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Where does a church pastor get the authority to counsel people?
I ask this because it seems like counseling is a major part of their job. They meet with people to discuss various problems and issues. I've known of people who did this who had no sort of education either in counseling or ministry.
Where does a church pastor get the authority to counsel people?
I ask this because it seems like counseling is a major part of their job. They meet with people to discuss various problems and issues. I've known of people who did this who had no sort of education either in counseling or ministry.
I think that some seminaries include training in psychology. An Episcopal priest I know is also a licensed psychologist. He was an Army chaplain, now retired, and he counsels other Episcopal priests.
I'm guessing that in some sects, the counseling is based on the Bible only.
Where does a church pastor get the authority to counsel people?
I ask this because it seems like counseling is a major part of their job. They meet with people to discuss various problems and issues. I've known of people who did this who had no sort of education either in counseling or ministry.
Mine has a Psych degree (Masters), as well as a Doctorate of Divinity. I can't say about other pastors, because I don't know them.
Where does a church pastor get the authority to counsel people?
I ask this because it seems like counseling is a major part of their job. They meet with people to discuss various problems and issues. I've known of people who did this who had no sort of education either in counseling or ministry.
The Word of God grants the authority to a church elder to counsel people based on Scripture. And many pastors do take some counseling classes in college--specifically because it's part of the job. Having said that, I do know people that have gone to my pastor for issues that are clearly more than a question of what Scripture says, but are more to do with mental health and he has referred them to a therapist. A good pastor knows his limits and realizes when the issue is above his head and refers them.
At the seminary I attended, counselling classes were mandatory. We had several as well as supervised practical training. The biggest thing taught was know your limits - you are not a psychologist, psychiatrist or a therapist, you are a spiritual counsellor. Also it was drilled into us that when counselling, limit your sessions to a maximum of 3, 30 minute sessions. If the person needs more than that, refer them to a psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist because you are now going beyond your role and your training.
Actually there is a gift of Holy Spirit for counseling and prophetic redemption BUT This gift of God come with a strict rule of NO condemnation , as there is no condemnation in people of God , and God cannot answer prayer under the carnal spirit of condemnation ............ Then there is a church government which could issue authority to counsel people ...... See the office gift of Pastor does not mean that the pastor has a gift of counseling some do and some don`t .........Patience is a pre-requeset for the Pastor
But I think it goes beyond "psychological" counseling. I have gotten a feeling that a lot of people speak to their pastors regarding business advice, education, financial, etc.
I don't know if it's changed but I believe before a Catholic priest can be dubbed as one, he must spend 5-7 years in Seminary, studying various disciplines.
Luckily for me and my brothers and sisters, my father only spent one.
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