The church of today is not really all that different than the religious community to which Jesus ministered when he came to earth. It consisted of people with different needs, problems, and life circumstances which affected their perceptions, motivations, beliefs, and behaviors. Jesus’ ministry was spent primarily preaching, teaching, and healing those men and women who were often considered the world’s outcasts (Mark 1:40). Of course, he continues to transform lives today.
There are important facts to remember about Jesus’ ministry. Briefly, I will outline some here:
- He was intimately involved with his world. Jesus deeply cared for the people to which He ministered. Even those who were totally unacceptable to the world were welcomed by Jesus. Much of our ministry as Pastoral Counselors, Family Therapists, Lay Counselors, or Christian Psychologists is spent with those precious, wonderful, less than desirable people that God, by his grace, sends our way.
- Jesus was not afraid to speak the truth in love. He pulled no punches with the woman at the well, yet he spoke with such compassion, authority, tremendous insight and wisdom. As therapists, if we are tuned to the Holy Spirit and trained to listen effectively, we too can teach others to speak and know the truth which will “set them free.”
- Jesus was well trained for the task placed before him (Luke 2:52). There is no excuse for any of us to be less than well prepared academically or spiritually for the work to which God has called us. We must be instant in season and out of season, as we touch the lives of others.
- Jesus was other-oriented, unselfish, and ministered with a tremendous sense of timing. He knew when to confront, when to be silent, when to teach and when to touch. As Christian counselors we must develop the “mind of Christ” in our response to the hurt and pain of others.
- The purpose of Christ was to save people totally, which included healing for the total person and the making of disciples (Matthew 28:19). As disciples, we are to make other disciples who will come into the “fullness of Christ.” Believers are to become conformed to the image of Christ by putting off the old nature, renewing the mind, and putting on the new self. These are both event in Christ and process in Christ (Ephesians 4:22). As counselors, through our training in understanding the “heart” of man, and in our ability to bring understanding through the application of Biblical principles to the lives of members of the Body of Christ, we can assist in the pastoral function of facilitating growth and change. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who brings change. We are His hands extended.
- Finally, Jesus was humbly submissive to his Father’s authority. We must be willing to be in submission to the authority over us. Counseling is a valid, God-ordained ministry to and for the Body of Christ. It is an expression of love to those who are yet to believe.
Meeting the needs of individuals and families in times of emotional and behavioral distress is a privilege for us. Prayerfully this course will assist many to develop centers of care for the Body of Christ.
