{"id":30455,"date":"2023-09-11T15:20:38","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T21:20:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baonline.cog7engage.net\/?p=30455"},"modified":"2023-09-11T15:20:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T21:20:38","slug":"the-ministry-of-walking-alongside-those-in-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baonline.cog7engage.net\/the-ministry-of-walking-alongside-those-in-need\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ministry of Walking Alongside Those in Need"},"content":{"rendered":"

I heard my inner voice repeatedly telling me to keep it together, but his tears and quivering lower lip pushed me over the edge. A warm tear drop fogged my vision and rolled past my glasses down my cheek.<\/p>\n

He could barely get the words out, \u201cI can\u2019t believe I let myself do that. I must be some sort of monster.\u201d<\/p>\n

His addiction<\/a> had taken him further than he wanted to go and cost him far more than he was willing to pay. His wife discovered the activity and was so wounded that she issued the ultimatum, \u201cGet help, or get out!\u201d<\/p>\n

His marriage, family, reputation, and career were all on the line. He knew this before, but the danger had never been as real as it is right now. He reached an important benchmark: the pain has become greater than his fear.<\/p>\n

That internal voice again, \u201cGod, give me Your Wisdom to help my suffering Brother in Christ.\u201d Where do we start?<\/p>\n

The Broken Body Analogy<\/h3>\n

It is easy for us to rush someone to an emergency room when they suffer a fall and become physically injured, but we do not react as decisively when someone falls morally and is injured spiritually. Many Christians have an aversion to counseling while affirming to care about the health of a person\u2019s soul.<\/p>\n

Some forget the Greek root word psyche<\/em> means soul. The law of Christ compels us to carry each other\u2019s burdens:<\/p>\n

[Brothers\u00a0and sisters], even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are\u00a0spiritual are to\u00a0restore such a person\u00a0in a spirit of gentleness;\u00a0each one<\/em>\u00a0looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Bear one another\u2019s burdens, and thereby fulfill\u00a0the law of Christ (Galatians 6:1-3 NASB).<\/p>\n

An Approach to Helping Someone in Emotional or Spiritual Need<\/h3>\n

The first key to a successful Christian care interaction starts with the proper relationship with God of both the person offering support and the person seeking it. Because God\u2019s Holy Spirit indwells every Believer, it is undeniable that every sincere Believer can be a blessing to anyone that will sincerely accept their support.<\/p>\n

Yet, a person with a personal relationship with God, The Father, through Jesus Christ \u2013 a Christian \u2013 will benefit the most from another Christian\u2019s support. Jesus Christ must always be the third person in the room during such conversations. As Believers, we know that He does the actual healing of our souls (Acts 3:16).<\/p>\n

Learn your organization\u2019s suicide prevention protocols, today. The commitment of confidentiality is an indispensable element to effective Christian care. Do not discuss the content of your conversations with anyone. Fear of having their trust violated is the main reason people fear seeking advice from others, especially clergy.<\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=”Fear of having their trust violated is the main reason people fear seeking advice from others, especially clergy. \u2013 Santiago Chavez” via=”no”]<\/p>\n

Learn your state\u2019s required reporting rules and share them with the person seeking advice. Explain that suicide concerns and the items listed as required reporting are the only reason you would be obligated to get others involved.<\/p>\n

Further Direction in Soul Care<\/h3>\n

I can offer a manageable, Bible-based (2 Tim. 3:16-17)<\/a> four-phase approach taught by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen<\/a> [ref]Kellemen, R. W. (2007). Spiritual friends: A methodology of soul care and spiritual direction. BMH Books. pp. 47[\/ref]<\/p>\n

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    1. \u201cIt\u2019s normal to hurt.<\/em>\u201d Sense your client\u2019s earthly story of despair and empathize with and embrace your Spiritual Friend. Strive to develop a plan while helping your client to not sink further into their pit of despair.<\/li>\n
    2. \u201cIt\u2019s possible to hope.<\/em>\u201d Stretch your client to God\u2019s eternal story of hope and encourage your Spiritual Friend to embrace God. Enter your client\u2019s pain trough appropriate empathy and work to heal their wounds.<\/li>\n
    3. \u201cIt\u2019s horrible to sin, but wonderful to be forgiven.<\/em>\u201d Strip your client\u2019s enslaving story and expose your Spiritual Friend\u2019s sin and God\u2019s Grace. Help your client understand how their idols and false beliefs contributed to their situation.<\/li>\n
    4. \u201cIt\u2019s supernatural to mature.<\/em>\u201d Strengthen your client with Christ\u2019s empowering story of life and equip and empower your Spiritual Friend to love. Help your client develop strategies to recognize and navigate factors that contributed to their spiritual injury.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Be Aware<\/h3>\n

      Commit to meet on multiple occasions. Many of the issues that afflict us developed over many years, possibly decades. It is unreasonable to expect an hour or two can adequately address the concerns. Accept that seeking to care for the entire person (emotional, volitional, rational, relational, spiritual, physical) may require returning to previous phases more than once.<\/p>\n

      Always be aware of the possibilities of spiritual warfare. Only advise members of the same sex as yours. It is very easy to become emotionally confused as we walk through the Christian care process together. It is also advisable to beware of dependence from the person offering and the person seeking advice.<\/p>\n

      Refer to Professional Counselor if Needed<\/h3>\n

      Most of us are not professional counselors. Be eager to refer to a more qualified Christian care provider or mental health professional, but never abandon the person that came to you for care. Continue to pray for their well being and to tell them you are praying for them.<\/p>\n

      Encourage continued care and taking of medications if any are prescribed. Do not share disagreement about the instructions of another provider with the person seeking advice.<\/p>\n

      Never stop depending on God and His Word for wisdom. It is highly recommended for Christian care givers to seek Christian care for themselves, especially when dealing with difficult cases. It may be wise to build a Christian and Mental Health care library.<\/p>\n

      [bctt tweet=”Christian care is an overwhelming, yet rewarding, challenge. Artios Christian College can help you get started. \u2013 Santiago Chavez” via=”no”]<\/p>\n

      Christian care is an overwhelming, yet rewarding, challenge. Artios Christian College can help you get started.<\/p>\n

      Artios offers the following courses on counseling and mental health. Watch for them to be available sometime in 2024:<\/p>\n