Complacency is overcome by change, however in order to have change you must first overcome complacency. This is the chicken and egg problem, which comes first. Change begins with a single powerful person, spreads from him or her to a few others through examples, produces some group benefit, and then spreads still more widely. In order to bring about change you must have a plan or a program. In order to have a successful program you must have change and the change or involvement of people in the change will reduce complacency. The more programs, the more change and less complacency.
The problem to overcome with programs is how to keep them moving ahead and produce positive results. I have been reading Leading Change by John P. Kotter, It's Your Ship by Captain D. Micheal Abrashoff and now the 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch in order to learn how to overcome this problem of complacency. Leading Change explains why and how, It's Your Ship will give you the management techniques to use and the 80/20 Principle helps you direct your resources for the best results.
The Plan:
Over the next year we will be developing a program with a team from our Church that will launch in 6 months a new program called The Development Hour, Christians in High Places. With the goal to offer practical Christian solutions to our world around us. Businesses are looking for leaders who can take them through the changes required to survive in the twenty-first-century, and what better way to spread the message of Jesus than to give them strong Christians equipped to do the job right.
The Method:
We plan to tap the resources of our seniors for the experiences of how to overcome the mistakes of the past and teach the skills of Leading Change in the future.
*To create a Guiding Coalition made up of leaders in the Church and seniors willing to accept the challenge, to guide the program and make suggestions for improvements.
*To train teachers for Sunday school classes of all ages.
*Offer classes in finance and stewardship.
*Conduct classes on Leadership for the twenty-first-century.
*Conduct classes on Management techniques from examples given in the
book It's Your Ship.
*Have counseling sessions on gifts and how to put them to work.
*During 2007 develop a list of classes to be offered and class outlines, review and improve each class on an ongoing basis.
The Benefit:
More people involved in the ministry.
**Less complacency in the Church.
**Growth in our Sunday school and Church through involvement with the community.
**Enabling our young people to enter the work place with the tools needed to succeed in a Christian manor.
**Identifying our gifts and how to use them.
**Having a strong team in the Guiding Coalition that can review the process keep us on track.
The ultimate Goal, overcoming complacency
In order to ultimately overcome complacency, the program must rack up short term wins. These must be planned for in the Guiding Coalition team and celebrated at regular intervals.
New programs have to be started in no less than eighteen months to overlap the existing programs in order to keep the changes moving forward. The more programs that are ongoing at the same time the greater the result of reducing complacency.
Apply the 80/20 principle to the programs, 20 percent of the effort will produce 80 percent of the result. So work on improvement with the first 20 percent for compound results. A small improvement in the best 20 percent will result in the largest result.
Look at the example that Jesus gave us, He selected a Guiding Coalition of 12, gave them a program, produced short term wins (miracles), and kept the program going by introducing new programs. Be aware that just like the 12 with one snake, you will have egos and snakes to deal with.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
USTREAM, My Shows: information and control panel
USTREAM, My Shows: information and control panel
Get READY! Get Ready! Get Ready! We will not give up on you, so we will move in closer. Starting from this point forward we will hold our monthly conferences via UStream. We mean it when we say we are of service and that YOU mean everything and maybe you will take us seriously EYE to EYE! So we will get off the phone and move to the screen. We look forward to seeing and serving you! The Spirit of the Finisher will not rest....
God's Best,
Sherell Edwards, Founder/CEO
Great Women of God Abroad, a
subsidiary of The Christian Women's Leadership Exchange
weareGWGA@gmail.com
Get READY! Get Ready! Get Ready! We will not give up on you, so we will move in closer. Starting from this point forward we will hold our monthly conferences via UStream. We mean it when we say we are of service and that YOU mean everything and maybe you will take us seriously EYE to EYE! So we will get off the phone and move to the screen. We look forward to seeing and serving you! The Spirit of the Finisher will not rest....
God's Best,
Sherell Edwards, Founder/CEO
Great Women of God Abroad, a
subsidiary of The Christian Women's Leadership Exchange
weareGWGA@gmail.com
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Your Words
I am, as are many of you, a diligent student of The Wisdom of Almighty God. I love reading the Holy Bible as well as books that illuminate principles that are drawn from the Holy Scripture. I read constantly and love every minute of it. Too often I am disappointed by many authors who have either 'missed the point' of their subject or have simply rehashed the thoughts of others. I do sincerely enjoy reading a 'fresh' perspective. I have truly enjoyed reading Candace House' new book 'You Frame Your World By The Words You Say.'
I know that I have heard hundreds of sermons and read hundreds of books that deal with the subject and context covered in this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Candace House is the Founder/ CEO of The World Education Network Inc (TWEN), a company that provides curriculum, tutoring & technology for students around world. The World Education Network has just finished a wall building project in Ghana. This wall is built around land that will house a school for 1200 students. TWEN plans for the school to be complete by the summer of 2009.
She is an Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker and Published Author of Shut the Door It Is Well and What Is God Eating?, She has a new book coming out the end of August titled Day Dreamer vs.
BOOK SUMMARY
Candace has really written a winner. All of her books are super because of their clarity and easy to grasp concepts. This book, You Frame Your World By The Words You Say, is an adventure into the core values that help each individual sculpt his world.
Her premise is sound and can be experienced in any individual's life.
She illustrates a point that each individual needs to be aware of in daily life.
QUOTABLE QUOTES
"You create the world you live in by the way you think and the words you say"
DISTINCTIVE FEATURE
The clarity of her explanations and the poignant expression of a life altering principle make this book easy to read and understand.
USEFULNESS
The concepts presented in this book are necessary for building a positive and successful self image.
I know that I have heard hundreds of sermons and read hundreds of books that deal with the subject and context covered in this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Candace House is the Founder/ CEO of The World Education Network Inc (TWEN), a company that provides curriculum, tutoring & technology for students around world. The World Education Network has just finished a wall building project in Ghana. This wall is built around land that will house a school for 1200 students. TWEN plans for the school to be complete by the summer of 2009.
She is an Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker and Published Author of Shut the Door It Is Well and What Is God Eating?, She has a new book coming out the end of August titled Day Dreamer vs.
BOOK SUMMARY
Candace has really written a winner. All of her books are super because of their clarity and easy to grasp concepts. This book, You Frame Your World By The Words You Say, is an adventure into the core values that help each individual sculpt his world.
Her premise is sound and can be experienced in any individual's life.
She illustrates a point that each individual needs to be aware of in daily life.
QUOTABLE QUOTES
"You create the world you live in by the way you think and the words you say"
DISTINCTIVE FEATURE
The clarity of her explanations and the poignant expression of a life altering principle make this book easy to read and understand.
USEFULNESS
The concepts presented in this book are necessary for building a positive and successful self image.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Christian Counseling and its Role
I discovered psychology when I was a university freshman, many years ago. I loved everything about that first course, even the multiple choice tests and especially the section about counseling. Religion was not mentioned in the course, except in a negative way, but in my mind, I could see glimpses of how this newly-discovered field of study could have an impact on the church. I was surprised to discover that my old Sunday School teacher was not enamored with psychology like I was, but my interest grew as I took more courses and eventually decided to study further in graduate school.
In those days nobody talked about the integration of psychology and theology. Christian counseling was not a term that I heard often. My efforts to link my faith with my emerging career were guided by writers in the field of pastoral psychology. Most of these were more liberal theologically than I was but they wrote about ways in which psychological insights could help church-based counselors understand and better deal with issues like depression, interpersonal conflict, panic, and grief. The anti-psychology polemicists had not begun their angry campaigns against Christians in this field so I entered my profession never doubting that Christian counseling, guided by the Holy Spirit and informed by the Holy Scriptures, could be a powerful Christ-honoring tool for helping us do good to all people, especially to fellow believers (Gal. 6:10).
Over the years I have never wavered in my belief that Christian counseling has a lot to contribute to the church. I believe even more that the church makes a crucial contribution to the power and impact of Christian counseling.
*The Church Needs Christian Counselors*
Many Christian leaders still wonder why the church needs counselors. Is not good preaching and discipleship enough? Is not Christ sufficient to meet all human needs? Could not the efforts of dedicated church elders and other leaders eliminate the need for counselors? Do not the Scriptures tell us that believers have everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness? (2 Peter 1:3) Why would the church need counselors like us? We must begin our answer by looking to God's Word. Jesus was a teacher and a preacher, but he also was an effective counselor. He talked one-on-one to the woman at the well. He counseled Martha about her busy lifestyle, and talked tenderly to a woman caught in adultery. Late one night he helped Nicodemus with his spiritual struggles. Often Jesus talked with people privately, shared their hurts, gave encouragement, and guided as they coped with their problems. Sometimes he helped people find forgiveness. He asked questions, listened carefully, and often told stories that left people free to draw their own conclusions. When two of his followers were grappling with their grief and confusion on the road to Damascus, he spent time with them, listened to them, and showed them what Scripture said about their uncertainties.
In the early church and throughout the New Testament we see personal helping modeled and encouraged. Paul, for example, gave sensitive guidance and mentoring to Timothy. Barnabas was a consistent encourager. The epistles overflow with principles for living, guidelines for solving problems, and instructions for individuals with tension in their lives. More than 50 times we read one another passages. Bear one anothers burdens, we are told, encourage one another, care for one another, be kind to one another, serve one another. Of course these words are not directed to a special group known as counselors. These instructions are for all Christians, but they are teachings that encourage the type of help, support, and care giving that counselors have the calling, time, and special training to provide. There are those who say that counseling does not help. Sometimes it does not. But many people can tell encouraging stories about ways in which they have been changed by counselors who are trained to understand problems, teach communication skills, help people get along, and show how to deal with inner conflicts and pain left over from the past.
The best trained counselors recognize the influence of biology and appreciate the role that body chemicals play, sometimes creating havoc in Christian homes and individual lives. We need to remind church leaders that literally thousands of scientific research studies have examined the work of counselors and demonstrated their effectiveness. It is true, of course, that God does not need counselors for the advancement of his kingdom. Neither does he need teachers, physicians, preachers or anybody else.
In his sovereign wisdom, However, he uses mortals like us to accomplish his purposes. He could give us instant knowledge of all truth and could bestow wisdom like he gave Solomon; but he has chosen instead to work most often through godly teachers. He could heal all our diseases in an instant and sometimes he does, but for reasons that we do not fully comprehend, he brings most physical healing through the skillful hands of scientifically trained doctors and nurses. He could evangelize the world with the blink of an eye, but instead he has given this responsibility to evangelists, pastors, and faithful followers of Christ charged with the duty to go forth and make disciples. Instantaneously, God could wipe away all depression, anxiety, inner turmoil and interpersonal conflicts, but often he works through compassionate human beings with the gifts of encouragement, discernment, and counseling.
How then, do these counselors strengthen the church? First, counselors free pastors and other church leaders for the overall work of the ministry. Most pastors would agree: the demands of ministry gulp up large quantities of time and leave few hours for the concentrated care giving that counseling often demands. But no one person is called or equipped to do everything not even the pastor. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 teach that members of the body have different spiritual gifts and responsibilities. Counselors use their gifts to help people, honor Christ, and strengthen Christians in their churches. Counselors also help pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders deal with difficulties in their own lives. Recently I attended a large conference on church leadership led by two prominent evangelical pastors. During their messages, both mentioned how Christian counselors had helped in times of special difficulty and rejuvenated their ministries as a result. One described how a counselor had helped when the demands of ministry almost destroyed his marriage. The other talked about the time he hit bottom, burned out emotionally, physically and spiritually.
With the support of his church board he took time off, got help from a Christian therapist, and learned to pace himself for the effective ministry that he has today. Where do church leaders go when they need help? What if a pastor or missionary is struggling with a failing marriage, uncontrolled kids, hostile criticism, deep feelings of failure, insecurity, bitterness, or lust? Sometimes the best counselor is the person who can be objective, available, and trained to deal with the unique problems that may be draining energy, vitality, and effectiveness from Gods chosen servants. Christian counselors also can (and should) give support and encouragement to their spiritual leaders. This is one of the things we can do best, but I wonder how many of us take the time to come alongside our pastors or other Christian leaders to give a little inspiration and encouragement. Even when they are not having problems in their own lives or with counselees, church leaders need to know that people like us care enough to say with our words and our presence, Well done...I am standing with you. Christian Counselors have their own unique healing ministries that can strengthen the Body of Christ. Counselors have Counselors use their gifts to help people, honor Christ, and strengthen Christians in their churches.
As part of their in-depth training, counselors learn special helping skills. They have knowledge about the nature of common emotional problems like depression or anxiety, familiarity with the impact of biology on behavior, and expertise in handling faltering marriages or dealing with interpersonal conflict. Some suggest that counselors take a paraclete role, being used by the Holy Spirit to come alongside struggling people to bring special comfort, guidance, encouragement, and sometimes confrontation.
*Christian Counselors Need the Church*
One of the greatest weaknesses in the development of professional Christian counseling has been our movement away from the church. This has happened for at least three reasons. First, attitudes in some churches have driven counselors away. When church leaders condemn professional counselors and urge church members to avoid counseling, is it any wonder that some have set up their practices away from the church? Second, the mental health professions have encouraged independence. These attitudes are now changing, but for many years secular organizations and professionals have tended to distrust religion, proclaim the Importance of professional objectivity, and warned against dual relationships such as those that might occur in church settings. Influenced by managed care companies, state licensing agencies, ethical guidelines and the desire to be as professional as possible, many Christian counselors have concluded that their practices should be completely separate from the church just as medical or legal practices are independent.
Third, sometimes the movement away from the church has come because of the attitudes of counselors themselves. Some of us have kept our counseling and our Christianity compartmentalized because we do not know how to bring the two together, do not want to bring them together, fear being accused of proselytizing, or do not want our beliefs to impact our therapy adversely. But Christian counselors ignore the church at their own peril. We are members of the body of Christ. Christian counselors need the church for encouragement, support, teaching, and worship. We cannot forsake meeting together with other believers (Heb. 10:25). For many years I attended church routinely but only within the past few years have I begun to fully appreciate the role that corporate worship plays in my life. I need it. When I am traveling and miss worship with other believers, I sense a vacuum in my life even if my personal devotional life is intact. Every Christian needs the church body even when our churches are not very worshipful. We need this more because of our kind of ministry. We are in the business of seeking to undo what the devil does best. Our work is a form of spiritual warfare. He is the father of lies; we seek to help people face the truth.
He divides people; we bring them together. He convinces them that life without God is best; we teach that life without God is futile and ultimately empty. He seeks to discourage us, distract us, sidetrack us, and prevent our effectiveness as counselors; we work with the knowledge that while the evil one is powerful in his activities, the one who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We are helpless to do this kind of ministry in our own strength. We need the body of believers to hold us up in prayer and support. If there are none in your church who do this, you are lacking a key ingredient for your Christian counseling effectiveness. In addition, Christian counselors need the church for accountability. We live in a culture where independence and individual achievement are lauded, even in many churches. We acclaim super-star pastors and applaud our heroes in sports, music, and even the Christian counseling profession. I have seen it up close in the Christian publishing industry. Publishers, readers, and talk show hosts tell writers how wonderful they are and in time these authors begin to believe their own press reports. Accountability goes out the door along with humility. Whether or not we are successful or famous, each of us needs Christian brothers and sisters to stand alongside us, challenge us, and keep us accountable for the ways in which we live our lives, care for our marriage, pare not our kids, spend our money, deal with our own sexuality, and relate to our
clients.
Christian counselors also need the church for the support and spiritual encouragement of our clients. I know a counselor who makes three requirements for all of his counselees. They need to see him for their weekly counseling sessions, be involved in some kind of small group, and attend at least one worship service a week. My friend believes that his counseling is more effective and long lasting when his clients are anchored in a local church. For some counselors this may not be feasible, but the churches impact for good in the lives of clients cannot be overemphasized. Here is therapist directory for your help.
*Winds of Change*
Our profession has come a long way since I took the freshman psychology course that eventually got me into Christian counseling. We still have a long way to go but the winds of change are blowing. Christians are recognizing that Christian counselors do serve a purpose especially when problems arise that common sense care giving does not seem to help. Counselors, in turn, are realizing that we need the church, desperately. Churches and counselors are in partnership like never before. This is the way it should be. I suspect this is Gods way.
Wilma Johannsen
In those days nobody talked about the integration of psychology and theology. Christian counseling was not a term that I heard often. My efforts to link my faith with my emerging career were guided by writers in the field of pastoral psychology. Most of these were more liberal theologically than I was but they wrote about ways in which psychological insights could help church-based counselors understand and better deal with issues like depression, interpersonal conflict, panic, and grief. The anti-psychology polemicists had not begun their angry campaigns against Christians in this field so I entered my profession never doubting that Christian counseling, guided by the Holy Spirit and informed by the Holy Scriptures, could be a powerful Christ-honoring tool for helping us do good to all people, especially to fellow believers (Gal. 6:10).
Over the years I have never wavered in my belief that Christian counseling has a lot to contribute to the church. I believe even more that the church makes a crucial contribution to the power and impact of Christian counseling.
*The Church Needs Christian Counselors*
Many Christian leaders still wonder why the church needs counselors. Is not good preaching and discipleship enough? Is not Christ sufficient to meet all human needs? Could not the efforts of dedicated church elders and other leaders eliminate the need for counselors? Do not the Scriptures tell us that believers have everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness? (2 Peter 1:3) Why would the church need counselors like us? We must begin our answer by looking to God's Word. Jesus was a teacher and a preacher, but he also was an effective counselor. He talked one-on-one to the woman at the well. He counseled Martha about her busy lifestyle, and talked tenderly to a woman caught in adultery. Late one night he helped Nicodemus with his spiritual struggles. Often Jesus talked with people privately, shared their hurts, gave encouragement, and guided as they coped with their problems. Sometimes he helped people find forgiveness. He asked questions, listened carefully, and often told stories that left people free to draw their own conclusions. When two of his followers were grappling with their grief and confusion on the road to Damascus, he spent time with them, listened to them, and showed them what Scripture said about their uncertainties.
In the early church and throughout the New Testament we see personal helping modeled and encouraged. Paul, for example, gave sensitive guidance and mentoring to Timothy. Barnabas was a consistent encourager. The epistles overflow with principles for living, guidelines for solving problems, and instructions for individuals with tension in their lives. More than 50 times we read one another passages. Bear one anothers burdens, we are told, encourage one another, care for one another, be kind to one another, serve one another. Of course these words are not directed to a special group known as counselors. These instructions are for all Christians, but they are teachings that encourage the type of help, support, and care giving that counselors have the calling, time, and special training to provide. There are those who say that counseling does not help. Sometimes it does not. But many people can tell encouraging stories about ways in which they have been changed by counselors who are trained to understand problems, teach communication skills, help people get along, and show how to deal with inner conflicts and pain left over from the past.
The best trained counselors recognize the influence of biology and appreciate the role that body chemicals play, sometimes creating havoc in Christian homes and individual lives. We need to remind church leaders that literally thousands of scientific research studies have examined the work of counselors and demonstrated their effectiveness. It is true, of course, that God does not need counselors for the advancement of his kingdom. Neither does he need teachers, physicians, preachers or anybody else.
In his sovereign wisdom, However, he uses mortals like us to accomplish his purposes. He could give us instant knowledge of all truth and could bestow wisdom like he gave Solomon; but he has chosen instead to work most often through godly teachers. He could heal all our diseases in an instant and sometimes he does, but for reasons that we do not fully comprehend, he brings most physical healing through the skillful hands of scientifically trained doctors and nurses. He could evangelize the world with the blink of an eye, but instead he has given this responsibility to evangelists, pastors, and faithful followers of Christ charged with the duty to go forth and make disciples. Instantaneously, God could wipe away all depression, anxiety, inner turmoil and interpersonal conflicts, but often he works through compassionate human beings with the gifts of encouragement, discernment, and counseling.
How then, do these counselors strengthen the church? First, counselors free pastors and other church leaders for the overall work of the ministry. Most pastors would agree: the demands of ministry gulp up large quantities of time and leave few hours for the concentrated care giving that counseling often demands. But no one person is called or equipped to do everything not even the pastor. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 teach that members of the body have different spiritual gifts and responsibilities. Counselors use their gifts to help people, honor Christ, and strengthen Christians in their churches. Counselors also help pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders deal with difficulties in their own lives. Recently I attended a large conference on church leadership led by two prominent evangelical pastors. During their messages, both mentioned how Christian counselors had helped in times of special difficulty and rejuvenated their ministries as a result. One described how a counselor had helped when the demands of ministry almost destroyed his marriage. The other talked about the time he hit bottom, burned out emotionally, physically and spiritually.
With the support of his church board he took time off, got help from a Christian therapist, and learned to pace himself for the effective ministry that he has today. Where do church leaders go when they need help? What if a pastor or missionary is struggling with a failing marriage, uncontrolled kids, hostile criticism, deep feelings of failure, insecurity, bitterness, or lust? Sometimes the best counselor is the person who can be objective, available, and trained to deal with the unique problems that may be draining energy, vitality, and effectiveness from Gods chosen servants. Christian counselors also can (and should) give support and encouragement to their spiritual leaders. This is one of the things we can do best, but I wonder how many of us take the time to come alongside our pastors or other Christian leaders to give a little inspiration and encouragement. Even when they are not having problems in their own lives or with counselees, church leaders need to know that people like us care enough to say with our words and our presence, Well done...I am standing with you. Christian Counselors have their own unique healing ministries that can strengthen the Body of Christ. Counselors have Counselors use their gifts to help people, honor Christ, and strengthen Christians in their churches.
As part of their in-depth training, counselors learn special helping skills. They have knowledge about the nature of common emotional problems like depression or anxiety, familiarity with the impact of biology on behavior, and expertise in handling faltering marriages or dealing with interpersonal conflict. Some suggest that counselors take a paraclete role, being used by the Holy Spirit to come alongside struggling people to bring special comfort, guidance, encouragement, and sometimes confrontation.
*Christian Counselors Need the Church*
One of the greatest weaknesses in the development of professional Christian counseling has been our movement away from the church. This has happened for at least three reasons. First, attitudes in some churches have driven counselors away. When church leaders condemn professional counselors and urge church members to avoid counseling, is it any wonder that some have set up their practices away from the church? Second, the mental health professions have encouraged independence. These attitudes are now changing, but for many years secular organizations and professionals have tended to distrust religion, proclaim the Importance of professional objectivity, and warned against dual relationships such as those that might occur in church settings. Influenced by managed care companies, state licensing agencies, ethical guidelines and the desire to be as professional as possible, many Christian counselors have concluded that their practices should be completely separate from the church just as medical or legal practices are independent.
Third, sometimes the movement away from the church has come because of the attitudes of counselors themselves. Some of us have kept our counseling and our Christianity compartmentalized because we do not know how to bring the two together, do not want to bring them together, fear being accused of proselytizing, or do not want our beliefs to impact our therapy adversely. But Christian counselors ignore the church at their own peril. We are members of the body of Christ. Christian counselors need the church for encouragement, support, teaching, and worship. We cannot forsake meeting together with other believers (Heb. 10:25). For many years I attended church routinely but only within the past few years have I begun to fully appreciate the role that corporate worship plays in my life. I need it. When I am traveling and miss worship with other believers, I sense a vacuum in my life even if my personal devotional life is intact. Every Christian needs the church body even when our churches are not very worshipful. We need this more because of our kind of ministry. We are in the business of seeking to undo what the devil does best. Our work is a form of spiritual warfare. He is the father of lies; we seek to help people face the truth.
He divides people; we bring them together. He convinces them that life without God is best; we teach that life without God is futile and ultimately empty. He seeks to discourage us, distract us, sidetrack us, and prevent our effectiveness as counselors; we work with the knowledge that while the evil one is powerful in his activities, the one who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We are helpless to do this kind of ministry in our own strength. We need the body of believers to hold us up in prayer and support. If there are none in your church who do this, you are lacking a key ingredient for your Christian counseling effectiveness. In addition, Christian counselors need the church for accountability. We live in a culture where independence and individual achievement are lauded, even in many churches. We acclaim super-star pastors and applaud our heroes in sports, music, and even the Christian counseling profession. I have seen it up close in the Christian publishing industry. Publishers, readers, and talk show hosts tell writers how wonderful they are and in time these authors begin to believe their own press reports. Accountability goes out the door along with humility. Whether or not we are successful or famous, each of us needs Christian brothers and sisters to stand alongside us, challenge us, and keep us accountable for the ways in which we live our lives, care for our marriage, pare not our kids, spend our money, deal with our own sexuality, and relate to our
clients.
Christian counselors also need the church for the support and spiritual encouragement of our clients. I know a counselor who makes three requirements for all of his counselees. They need to see him for their weekly counseling sessions, be involved in some kind of small group, and attend at least one worship service a week. My friend believes that his counseling is more effective and long lasting when his clients are anchored in a local church. For some counselors this may not be feasible, but the churches impact for good in the lives of clients cannot be overemphasized. Here is therapist directory for your help.
*Winds of Change*
Our profession has come a long way since I took the freshman psychology course that eventually got me into Christian counseling. We still have a long way to go but the winds of change are blowing. Christians are recognizing that Christian counselors do serve a purpose especially when problems arise that common sense care giving does not seem to help. Counselors, in turn, are realizing that we need the church, desperately. Churches and counselors are in partnership like never before. This is the way it should be. I suspect this is Gods way.
Wilma Johannsen
Monday, May 24, 2010
Why Great Women of God Abroad?
MISSION: To be a haven of accommodations for Women of God where Kingdom principles reign.
VISION: Provide genuine care, comfort and servant hood of Women of God as they journey the nations and serve the Kingdom!
TOP 5 Reasons to Join:
*Women leaders who believe in Kingdom principles understand the value of true support;
*GWGA is the visionary result of a Christian leader destined to serve other leaders; *You will value and actually benefit from our membership benefits;
*We will support you nationwide;
*You are not reading this by chance, but by HIS choosing...so RECEIVE your blessing!
VISION: Provide genuine care, comfort and servant hood of Women of God as they journey the nations and serve the Kingdom!
TOP 5 Reasons to Join:
*Women leaders who believe in Kingdom principles understand the value of true support;
*GWGA is the visionary result of a Christian leader destined to serve other leaders; *You will value and actually benefit from our membership benefits;
*We will support you nationwide;
*You are not reading this by chance, but by HIS choosing...so RECEIVE your blessing!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Recent conversation with a Blogger....
In a recent blog twist one reader left the following comments:
"The passion of a woman leader is like none other, it’s like that ministry becomes her child and the well-being of the ministry is on her heart. The only thing I would say is to make sure there is a balance, that yes the ministry is yours to grow & care for but not yours to own, it’s yours to serve and God’s to own".
Are we squeezing the life out of ministry so others can not share in and benefit from what God has placed upon us to do in service? We must be strong in service and not lose focus on why we perform in ministry in the first place...which is simply God's call to benefit others! Allow God to be exalted in ministry and all we do.
"The passion of a woman leader is like none other, it’s like that ministry becomes her child and the well-being of the ministry is on her heart. The only thing I would say is to make sure there is a balance, that yes the ministry is yours to grow & care for but not yours to own, it’s yours to serve and God’s to own".
Are we squeezing the life out of ministry so others can not share in and benefit from what God has placed upon us to do in service? We must be strong in service and not lose focus on why we perform in ministry in the first place...which is simply God's call to benefit others! Allow God to be exalted in ministry and all we do.
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