This is something I have been thinking about for a while now and I think I’m ready to put it out there. I’d like to practice active listening skills, and I also like to talk about Jesus. Even though I’m not seeking a full-time ministry position, I still want to be active in the church and still want to minister to those who are in need. The way I’d like to go about that is by having Christian Conversations with anyone who needs to talk out a struggle they may be having in their life, or who needs to talk through a Biblical concept they are having trouble understanding.
This idea may sound a bit abstract, because it is! I’ll use the “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How” method to try and explain it a little better.
Who
Really, this is for anyone. Having a struggle you want to talk about in a non-judgmental setting? Is there a passage you want to explore but don’t have a place to discuss it or a person to discuss it with? Maybe you’re having a faith crisis and just need to talk about it? Want to talk about a praise you want to share? Or maybe you just want to talk about Jesus, the Father, the Holy Spirit, or anything else related. You’re who I want to have a conversation with.
What
First, I think I need to define what it is not. This idea is not clinical in any way. If you’re having a mental health struggle or crisis, I suggest you seek a professional counselor or therapist. I will be happy to help you find a professional in your area, but I am not licensed or equipped to help with any clinical mental health issues.
Ok, so what is it then? Basically you talk, and I listen. I’d like to help you as you dive in and talk through whatever spiritual problem that is on your mind. This is not a bid to convert anyone to a different way of belief, but to help you get to the heart of what is causing your spiritual pain or frustration. I’m cautious and don’t really want to call this Christian counseling, I think of it more like Christian coaching.
When
In the evenings, for 50 minutes to an hour. Similar to a counseling or coaching appointment.
Where
Zoom or a similar video platform. We could have a phone conversation, but I’d rather have a face to face conversation if at all possible. If you’re in my local area I’m sure we could meet for coffee and have a chat.
Why
I want to help people! I’m not in full-time ministry anymore, but I still want to answer the call that we as Christians are called to do, that is to minister to each other. While this concept isn’t “full-time ministry”, I do hope that I will have some great conversations. I’d love to become so busy that it turns into a full-time, “pay the bills” ministry work. But for now, this is just something I want to do in some spare evenings to help people and help the church.
I also want to practice skills such as active listening and goal setting. These skills aren’t necessarily clinical in nature, but are a big part of what a counselor would be using in session. But we won’t be applying them to mental health issues, but spiritual health issues.
How
You talk to me, tell me what is on your mind and maybe what you want to accomplish or how I can help you. I’ll urge you to keep digging and help you to better understand the nature of your spiritual struggle. I’ll ask you questions to help you think from a different perspective. We can have the scriptures open as we talk, or we can just talk about concepts and principles. Unlike clinical counseling where the counselor is a listener only, if you’d like I can offer my knowledge and can suggest scriptures that may help clarify things. But only if you ask, I’ll be keeping my mouth shut – for the most part.
One more thing to note. I’ll not be keeping any session notes on file. Since this isn’t clinical, nothing is protected by HIPAA or any other type of legal protections, so I won’t keep anything in writing. However, I will have to report to authorities if I hear of any harm done or serious threat of harm to oneself, or to any other person.
Having said all that, I think these scriptures sum up all that I want to accomplish. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15. And, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17.
Let me know if you’d like to have a Christian Conversation or if you have any questions.
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