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christian counseling today
Vol. 20 no. 4
maintain this perspective. Although leaders may
not be able to “see” the wind; they do “hear” its
movement (John 3:8). The leader draws atten-
tion to ways others were the voice, hands or feet
of the Holy Spirit. The support, strength and
compassion that energize forward movement
are gifts that pass from member-to-member.
The effectiveness of the exchange is bound to
God’s grace. Balanced leaders avoid steering
appreciation in their own direction. There is
an underlying recognition that the privilege of
nurturing benefits all and is a healthy sign of
community.
A care group experience can alleviate suffering
and struggling. Being a vital member of a gath-
ering of brothers and sisters who see the Holy
Spirit at work can solidify a dedicated loyalty to
a local fellowship. One small group leader can
launch a devotion for trekking with others that
sustains a vital spiritual journey in member after
member. Let’s be a part of God’s answer to the
fervent prayers of pastors and ministry leaders
who plead and intercede with the Lord of the
harvest for more effective care group leaders. The
needs of the multitude will seem overwhelming
until “doers” commit to enter the lives of the
hungry, hurting and those ripe to receive holistic
healing.
✠
Rev. Stephen P. Greggo,
Psy.D.,
is professor of counseling at
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in
Deerfield, Illinois. He is co-editor of
Counseling and Christianity: Five
Approaches
(IVP) and
Trekking toward
Wholeness: A Resource for Care Group Leaders
(IVP).
Endnotes
1
Greggo, S.P. (2008).
Trekking toward Wholeness: A
Resource for Care Group Leaders
(Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity) pp. 16-20.
2
Peterson, E.H. (2000).
A Long Obedience in the
Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society
(2nd edition) (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity).
3
Greggo, S.P.
Trekking toward Wholeness
.
4
Lieberman, M.A., Yalom, I.D. and Miles, M.B. (1973).
Encounter Groups: First Facts
(New York: Basic
Books).
5
Brabender, V. (2002).
Introduction to Group Therapy
(Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley).
6
Yalom, I.D. and Leszcz, M. (2005).
The Theory and
Practice of Group Psychotherapy
, (5th edition) (New
York: Basic Books).
7
Greggo, S.P.
Trekking toward Wholeness
; pp. 136-
143.
8
Greggo, S.P. (2011). “Internal Working Model
as Heart: A Translation to Inspire Christian Care
Groups.”
Edification: The Transdisciplinary Journal of
Christian Psychology
5:1; 4-13.
Being a vital member
of a gathering of
brothers and sisters
who see the Holy
Spirit at work can
solidify a dedicated
loyalty to a local
fellowship. One small
group leader can
launch a devotion for
trekking with others
that sustains a vital
spiritual journey
in member after
member.
