Controlling the Counseling Load
Armin B. Sommer
April 1, 1991
I was dreaming of palm trees, sandy beaches, and snorkeling in the Caribbean when the jangling telephone transported me back to the more sober environment of northern New Jersey. I grabbed the phone and glanced at the clock; it was 4:25 A.M.
The voice of the frantic young man at the other end of the line quivered with desperation: "Pastor, I must see you this morning. I can't tell you about it over the phone, but believe me, it's important!"
This was the beginning of a not-so-unusual Monday morning after an exhausting weekend of public ministry.
Counseling is one of the most labor-intensive tasks of pastoral ministry. Four or five sessions can easily represent a full day of ministry for the average pastor. And often the circle of those involved expands: one person's problem can become my family's problem, or even the congregation's problem.
It's easy, in the midst of a counseling crisis, for pastors to feel as if they are sitting in a small boat paddling against an overpowering current inexorably drawing them to the waterfall called Sunday morning. As we furiously paddle, we think of the sermon we must prepare. It can be an altogether frightening, frazzling, and frustrating experience.
There is, however, a way to slow the current. Here are several tips that help me do just that, ideas I've picked up from professional counselors and graduates of the Academy of Formidable Impacts, otherwise known as the School of Hard Knocks.
Set firm limits
I begin by establishing the maximum number of counseling appointments I can handle during a week. A few one-hour sessions easily mushroom into six hours when we consider the follow-up and consultation such work often requires.
So I've learned to limit myself to a maximum of four one-hour sessions ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
