FRUIT FOR THOUGHT People-helping is taught in the Scriptures, it is required of all believers (not just pastors); it is urgently needed in all congregations, whatever their size, as people struggle with todays stress, confusion, and anxiety. Recognizing this need and the biblical mandate to meet it is the first step toward developing a congregation of people helpers. Only then can we look at some practical, procedural questions. What Is Lay Counseling? Counseling involves a caring relationship in which one person seeks to help another deal more effectively with the stresses of life. There can be a number of counseling goals: ¥ clarify problems ¥ explore and express feelings ¥ cope with stress ¥ find freedom from spiritual, psychological, and interpersonal conflicts ¥ develop self-acceptance and God-awareness ¥ confront counselees with their sinful and self-defeating thoughts and/or actions, and help them find a new or renewed willingness to live in accordance with biblical teaching. Counseling also enables counselees to reach their fullest potential and to become involved in growth as disciples and disciplers for Jesus Christ. The process is summarized not so much by the Greek word noutheteo, which means to admonish, warn, and rebuke, but by the word parakaleo, which means to comfort, support, and encourage, as well as to exhort and admonish.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:22:55 +0000
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