Wayne Oates stated that counseling is inevitable, but there is a choice “between counseling in a disciplined and skilled way and counseling in an undisciplined and unskilled way.” (Introduction to Pastoral Counseling, 1959, p.vi). But the Bible was not written as a textbook on counseling, but it does deal with loneliness, discouragement, marriage problems, grief, […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Jesus stated His goals for individuals: abundant life on earth (John 10:10) and everlasting life in heaven (John 3:16). This should be the ultimate overarching goal of any Christian counselor. Face it, there are many sincere Christians who will enjoy eternal life in heaven but fall very short of experiencing abundant life on earth. These […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
There are several potential areas of role confusion: Visiting instead of counseling: Visiting is a friendly, mutual sharing. Counseling is a problem-centered, goal-directed conversation which focuses primarily on the needs of one person, the client. Being hasty instead of deliberate: Busy, goal-directed people often want to hurry the counseling process to a quick and successful […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Hospital studies have shown that patients improved when their therapist demonstrated levels of warmth, genuineness and accurate empathic understanding. Patients grew worse when their counselors lacked these qualities. Similar findings are shown in clients who are not hospitalized. 1. Warmth: This implies caring, respecting and possessing a sincere, non-smothering concern for the client, regardless for […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Hospital studies have shown that patients improved when their therapist demonstrated levels of warmth, genuineness and accurate empathic understanding. Patients grew worse when their counselors lacked these qualities. Similar findings are shown in clients who are not hospitalized. 1. Warmth: This implies caring, respecting and possessing a sincere, non-smothering concern for the client, regardless for […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Counseling is primarily a relationship in which one person, the helper, seeks to assist another human being with the problems of living. Unlike other relationships, this one is characterized by of clear purpose of helping. The helper’s needs are mostly met elsewhere and he or she does not depend on the client for love or […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Counseling is a step by step process much like baking a cake, or changing a tire. One must always remember that each person is unique with his problems, attitudes, values, expectations and experiences. There are various steps… To build and maintain a counseling relationship. To clarify issues and determine how the problems can be handled. […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
There are professional organizations that have ethical codes of conduct to protect the public from unethical practices. The Christian counselor will hold to these and keep in mind that he has a higher standard to whom he is accountable. As a servant of God, you have a responsibility to live, act and counsel in accordance […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Why do you want to counsel others? Many pastors have been thrust in to the work by people who have come unsolicited for help with their problems. A valid reason could be a sincere desire to help people grow, but there are poor reasons: The need for information, curiosity: a curious counselor will often forget […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
A crisis is an event or situation that threatens our psychological equilibrium. They are expected or unexpected, real or imagined, actual (as a loved one has died) or potential (as is appears that a loved one might die). Someone has noted that the Chinese word for crisis is made up of two characters: one means […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24)
"The biggest deterrent to growth in most churches is lack of confidence in God's supernatural power to grow His church. We are obsessed with our own responsibility to find resources for growth. When our natural resources seem limited, our vision shrinks and we accept mediocrity. We can't grow the church, but God can! We don't have the resources, but He does! "
(Ken Hemphill, Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur)
Worldliness is not the trap that most endangers us as Christian workers; nor is it sin. The trap we fall into is extravagantly desiring spiritual success; that is, success measured by, and patterned after, the form set by this religious age in which we now live (Luke 10:20). Never seek after anything other than the approval of God, and always be willing to go “outside the camp, bearing His disgrace.” (Hebrews 13:12-14)
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for April 24
You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13)
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