to provide effective support to your clients.

Remember that it’s important to respect each client’s individual beliefs and experiences, and adjust your counseling approach accordingly.

Step 9: Align with a Church Doctrine

Aligning with a specific church doctrine is a crucial step for anyone wanting to serve as a Church Counselor.

This means you should not only fully understand the church’s beliefs and principles, but you should also be in complete agreement with them.

This is important because you will be providing guidance and counsel based on these principles.

In order to align with a specific church doctrine, you may need to spend time studying the Bible or other religious texts, attending religious studies classes, and having conversations with church leaders.

This process may also involve prayer and personal reflection to ensure you are spiritually and emotionally prepared for the role.

This step is also about finding a church community that aligns with your own personal beliefs and values.

You should feel comfortable in the community and be able to connect with the members on a deep level.

Remember, as a Church Counselor, you will not only be advising individuals on personal issues, but also guiding them in their spiritual journey.

Hence, it’s crucial that your own spiritual beliefs are in sync with those of the church you choose to serve.

Additionally, some churches may require Church Counselors to be ordained or officially recognized by the church.

This process varies from church to church, but often involves a formal examination of your faith and your understanding of the church’s doctrine.

In summary, aligning with a church doctrine is not a step to be taken lightly.

It requires deep introspection, study, and a commitment to uphold and promote the church’s beliefs and values.

Step 10: Network with Other Church Counselors

Networking with other church counselors is a critical step in advancing your career.

By engaging with peers in the field, you can share experiences, learn from the challenges and successes of others, and establish relationships that can lead to professional opportunities.

There are various platforms to network.

You can attend professional counseling conferences, join Christian counseling associations, or be a part of online communities and forums dedicated to church counseling.

These platforms provide a conducive environment for learning, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends and innovative counseling techniques.

In addition, volunteering for community service and church events can be another great way to network.

It not only demonstrates your commitment to the cause, but it also allows you to meet and connect with like-minded individuals who can help you grow professionally.

Remember, the essence of networking goes beyond mere self-promotion.

It’s about building relationships, offering help, gaining insights, and learning from others.

A good network can be an invaluable resource for professional growth and development in your career as a church counselor.

Step 11: Prioritize Self-Care and Spiritual Growth

As a Church Counselor, it’s critical to nurture your own spiritual growth and mental health.

Self-care practices can enhance your ability to help others and increase your resilience in facing the emotional challenges that counseling often brings.

Regularly attending church services, personal prayer, Bible study, and meditation are ways to sustain your spiritual health.

Developing a robust self-care regimen is also crucial.

It might include exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and setting aside time for relaxation and leisure activities.

It’s essential to balance your personal life and counseling responsibilities, as this balance can prevent burnout and improve your effectiveness as a counselor.

Remember, it’s challenging to be a source of comfort and guidance for others if you’re not taking care of yourself.

By prioritizing your spiritual growth and self-care, you can better serve your community as a Church Counselor.

Step 12: Apply for Positions as a Church Counselor

When you feel ready to take your career to the next level, start seeking out positions as a Church Counselor.

Make sure your resume highlights your education, including your bachelor’s or master’s degree in counseling, theology, or related field, as well as your licensure as a professional counselor.

Be sure to also note any internships or volunteer work in counseling, especially within a church setting.

Use job search engines, networking, and your connections within the church community to find available positions.

Some churches may not advertise these positions openly, so it’s beneficial to let your intentions be known to those within your religious community.

Prepare for interviews by revisiting your studies and reflecting on your personal philosophy of counseling within the church context.

Be prepared to discuss your approach to counseling, your understanding of the intersection of faith and mental health, and your ability to provide spiritual guidance in addition to traditional counseling methods.

Always follow up after interviews with a thank-you note or email, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and your continued interest in the position.

Be patient during the hiring process, as it may take time for churches to make decisions based on congregational input and prayerful consideration.

Remember to stay positive and persistent, as the right opportunity will come in due time.

Step 13: Engage in Continuous Professional Development

As a church counselor, your learning and growth do not end once you’ve acquired your credentials and started your career.

Continuous professional development is important to keep up with emerging counseling techniques, new research findings, and changes in the ethical and legal landscape of counseling.

Church counselors should regularly attend workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on spiritual counseling.

This not only allows you to learn about new methods and strategies but also offers the opportunity to network with other counseling professionals.

Reading professional journals and books can also help you stay informed about the latest developments in the field.

Engaging in peer consultation or supervision is also an excellent way to continue learning and developing your counseling skills.

Another essential aspect of continuous professional development is seeking feedback from clients and peers.

Reflecting on this feedback can offer insights into areas where you can improve.

Remember that the ultimate goal of professional development is to enhance your counseling skills and knowledge, so you can better serve your clients and contribute more effectively to your church community.

Therefore, be open to learning new things and continuously strive to better yourself as a professional.

Step 14: Advocate for Mental Health in the Church Community

In your role as a Church Counselor, it is important that you become an active advocate for mental health within your church community.

This can mean educating church members about the importance of mental health and dispelling any stigmas or misconceptions that may be prevalent within your community.

You could organize workshops, seminars, or support groups that focus on mental health topics, and provide resources for individuals who may be struggling.

It’s also crucial to work closely with church leaders to ensure that they understand and support your mental health initiatives.

In turn, they can provide further guidance and support to their congregation members, creating a healthier, more supportive church community.

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and as a Church Counselor, you have the opportunity and responsibility to champion this cause within your church community.

It is only by understanding and addressing mental health issues that people can fully heal and thrive.

Church Counselor Roles and Responsibilities

A Church Counselor provides spiritual guidance and emotional support to individuals and groups within the religious community.

They use a blend of psychology and theology to help others navigate life’s challenges.

They have the following roles and responsibilities:

Spiritual Counseling

Provide spiritual guidance to individuals and families.
Help individuals understand and live according to religious teachings.
Assist individuals in prayer and spiritual growth.

Emotional Support

Provide emotional support to individuals dealing with life’s challenges.
Help individuals develop coping mechanisms.
Offer support during times of crisis or grief.

Group Counseling

Facilitate group counseling sessions.
Help groups deal with shared challenges or crises.
Promote community and fellowship within the group.

Education and Outreach

Teach classes or workshops on spiritual growth or life skills.
Participate in community outreach programs.
Help to organize and participate in religious events and services.

Referral and Collaboration

Refer individuals to outside resources or services when necessary.
Collaborate with other church staff or community organizations.

Confidentiality

Maintain strict confidentiality of all counseling sessions.
Respect the privacy and dignity of individuals.

Professional Development

Continue to develop professional counseling skills.
Stay up-to-date on current counseling techniques and theories.
Participate in continuing education and training programs.

Record Keeping

Maintain records of counseling sessions.
Monitor individuals’ progress and adjust counseling strategies as necessary.

Communication

Communicate effectively with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Provide counseling in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner.

Adherence to Ethical Standards

Adhere to ethical standards set by the church and professional counseling associations.
Ensure all counseling practices are conducted in a legal and ethical manner.

What Does a Church Counselor Do?

Church Counselors, also known as Pastoral Counselors, work within religious communities and organizations to provide guidance, support, and counseling to individuals, couples, and families.

They may be affiliated with a specific church, denomination, or religious group.

They provide counseling services that are integrated with theological insights, assisting individuals in dealing with issues such as grief, depression, relationship difficulties, stress, and existential crises, among others.

They use a faith-based approach to provide comfort, clarity, and spiritual guidance.

Church Counselors may conduct one-on-one counseling sessions or group therapy sessions.

They may also lead or participate in prayer or worship services and provide guidance on religious teachings and scripture.

In addition to counseling, they may also play roles in church administrative tasks, organizing community outreach programs, teaching religious education classes, and providing pastoral care to church members.

Their role also includes referring individuals to other professionals or resources if they require further assistance or specialized help beyond the counselor’s expertise or scope of practice.

Church Counselors strive to create an environment of trust, confidentiality, and respect, ensuring that individuals feel comfortable sharing their problems and seeking spiritual guidance.

Essential Church Counselor Skills

Empathy: A key trait for church counselors is the ability to empathize with others. Understanding and sharing the feelings of those they counsel is crucial to providing effective support.
Active Listening: Church counselors must be excellent listeners, giving their full attention to individuals who are seeking guidance and making them feel heard and understood.
Counseling Techniques: Proficiency in various counseling techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy, can be beneficial in providing guidance and support.
Spiritual Knowledge: A deep understanding of the specific religious doctrine and spirituality is essential to provide relevant and meaningful counsel.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must. Church counselors need to articulate their thoughts clearly and effectively in various forms.
Compassion: Church counselors need to demonstrate genuine care and understanding, providing comfort and solace to those in distress.
Problem-solving: The ability to identify issues, analyze them, and develop thoughtful solutions is crucial. Church counselors often assist individuals in navigating life’s challenges and difficulties.
Resilience: Dealing with others’ emotional and spiritual struggles can be challenging. Church counselors need to be resilient, maintaining their own emotional health while providing support to others.
Ethics: Adherence to a strong ethical code, including maintaining confidentiality and respecting boundaries, is of utmost importance in this role.
Interpersonal Skills: Building strong, trust-based relationships with individuals seeking counsel is vital. Good interpersonal skills facilitate effective interaction and communication.
Crisis Management: Often, church counselors may need to provide guidance during crises. The ability to stay calm, provide reassurance, and offer practical solutions is necessary in such situations.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting cultural differences, beliefs, and values is key to providing respectful and effective counsel.
Flexibility: The ability to adapt to different situations and tailor counseling approaches to the unique needs of each individual is critical.
Conflict Resolution: Church counselors often help individuals manage disputes and conflicts. Skills in mediation and conflict resolution can be very beneficial.
Teamwork: Church counselors often work as part of a pastoral team. The ability to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to the team’s overall success is important.

Church Counselor Career Path Progression

The Foundation: Junior Church Counselor

Your journey will likely begin as a Junior Church Counselor.

At this stage, you are learning from experienced counselors, gaining practical knowledge, and helping with basic counseling sessions.

To succeed in this role:

Emotional Intelligence: Develop emotional intelligence to understand and empathize with others’ feelings.
Seek Guidance: Seek guidance from senior counselors to improve your counseling skills.
Active Listening: Learn to listen attentively to understand the counselee’s issues better.

The Ascent: Church Counselor

As you gain experience and confidence, you’ll transition into the role of a Church Counselor.

You’ll handle more complicated counseling sessions, help in conflict resolution, and become a crucial part of the church community.

Here’s how to thrive in this stage:

Conflict Resolution: Improve your conflict resolution skills to help resolve disputes among church members.
Empathy: Show empathy and understanding towards counselees, which will make them more comfortable sharing their problems.
Continued Learning: Stay updated with the latest counseling techniques and psychological studies.

Reaching New Heights: Senior Church Counselor

The next rung on the ladder is the Senior Church Counselor position.

At this stage, you’re recognized for your experience and wisdom within the community.

You may also mentor junior counselors, guide difficult counseling cases, and take an active role in church leadership.

To excel as a Senior Church Counselor:

Mentorship: Share your knowledge and experience with junior counselors to help them grow.
Leadership: Show leadership by guiding difficult cases and contributing to church decision-making.
Community Building: Actively participate in community building, forging strong bonds among church members.

Beyond the Horizon: Lead Roles and Beyond

As your career progresses, you may choose to specialize in a specific area, such as family counseling, grief counseling, or addiction counseling.

These roles involve greater responsibilities and expertise.

Here’s what to focus on:

Specialization: Specialize in an area of counseling that aligns with your interests and the needs of your community.
Leadership: Strengthen your leadership skills to effectively guide and manage your team of junior counselors.
Continued Education: Continue learning about counseling trends and advancements to provide the best service to your community.

Pinnacle of Success: Director of Counseling Services

At the highest level, you may reach roles like Director of Counseling Services.

Here, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all counseling activities within the church, making critical decisions, managing a team of counselors, and shaping the overall counseling strategy of the church.

Church Counselor Salary

Entry-Level Church Counselor

Median Salary: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
Entry-level church counselors typically have 0-2 years of experience and may hold a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field. They provide basic counseling services and are often supervised by more experienced counselors.

Mid-Level Church Counselor

Median Salary: $40,000 – $55,000 per year
Mid-level church counselors have 2-5 years of experience. They may oversee certain counseling programs within the church and often take on more complex counseling cases.

Senior Church Counselor

Median Salary: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
Senior church counselors possess 5+ years of experience and typically hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. They are responsible for leading counseling programs, making critical decisions, and mentoring junior counselors.

Lead Church Counselor / Counseling Director

Median Salary: $70,000 – $90,000+ per year
These roles require significant experience and often involve counseling leadership, program management, and decision-making. They may also be responsible for training and supervising junior counseling staff.

Principal Counselor / Counseling Pastor

Median Salary: $80,000 – $120,000+ per year
These high-level positions require extensive experience and a deep understanding of counseling in a religious context. They often involve setting counseling strategies for the church and providing pastoral care to its members.

Church Counselor Work Environment

Church Counselors typically work in church settings, however, they can also find employment in faith-based organizations, religious schools, and hospitals.

They have the responsibility of providing spiritual guidance, counseling services, and emotional support to congregation members or other individuals seeking help.

Their work schedule may vary, as it often depends on the needs of their congregation or employer.

They may be required to work on weekends and evenings when church services are held or when counseling sessions are needed.

After gaining sufficient experience and building a network of contacts, a church counselor may choose to open their own private counseling practice or take on a leadership role within their religious organization.

FAQs About Becoming a Church Counselor

What qualifications do I need to become a Church Counselor?

To become a Church Counselor, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, theology, or a related field.

Many roles also require a master’s degree in pastoral counseling or a similar field.

Additional qualifications can include certification from a recognized religious or counseling body, and completion of specific coursework in areas such as ethics, spirituality, and pastoral care.

Previous experience in a pastoral or counseling role is often advantageous.

How long does it take to become a Church Counselor?

The length of time it takes to become a Church Counselor can vary depending on your education and experience.

A bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years to complete, and a master’s degree can take an additional two to three years.

If you choose to pursue certification or licensure, this can add extra time to your preparation.

However, some roles might allow you to gain experience in a counseling or pastoral role while you are still studying.

Can I be a Church Counselor without a theology degree?

Yes, it is possible to become a Church Counselor without a degree in theology.

However, a strong understanding of religious principles and pastoral care is usually essential for this role.

This understanding can be gained through other degrees such as counseling or psychology, or through practical experience in a religious or counseling setting.

Some roles may require specific religious training or ordination, so it’s important to check the requirements of individual positions.

Is being a Church Counselor a stressful job?

Being a Church Counselor can be emotionally challenging at times, as it involves dealing with individuals and families in crisis or distress.

However, it can also be a deeply rewarding job that allows you to provide crucial support to people and to make a positive difference in their lives.

The level of stress can be managed through self-care practices, peer support, and maintaining a balanced work-life schedule.

What are the prospects for Church Counselors in the next decade?

The demand for Church Counselors is expected to remain steady over the next decade.

As communities continue to face challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and family problems, the need for spiritual and emotional support services remains high.

Church Counselors will continue to play an important role in providing these services, both within religious organizations and in broader community and healthcare settings.

Conclusion

And there it is.

Choosing to become a church counselor is not a decision made lightly, but it’s undoubtedly fulfilling.

Equipped with the right skills, education, and dedication, you’re well on your way to making a profound impact in the spiritual lives of others.

Remember, the path may be demanding, but the rewards are boundless. Your guidance could lead to profound personal transformation, changing how people live, work, and interact with their faith.

So, take that initial leap. Immerse yourself in study. Connect with fellow counselors. And most importantly, never stop empathizing.

Because the world is waiting for the comfort and guidance you can provide.

And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on starting or advancing your career in church counseling, explore our AI Career Path Advisor.

This complimentary tool is tailored to offer specialized advice and resources to help you navigate your career path effectively.

The Stress Champions: Jobs That Demand Nerves of Steel!

Jobs That Just Chill: Careers Where Stress is a Stranger

Bizarrely Brilliant: Unusual Jobs That Exist

Satisfying Career Quests: The Most Fulfilling Jobs to Pursue

Financial Freedom from Home: Remote Jobs That Pay More Than Expected!