The world is experiencing unprecedented suffering and wounds. As followers of Christ, we are called to respond. People caring for people is not a new concept and the Bible is replete with illustrations of caring acts that are similar to what is known today as counseling. In today’s world this work is also known as pastoral care, spiritual direction, psychotherapy, coaching, mentoring, social work, crisis intervention, trauma treatment and more. Some focus on ministering to the needs of Christians. Others are using their God-given gifts to reach out to all those in need of care and counsel.

Counseling as viewed through a western, middle class lens evokes images of well appointed offices and “fifty minute” hours. But, the needs of a world where poverty and trauma abound will not be addressed if this approach continues to predominate. The needs in today’s world require biblically grounded caregiving responses that are holistic, indigenous, and systemic. Christian counseling has greater Kingdom potential than has been realized in its first forty years. But, to have a global impact, it will need a new look.

http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/home/counseling-as-mission

[中文翻譯]

現今世界正在經歷前所未有的痛苦和創傷。作為基督的追隨者，我們被呼召作出反應。〝人關懷照顧人〞不是一個新的概念。聖經中充滿關懷照顧的例子，類似于今天所稱為的『心理諮詢』。在今天的世界、這工作也可稱為是教牧護理、屬靈導引、心理治療、教練、良師指導、社工、危機干預、創傷治療和其他。有些人重點放在有需要的基督徒。其他人則使用上帝賜予他們的才幹給所有需要的人照顧和諮詢。

在西方中產階級的眼中、關懷諮詢是到齊全的辦公室、每次〝五十分鐘〞的諮商。但是，如果這種做法繼續占主導地位，在這充滿貧窮和創傷的世界、很多的需要將無法被處理。今天的世界所需要的是提供符合聖經的整體、當地、和系統性的關懷照顧。基督教的諮詢服務其神國的潛能已超越四十年前所能理解。但是，要在全球造成影響，它將需要新的面貌。