Page 96 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 8

Christian Psychology alive

68% felt it was inappropriate for psychologists Methodology
to pray with a client and 55% felt it was inappro- Qualitative data was collected from various
priate to use Scripture in therapy”. Counselling churches of various denominations across the
does take place in church settings and possibly at country. A total of 46 churches comprised the
higher rates than at professional psychologists’ sample for the study. The sample was a conveni-
offices. The purpose of the integration debate it ence sample of churches to which the first year
thus to identify and introduce counselling skills students in Psychology at the Institute of Chri-
in the pastoral setting and such skills are to be stian Psychology (ICP) belonged. Churches in
derived from models adapted from psychology. the study were mainly Pentecostal denominati-
Collins (2010) cites several reasons for inte- ons. Membership of churches ranged from 170
gration. Firstly is stated that Scripture does not to 16 000 congregants. The most predominant
address all problems and the Bible is not a ma- language used was English, with a few Afri-
nual of counselling. Further there are specific kaans and IsiZulu language users. Churches
guidelines concerning issues relating to anger, were based in various parts of South Africa in-
forgiveness, marriage and so forth but does not cluding: Johannesburg, Cape Town, East Lon-
say anything about issues relating to schizo- don, Pretoria, Benoni and Mzimkhulu (Kwa-
phrenia, manic disorder, conduct disorder and Zulu Natal).
others. He adds that it is God who enabled sci-
entists to study human behaviour and problems. Face to face interviews were conducted with
Therefore human problems can be helped from church leaders using an interview guide. Lea-
a combination of psychology and other disci- ders interviewed included Pastors and Senior
plines. Secondly, he says that psychology is not Pastors.
enough for doing Christian counselling and it is
built on beliefs of “naturalism, determinism and Data from the interviews was analysed qualita-
others” therefore contradicting biblical truths. tively, drawing out emerging themes.
For integration to be effective psychological fin-
dings and knowledge must be examined from Findings
biblical truth. The church as a healing community
Most of the church leaders interviewed regar-
The current study seeks to conduct an as- ding the church as s place of healing for the
sessment of current counselling practices in believers and non-believers. It is regarded as a
churches in South Africa. Also examine the place where the body, soul and spirit are healed.
thoughts, perception and feelings towards Chri- That healing takes place through Jesus Christ
stian psychology. who is the Great Healer; thought listening to
the Word of God. Church is described as giving
Objectives of the study hope, demonstrating love by helping the sick,
• To understand church leadership’s percep- elderly, orphans and outcasts. “Jesus set the ex-
tions of the church as a healing community ample for physical healing, emotional healing,
• To assess current counselling practices in deliverance from demons and He commanded
churches in South Africa the church to do the same”; said one respon-
• To obtain church leadership’s thoughts and dent. The responsibility of the church was seen
perceptions on the integration of pastoral as going beyond its congregants to the com-
and secular counselling munity at large, where some leaders expressed
• To gauge understanding of the concept of a that their churches have outreach program-
Christian psychologist mes, evangelical missions, house to house visits
• To investigate the utilization of social / where they also offer services e.g. counselling,
community services outside of the church laying of hands, etc. Non-church members who
in helping people also come to the church are assisted in whiche-
ver possible manner to ease any discomforts.

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