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COUNSELLING ENQUIRERS

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The object of this session is to give some instruction to equip some in our fellowship who will be available and ready to counsel those who have met with the Lord in a service or meeting, and minister God's Word to them.

The main direction of this ministry is to lead enquirers to Christ or point them on the way to becoming Christians and knowing God's forgiveness. After an Invitation Service, or other evangelistic times, these counsellors will be ready in a part of the Church designated, and enquirers will be directed to them.

If such people need the help of the clergy, the counsellor can note this and make arrangements with the Vicar/Pastor for one of the clergy to visit or meet with them.

This ministry is not counselling, in the full sense of the word, which has developed today. That is a much more specialised ministry, taking much time, and needing perhaps more experienced people. Though what experienced people are, in this respect, is open to debate.

Qualifications for this ministry.

1. Knowing Christ and his salvation. This is essential to all Christian ministry, but particularly so in this ministry. We can't lead a soul to Christ, if we have not met with Christ ourselves.

2. People who are walking close to the Lord in prayer and meditation on God's Word. We need to be people sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

3. People who have learnt and can turn to basic Scripture verses which speak of our need as sinners and God's remedy in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The verses on the leaflet "The Way of Life" are a minimum and a good start. These verses are - Romans 3:23. Isaiah 59:2. Romans 6:23. Galatians 2:20. 1 Peter 3:18. John 3:16. Acts 16:31. Revelation 3:20. John 1:12.

4. Being prepared to be available at the Services, etc., where such ministry will be or may be required.

5. Being prepared to visit the person counselled afterwards, and seek to help them further, and if they have come to faith, help them to grow into the life of the Church and through the first steps of their Christian experience. (Part of this will be fulfilled by getting them attending a nurture group).

6. People who are distrustful of their abilities, humble before God, but who trust in God's divine strength.

1. Have a Bible yourself and one for the person you are counselling.

2. Make sure you have seats to sit on and are comfortable.

3. Understand that there are various degrees of response which people have when the Holy Spirit works in their hearts through a service and a sermon.

4. First introduce yourself and ask the person you are counselling to introduce him or herself. Try and make the person feel at ease with you by normal human friendship.

5. Then suggest a prayer, prayed by you, for God to be present to bless.

6. Seek to draw out the person getting him or her to share what they have experienced or what has happened to them.

This is important. Don't simply launch out on the ABC of the Gospel. Our ministry must be directed to a persons need.

People are at different stages when they respond. The following are some -

a. Real conviction of sin - this is what we hope for.

b. A Christian who has been convicted of some sin in their lives.

c. A Christian who has wandered away or grown cold.

d. Someone who has problems and feels there is something in Christianity which might help. Or simply is wanting help but as yet not understanding much about the Christian faith.

e. Someone who wants to know more, but is not ready to make a commitment.

7. Seek to apply the Word of God to the problem or need, and not just your own wisdom. Some Scripture verse will be of more use than many of your own words.

8. If there is conviction of sin, point the person to Christ as the Saviour of sinners. Use Scripture verses to do this. Seek to bring the person to the peace in believing.

9. If there is no conviction of sin, but a desire to make a commitment, seek to show, form God's Word, that we are sinners and need to repent. The Gospel has little relevence unless people understand they need a Saviour.

10. If people only want more information, just give that, but don't press them to make a commitment they are not ready for.

11. Be continually in silent prayer for God's guidance. We need spiritual wisdom, otherwise we will make a mess of things.

12. If the person expresses an understanding of the Gospel and believes, ask them if they would like to pray a prayer of commitment. If they can and are willing to pray themselves, encourage this. If necessary, direct their prayer into real repentance and faith.

If they are unable to pray themselves you could ask them to echo in their hearts the prayer you pray. This method should be used sparingly. People can have words put into their mouths which are not representative of their spiritual condition. People can think they are Christians when perhaps they are not.

After Counselling.

1. Take down details of the one you have counselled.

Christian Name and Surname; Title (Mr. Miss. Mrs. etc); Age or a rough guess; Address; Some details as to the result of your ministry. This last part may be best done immediately after you have said good bye.

2. If the person has made a commitment to Christ, encourage him or her to share what has happened to them with someone immediately.

3. See that the person is included in some nurture course, if they have been converted. (Nurture groups, hopefully, will go on regularly in homes)

4. Arrange to visit this person sometime within the next seven days.

5. Help the person, if necessary, to integrate into our church fellowship.

6. Pray for the person daily for a while after.

We will normally seek to counsel those of our own sex. Age is not so important.

Utter dependence on God is essential.