One of the best definitions of a leader is “someone who is willing to take responsibility for someone else.” Lots of people want to absolve themselves of responsibility for anyone but themselves (and some try to dodge even that).

But Christians who’ve heard the call of God know that ministry is about caring for others. “Care” isn’t just an emotion, a warm feeling toward people in general, or affection for a few individuals. No, care implies making sure that basic needs are met.  Pastoral care means taking responsibility for the spiritual wellbeing of a group. The “pastoral epistles” is filled with the apostle Paul’s instructions about caring for the flock—details of organization and administration are part of it, but the emphasis is on sound counsel (through personal conversation and through teaching and preaching) and effective care. The purpose: cultivating mature Christian character

How can counselors be therapeutic persons and model awareness and growth for their clients? In thinking about counselors who are therapeutic, I have isolated a cluster of personal qualities and characteristics. I do not expect any therapist to fully exemplify all these traits. Rather, for me the willingness to struggle to become a more therapeutic person is the crucial quality. This list is intended to stimulate you to examine your ideas of what kind of person can make a significant difference in the lives of others.  Effective counselors have an identity. They know who they are, what they are capable of becoming, what they want out of life, and what is essential. They respect and appreciate themselves. They can give help and love out of their own sense of self-worth and strength.  They are able to recognize and accept their own power. They feel ad­ equate with others and allow others to feel powerful with them.

In our world today, faith-based crisis counseling is unfortunately misunderstood and underutilized and during times of grief, apprehension, violence, disasters and terrorism. Faith based crisis counseling has primarily been associated with church attendance. Many have the misconception that if they don’t attend or belong to a specific church, counseling is not available.  Faith based crisis counselors who become part of the survival process far out reach that concept today.  Faith based crisis counselors potentially provide much needed support in times of crisis and disaster to anyone who needs it, whether they are part of the same faith or not.