Our character is shaped by our communities and their stories (Trull & Carter, 2004, p. 60). In addition, as Christians, our communities and Church history shape our heritage, culture, and mindset. The more we relate to God’s stories, we become a part of the Christian community, and begin to understand, and have the ability to interpret the gospel (Trull & Carter, 2004, p.61). Depending on where one grew up, most likely determined their denomination. Many Christians are Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, or Pentecostal to name a few. Furthermore, Depending on the denomination of the Church dictates the Church’s Denominational codes. Denominational codes are a formal code of ethics for ministers (Trull & Carter, 2004, p. 199). The mission of …show more content…
The first similarity that I noticed between the ACA and the Denominational Codes is Sexual Misconduct. The ACA code A.5.a. (“2014 ACA Code of Ethics”, p. 5) presents strict guidelines in reference to counselors not having any sexual relationships with their clients. The Denominational Code enforces no sex with anyone besides your spouse. The Unitarian Universalists does not agree with this philosophy, and they do not require celibacy of unmarried clergy. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 explains, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor.” God expects us to keep ourselves …show more content…
First, ACA code D. 1. a. (“2014 ACA Code of Ethics”, p. 10) Different Approaches states that “counselors are respectful of approaches that are grounded in theory and/or have an empirical or scientific foundation but may differ from their own.” The Denomination code states that it is invested in the community as a prophetic witness, working to solve issues that impact others. As Ministers, when we counsel and minister to individuals, we ground our theory on biblical principles, and we focus on how to implement scripture into the individual’s life to better improve it. Another difference is ACA code E. 5. a. (“2014 ACA Code of Ethics”, p. 11) Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, this code addresses “diagnosing by assessment techniques (including personal interviews) used to determine client care.” One major difference, in Denominational code is when we have a relationship with the Lord we believe in deliverance services. Intercessors and Prayer Warriors instead of accepting a diagnosis by a licensed professional, those of us who have crazy belief, believe anyone can be delivered from anything because our spiritual belief is that mental disorders are linked to spirits. For example, Mark 9:25 the demon possessed boy. Jesus delivered him from the dumb and mute spirit. Many Christians have a supernatural belief that many mental conditions are spirits, and that they can be cast
In 2005, the American Counseling Association (ACA) published a document titled the ACA Code of Ethics which was designed to aid counselors in the ethical decision making process and, in response, “expand the capacity of people to grow and develop” (p. 3). The ACA Code of Ethics provides regulatory guidelines for all counselors to follow in ethical decision-making and practice. Of a more specific nature, the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) has also published a document stating the ethical practices and procedures for the Christian counseling field. The two documents contain many similarities, but, due to differing goals and principals, also containing may differences. This paper compares these two documents and more specifically focuses on the similarities and differences in the areas of confidentiality, fees, and records.
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling written by Mark McMinn and published by Tyndale House in 2011 notions towards the idealization that Christian counselors need to be privy in the most recent psychological methods as well as theological theories. “This is a book about counseling processes techniques” (McMinn, 2011, p. 150). McMinn also alluded that Christian counselors benefit from having a spiritual maturity. With having these attributes counselors are better prepared to take note of prayer, Scripture, sin, confession, forgiveness, and redemption. McMinn (2011) model flows in the direction of healing while equating to a more advantageous relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ as well as with other relationships (McMinn, 2011).
Confidentiality. Confidentiality is just as important in Christian counseling as it is in secular counseling. According to the American Association of Christian Counselors (2014), “confidentiality recognizes that every client has a fundamental, moral and legal right to privacy and to have a wide range of personal thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and behaviors that are protected from public knowledge” (p. 22). It is crucial for counselors to maintain client confidentiality unless what a client discloses brings harm to themselves or other people. Confidentiality should be kept at all
However, it does not matter how strong a person’s faith is or how weak a person faith is, everyone in Christian counseling starts off the same. It is a process how a person develops overtime. This is similar to a child learning how to tie his or her shoes. At first they do not get it but overtime, it becomes of habit and the person get better. According to Clinton, Hart and Ohlschlager (2005),” they believe that Christian counselling has to do with and learning applying the principles of the kingdom on living to the chronically sins, fears, failures, and dark areas of our life (p.21). When people are at their lowest point he or she turn to Christ to get the throughout tough times. Furthermore, in chapter two a person learns about the trust and fined our truth. In chapter two it discusses becoming a trust worthy counselor. In Chapter two, I realized that is all about gaining the clients trust. If the client, does not trust the counselor then no typ of relationship can be bonded. The client is in a venerable state and the counselor has to make sure that the can feel free to be
As Christians, we should be adherents of Christ, our Lord and Savior. Moreover, we are to carry out and preach The Great Commission to all humanity, whereby we are governed. Likewise, as verbalized in I Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (King James Version), we should live a conscientious life that is pleasing to God. Nevertheless, in order to have Holiness, we must be compliant to God’s commandments and attend to our conscience. However, our conscience begins with the heart and it is the heart which fuels our conscious to compel us to live our lives Holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1)
The misconception of what God wants us to do with our lives is shown in today’s youth. An example of this is simply looking at the effects of life today. Children and adults everywhere are turning against one another and resulting in violence. Typically, when asked to describe a Christian words like self-centered, hate, and hypocritical flash through the mind as qualities. This is where the stereotypical response is wrong. Being a Christian does not mean the feeling of hatred towards everyone who sins is present, or that every action is hypocritical to what is being said. Christians often go as the unheard group of people due to the disbelief in what is said. Consequently, the persecution of God’s Word happens daily when the heart of one of His children dies without ever knowing Him. A Christian does not mean that life is perfect and that going to church every Sunday makes a person one. In reality, attendance at church, but not grasping to the message being told serves no purpose at all. The confusion and contradiction of various definitions of what a Christian is one way the Word of God is dying along with the world around
When it comes to the way you treat and speak to others on a daily basis I think it comes down to being mindful and caring. God was a leader and expects us to be a leader and help those around us. I feel as Christians it is important for us to feel comfortable enough to speak the word of God to others to form conversation and friendships. I feel like a biblical worldview could influence the way you decide on a future career. With God expecting us to act as servants and help others I feel like it would only be right in choosing a job geared to helping others and spreading the word. For myself, I know I have always wanted to become a teacher and influencing children and helping them create their own personal worldview. I look forward to teaching young children the word of God in their younger
the theories, and the techniques dealing with Christian and secular counseling will require different tactics and approaches for it to be effective
The Church teaches people the moral truth, which contains the truth about sexuality. The church could connect with other churches, denominations and religious groups in teaching and fostering this morality.
On the down side there are a limited number of educational programs that adequately deal with the issue of incorporating religion and spirituality in therapeutic/counseling settings. This can be attributed to the fact that counseling is based in psychology, a scientific field, which has traditionally neglected issues of a spiritual nature (Nelson, Kirk, Ane, & Serres, 2011) as well as the practice used within the United States to separate education and religion (Cashwell and Young, 2011). This then results in a significant portion of therapist and counselors who are not prepared to address the issue of spirituality and religion with their clients. One would think that with the value many Americans place on the topic of religion and spirituality that there would come a time when a client would want to address this topic during his or her session.
It is the beliefs above that has shaped the theology of Christianity, bringing about the writing of many creeds that Christians still value today. It is what distinguishes the many denominations and unites them as well. With each passing generation it seems that Christianity is continually losing its popularity amongst the young people. Christianity is relevant in today’s society. Churches today should greatly value the historical aspect of Christianity as a religion. If certain values and principles of Christianity have withstood the test of time then this should reassure Christians of the validity of their beliefs. Young people today are interested in the theology of the bible they value the message of Jesus Christ. It is the “religious” aspects that many are fed up with. People are frustrate with the church because of the corruption that has occurred over time and its inauthenticity at times. To some it appears that the church is more concerned with appearances then actually fulfilling the work of God. This generation needs church leaders that embrace the historical roots of Christianity. And someone who isn’t afraid to be teach the raw and passionate message that is the gospel. Getting at the core of what it truly means to be a
The reason for the church’s existence, and the relation between the church and God’s mission is clear however some believe the church is failing to create and keep the church a mission driving organization. “What Christians want for the nation should first be a witnessed reality in their local church. Until that local church embodies that desire for the nation, the church’s witness has no credibility.” Ouch. Politics and hypocrisy therefore play a larger role in the church than they should.
Any denomination which relies on extra-Biblical literature to an extent which eclipses the precepts of the Bible is not a Christian denomination. The United Methodist Church can be commended as a good example of a church following the Bible and embodying Christ in spiritual form. The United Methodist Church has the Holy Bible as the doctrine followed by all its
Teachers must create lessons to inspire their students to think and make decisions based on God 's principles. The school should foster an environment where the students realize what Christ has done for them and give them the desire to see others come to know Christ as their Savior. A good way to make this happen is to create diverse learning opportunities where students can learn about other cultures and environments where missionaries are working to reach people for the Lord. Basically, the purpose of Christian education is directing the process of human development toward godliness of character and action.
A pastor has a great responsibility to minister the Word of God and to be a shepherd to his people. The pastor must be committed to biblical truths when he engages the work of the ministry. Some of these truths include: The Bible is the infallible Word of God, his preaching must be from the Word of God, and he must do proper exegesis to get to the authorial intent and proclaim that to his congregation.