“Helpful Counselling”, Class 1, John Partington, Thames Valley churches of Christ

We need to answer some questions regarding counseling:

1. Is counseling helpful for Christians?
2. What is the connection between spiritual and emotional issues?
3. What is the relevance of counseling for our fellowship?

We react to situations - sometimes healthily, sometimes not so much. Part of healthy maturing is to do with growing in awareness of formative experiences and assumptions.

 

John explained some of the historical background to modern counseling, and some of the main approaches to counseling. Details are on the powerpoint slides which are available on the website.

 

John talked in more detail about person-centered counselling (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Rogers) than other approaches. It is the specific therapy in which he is trained. The core principles are:

1. Empathy
2. Congruence
3. Unconditional positive regard

Counselling is more about relationship and connection, not method.

 

Can Christians counsel one another?

 

Yes, and no!

 

A list of helpful scriptures are on the powerpoint slides. We are called to be devoted to one another and each other’s well-being. Being involved in each other’s lives is a healthy expectation. 

 

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry....” (James 1:19 NIV11) 

 

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” (Gal. 6:1–5 NIV11)

 

We can all help one another at different times. Be available to one another and look out for each other. We are not called to take responsibility for another person where it is their responsibility.

 

Key practice: don’t compare yourself with one another.  

 

Do we need a counsellor? There are some times in all our lives when we can benefit from the support of other people. Make sure the person is a listener, non-judgmental, non-directive, with an adult-to-adult relationship, mutual respect, vulnerable, honest, open and authentic, humble, considering others better than themselves, someone with time.

 

Be aware of barriers to a healthy one-another relationship - a list is on the PowerPoint slides.

 

We’re looking to connect, whether we need counselling or not. Connection is the point. Why not check in daily? Connect each day. 

• Share how you are feeling.
• Share openly what is on your mind - listen. Talk about the day
• Pray.

It only need 15 minutes or so.

 

Thank you for listening to this podcast. You can find more episodes in our feed. Our web site is http://www.tvcoc.org. 

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

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