Giving Counsel: A Minister's Guidebook

by Dr Donald Capps

For most ministers, pastoral counseling is a part of daily ministry, whether it is in an office counseling session or in a chance meeting with a parishioner outside the church. Whatever the setting, ministers are often called on to provide counsel and, by virtue of their calling and training, are expected to do so. This "how-to" guide for seminary students and ministers explores the role of the minister as counselor and provides a method for giving counsel. Renowned pastoral care expert Donald Capps equips readers with basic knowledge and skills and helps them to create a framework to ensure that all conversations where counsel is given will be valuable and not harmful to the person involved. Using a "problem-resolving" approach, Capps leads readers -- How to Create a Listening Environment -- How to Construct a Conversation -- How to Think Systemically -- How to Interpret Stories -- How to Manage Boundaries Giving Counsel is the perfect resource for seminary students and ministers of all faiths, whether you are beginning your study or looking for a single resource to serve your ministry.

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very helpful and, to me, interesting. It's a good guide to making people comfortable and reading between the lines in case they are not saying what the real problem is, with some very basic mini-introductions to different theories of counseling. At certain parts it just seems to summarize what other writers have said in other books, but for an introductory text designed for students, that's OK I think. Practical, informative, and insightful.

[Katherine francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about relationship and kinship healing. This one was one of my first. Introduced me to family systems theory, and some of Erick Erickson's work. I remember clearly understanding that births, weddings, and deaths are the biggest areas of crisis for family.

[A.L. Stumo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great first 2 chapters that are full of useful and practical advice. Then he gives opinion and info on psychological trends. The last chapter has some useful advice also, but he admits most won't be ready for that advice yet.

[Luke Brodine · Rating 3 out of 5]

good practical guidelines for counseling in any context.