About us
About Encounters in Joy, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit counseling ministry in Statham, Georgia — serving Barrow County and the communities around it.
EIN 83-4371871 · 2064 Highway 82, Statham, GA 30666
Why we exist
Our mission
Our mission is to provide quality, faith-grounded counseling to individuals, couples, and families as they navigate the complexities of life — and to make that care available to all, regardless of their financial situation.
Encounters in Joy is a Christian counseling ministry, not a clinical practice. We believe everyone encounters seasons that leave them drained and overwhelmed — and that in those seasons, we all need someone to come alongside us. Not to judge, criticize, or condemn, but to listen and to help.
Our work is rooted in Scripture, but we meet you where you are. You don't need to belong to a church — or believe what we believe — to be welcomed and helped here.
Our name comes from the apostle James: “Count it all joy when you fall.” — James 1:2
What we do
Our programs and services
We carry out our mission through counseling, support groups, and financial help for people who couldn't otherwise afford care.
Individual and couples counseling
One-on-one or couples sessions for personal growth, marital issues, trauma, and grief.
Family and youth counseling
Whole-family sessions, plus faith-based support for children and teens navigating life's challenges with age-appropriate care.
Trauma and grief care
Specialized care for loss, traumatic events, and the long road of healing. Learn about our grief support →
Encounters in Grief support group
A free monthly gathering for anyone carrying loss — the second Sunday of every month at 3:30 PM, at our Statham office.
Encounters in Families support group
A group for families, forming now. Send a message to join.
Sliding scale and Counseling Scholarship Fund
Counseling has a set fee per session. A sliding scale based on family size and income, and a donor-funded scholarship fund, keep cost from being the reason someone goes without help.
We meet with people in person at our Statham office, by Zoom, or in groups — and we serve people across Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett, Oconee, Walton, and Clarke counties.
Meet your counselors
Our team
Encounters in Joy was founded by Reverend Jeff Langley, who counsels alongside Stephanie Langley.
Reverend Jeff Langley
Founder · 35 years in ministry
- Certified Trauma Informed Coach & Specialist
- International Board of Christian Care (IBCC)
- Master's in Human Services — Liberty University
- Bachelor's in Christian Counseling — Luther Rice
- Associate's in Divinity — Mid America Seminary
Stephanie Langley
Certified Christian Counselor
- Certified Pre-K Teacher
- Certified Christian Counselor
- Master's in Clinical Counseling — Brenau University
- Bachelor's — Piedmont University
Our counselors are board-certified Christian counselors, not state-licensed clinicians. For severe psychiatric conditions or court-ordered care, a licensed clinician may be a better fit — and we'll tell you so honestly.
Made accessible, on purpose
How the ministry is supported
Counseling here has a set fee per session, due at time of service. We don't accept insurance — here's why.
Gifts from donors fund the sliding scale and the Counseling Scholarship Fund — so a neighbor walking through grief, anxiety, or a struggling marriage can get real help, whatever their income.
Give to the ministryEncounters in Joy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Organization details
Nonprofit information
This site, encountersinjoy.org, is the official website of Encounters in Joy, Inc.
- Legal name
- Encounters in Joy, Inc.
- Tax status
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (public charity)
- EIN (federal tax ID)
- 83-4371871
- Incorporated
- Georgia nonprofit corporation, formed in 2019
- Office address
- 2064 Highway 82
Statham, GA 30666
Barrow County · By appointment only - Phone
- 770-807-1227 — voicemail, we respond within 24 hours
You can confirm our tax-exempt status by entering our EIN in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
When you're ready
We'd be glad to hear from you.
Send a short message or leave a voicemail. A real person responds within 24 hours.