Christian Counseling Today Vol. 21, Iss. 2

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50 christian counseling today Vol. 21 no. 2
to reach out to the hurting and incorporate the Gospel message of
redemption and transformation.
n Gathering (Fellowship): Gather them into community—emphasize
the critical importance of meaningful relationship for the purpose of
personal and spiritual growth, accountability and connectedness.
n Giving (Stewardship): Give opportunities for lay counselors to use their
God-given gifts to make a difference in the lives of broken people.
n Growing (Teaching): Grow others into fully devoted followers of
Christ—guard the sacred trust that has been given by God in the
process of restoration and discipleship, endeavoring to journey along-
side those who need care.
n Glorifying (Worship): Glorify God in all of it—acknowledge that it
is God, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, who sets people free,
changes broken lives and is worthy of all honor and praise.
Proverbs 13:17 encourages us that “… a faithful envoy brings healing.”
The title of ambassador (an envoy) is actually derived from a Celtic word
that means “servant ,” and was first used in this manner by Charles V in
the middle of the 16th century. It later found its way into the Germanic
languages and Old English as “ambeht” or “servant messenger.” Thank you
for your committed service on behalf of those who need care. ✠
Siang-Yang Tan, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology in the
Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena,
California, and Senior Pastor of First Evangelical Church Glendale in
Glendale, California. He is also a Licensed Psychologist, ordained pastor,
and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Tan has written
numerous articles and books, including Lay Counseling: Equipping
Christians for a Helping Ministry (Zondervan, 1991), and a major text, Counseling and
Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective (Baker Academic, 2011).
Eric Scalise, Ph.D., LPC,
LMFT, is the former Vice President
for Professional Development with the
American Association of Christian
Counselors, the former Department
Chair for Counseling Programs at Regent
University, and the President of LIV Enterprises & Consulting,
LLC. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed
Marriage & Family Therapist with more than 35 years of
clinical and professional experience in the mental health
field. Dr. Scalise is an author, a national and international
conference speaker, and frequently consults with organizations,
clinicians, ministry leaders, and churches on a variety of issues.
References
2014 AACC Code of Ethics:
us/code-of-ethics/. Accessed 7/12/15.
Garzon, F., & Tilley, K.A. (2009). Do lay Christian
counseling approaches work? What we currently
know. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 28,
130-140.
Garzon, F., Worthington, E.L., Tan, S.Y., & Worthington,
R.K. (2009). Lay Christian counseling and client
expectations for integration in therapy. Journal of
Psychology and Christianity, 28, 113-120.
Hook, J.N., & Worthington, E.L. (2009). Christian
couple counseling by professional, pastoral and
lay counselors from a Protestant perspective: A
nationwide survey. The American Journal of Family
Therapy, 37, 169-181.
Tan, S.Y. (1991). Lay counseling: Equipping Christians for a
helping ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.