Case Study: Don’t Tell Anyone I’m In Counseling

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Mable was clear when she called for counseling. Under no circumstances was her pastor to find out that she was seeking counseling for her situation. Her request for anonymity is not an unusual one for Christians in the church.

Once upon a time, the pastor was the primary caregiver for the sheep God had charged him to serve. And the sheep were more than willing to seek out their shepherd to walk with them through the various trials. Today’s Christian is more like Mable.

The modern pastor and his church are on the margins while para-Church ministries have become the primary caregivers for those in trouble. Realizing that our ministry cannot be a long-term solution for hurting individuals, my hope is to help the Mable’s of the world to see, value, and pursue their local churches for long-term care.

While I don’t mind helping anyone in the short term, I realize that Mable is just like me: she’s a Christian who will not overcome sin and suffering in this life entirely. We both need a long-term solution. God’s answer for this is the local church.

Case Study Questions

1. Would you counsel Mable? Why or why not?
2. Would you try to give her a vision for the local church as the long-term solution for care? Why or why not?
3. Do you believe the local church is God’s answer for the sanctification needs of His people? Why or why not?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).