Church Executive COUNSELING TRAINING OPTIONS FOR PASTORS Presented | Page 3

Equipping pastors
for counseling
Overall, are pastors adequately
prepared to provide counseling to
their church members?
Yvonne N. Glass, Ph.D., LPCC-S:
It depends. Pastors are prepared for
pastoral counseling. Some are certainly
well-equipped to deal with parishioners’
spiritual and emotional issues. Many
Yvonne N. Glass,
more are reasonably equipped to do “non-
Ph.D., LPCC-S
clinical” counseling, such as grief and pre-
Director, Clinical
marital counseling.
They likely aren’t prepared for clinical
Mental Health
counseling, however. Many of the concerns
Counseling Programs
congregants bring to them are clinical:
Ashland Theological
depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and so
Seminary
on. Sometimes the severity of the mental
illness isn’t identified due to lack of training.
As a result, most pastors would do well to develop their referral skills
and resources.
What are some common shortfalls, or gaps, in pastors’ ability
to provide counseling?
Dr. Glass: The typical M.A. or M.Div. degree includes only a few
courses in pastoral counseling. As such, it’s not possible for all, or even
most, pastors to be adequately equipped to deal with the full range of
mental and emotional difficulties that might present among individuals
in their congregations. To be absolutely fair, very few physicians would
be so equipped. That’s why more specialized training is needed in this
day and age.
Of course, counseling church members must pose liabilities
and risks, right?
Dr. Glass: There are liabilities. Pastors are mandated reporters of
suspected abuse, as are all ordained members of the church. Pastors
often miss the signs of dangerous behaviors and situations, due to lack
of training. Especially critical is a pastor’s ability to notice suicidal signs
and to take effective steps to prevent tragedies in those cases. Depending
on the training they have, pastors might not notice or be able to assess the
behaviors and situations that call for strategic intervention.
Pastors and the congregation also need to be sure their churches carry
sufficient liability insurance for any lawsuits that could arise.
In recent years, which areas of counseling training have
pastors sought most?
Dr. Glass: So-called “addictions tracks” in counseling have seen an
enormous increase in demand due to the opioid epidemic and other
addictions. The stressors and impact of these issues upon our communities,
including our churches, far exceeds the media reports.
More and more pastors are electing to develop a strong referral network
and to only see parishioners for one or two sessions to help them transition
to a counseling professional.
Additionally, mood disorders, stress / anxiety, and marriage and family
issues are always present in our culture.
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What types of counseling training do you anticipate pastors
will need more of in coming years?
Dr. Glass: The growing issues of addictions and concerns associated
with gender identity loom large.
Are there special designations or certifications in counseling
available to church leaders?
Dr. Glass: For those who have the time, calling and inclination,
pastors can complete degrees that lead to licensure in clinical mental
health counseling. Most are best served by resources (seminars, books)
that help them identify problems and how to make good referrals.
Some churches also hire professional counselors as part of their staff.
Some congregations might join with others to form a consortium of
services and skills from the community.
How have Ashland Theological Seminary’s educational /
training offerings evolved in the past several years?
Dr. Glass: Our counseling program models attract church leaders
primarily through scheduling that allows for classes to be completed
one day a week. We’ve also developed seminar models which help
pastors better understand and identify the needs which present in
their congregations.
Even with this adaptation to the busy schedules of our pastors
and students, our programs meet and surpass the rigorous CACREP
accreditation standards [www.cacrep.org], and our students pass the state
licensing requirements at a 96-percent rate on their first try, making us the
No. 1 program in Ohio in that regard. Finally, we seek to help the general
community and parishioners understand how they might be involved in
helping and serving.
If a church leader is interested in obtaining counseling
training (while maintaining his or her ministry at home), is
that an option?
Dr. Glass: Yes, most certainly. We seek to assist church leaders to
discern exactly the best path based upon their own calling and ability to
devote their time to the effort.
Of course, cost is also a consideration. In what ways can a
pastor make counseling training more financially manageable?
Dr. Glass: Scholarships are available. Churches have also sponsored
students with a contract for service. If churches are aware of the needs
within their congregations, they might be willing to support a pastor’s
additional training or that of other staff members. This might be all
the truer if congregations join together to assess their community and
congregational needs and resolve to act in unison.
If a pastor still thinks counseling training is out of reach,
what would you say?
Dr. Glass: Living out one’s calling is challenging for anyone. But
if called, God will provide. Our program offers a unique pathway
that makes completion of the degree not only feasible but provides
flexibility and support throughout the entire process. The program
requires significant time, but the significant training is priceless.
If there’s a need in their area / congregation (especially in
underserved regions) and they feel called, there’s always a way to
complete the training. We’re always very happy to help an individual,
a congregation, or a consortium of congregations / pastors discern
what’s best for them, their congregations, and their communities.
— Reporting by RaeAnn Slaybaugh
C H U R C H S E C U R I T Y & S U R V E I L L A N C E • CHURCH EXECUTIVE
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