Understanding What Is Needed in Light of the ‘One Thing Needful’

By Dr. Joshua Mears, Christian Family Solutions

A child suddenly loses a parent. A teen begins acting out after years of abuse. Chronic illness. Suicide. Divorce. Addiction. All of these situations shake individuals to the core and threaten to destroy the foundational units of society—our families.

Called workers often have the distinct opportunity to minister to families in their times of greatest need. I want to encourage and embolden you, “and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

While assessing needs and intervening with appropriate treatment is the work of a clinical counselor, called workers can be an important support. Clinically trained Christians in the counseling vocation see called workers as important partners to serve families in crisis.

Called workers who become aware of frameworks for understanding crises and the resources available for families in crisis can enable those families to be resilient during those difficult times. You as a called worker are equipped for the important work of supporting those resiliency factors.

First, let’s consider the types of crises families face and the opportunities they present. In doing so, we can see the inextricable linkages between counseling ministry and evidence-based models of crisis care.

• Catastrophic crisis: These include natural disasters, house fires, violent crime, or other significant calamities that cause grief and loss. In these situations, it is a natural human tendency to ask “why.” The confusion around these events often leads the sufferer to an existential exploration of authority and power in this world.
• Physical and mental illness: Nearly half of adult Americans will at some point be diagnosed and treated for a major mental health condition, and many more suffer from chronic medical conditions. Being able to minister and support the family, and knowing when to suggest interventions, is critical and can prevent further escalation of the crises.
• Addiction: Whether chemical addictions or behavioral addictions, the consequences are overwhelming and extremely destructive for individuals and families. The Christian (particularly Confessional Lutheran) worldview as described in Romans 7-8 equips us with a unique view of supporting an addict who struggles with compulsive destructive behaviors.
• Trauma: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is the term used to describe all types of abuse, neglect, and other potentially traumatic experiences that occur to children. ACES have been shown to have long-lasting impacts on development. It is extremely important that Christians are able to encourage a Christ-centered view of health and well-being in the midst of a sin-ravaged world.
• Divorce: Nearly half of the children born into marriages will go through a divorce prior to age 18. This is happening to approximately one million children every year, each one beginning an emotional journey as victims of a devastating process. Learning to navigate how to be present with the children and the parents during this difficult crisis is vital.

Gaining a theoretical understanding of how to interact with and comfort a family in crisis is extremely important because it can guide the interventions when emotions are running high. One of the most important facets of ministering to a family in crisis is to help them make sense of what they are going through. As a called worker, you may be the person who first sees the family’s state of confusion and guides them to appropriate resources and interventions.

In addition, Christians have the wonderful opportunity to integrate clinical science and interventions with Christ-centered ministry. We know that Christ is the Wonderful Counselor who has cured all suffering and crises, and Scripture affirms this: “I lift up my eye to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). The best science and evidence-based practice for assisting families in crisis must first and foremost rely on Christ and his work in restoring souls during times of crisis and hardship.

As a called worker, you may have the opportunity to set the foundation for a healing process through crisis. You can be the first responders when the families you minister to might be exploring and questioning God’s providence during crises. By learning initial triage skills, you will grow in how you communicate empathy and calm as someone expresses frustration, confusion, and sadness.

In work with families and in helping many get through life crises, you may have the opportunity to re-establish their patterns of stability and health in the midst of crises. One of the single most important predictive variables for the likelihood of positive outcomes is daily rituals of normalcy like family mediation and devotion. The daily gathering around God’s Word as the Holy Spirit joins with the members of the family unit is a key to building resilience and can be a foundational place of hope and peace during a crisis.

As a called worker, know how important your work is, both in the midst of crisis and in helping families develop habitual time in God’s Word as a resilience measure. We in the clinical sector see our partnership with you as essential care of the soul.

Joshua T. Mears, PSYD, LP, BC-TMH is Minnesota Clinical Director for Christian Family Solutions. Dr. Mears specializes in psychological assessments, child and adolescent behavioral disorders/family conflict, as well as chemical abuse issues.

_______________

Want to Learn More?

• Mears presented a webinar for the OpenLearning@MLC Virtual Conference. CLICK HERE to View
• Mears also will be teaching a 3-credit course: THE5004 Ministering to Families in Crisis, for MLC for the fall semester, Aug 23 – Dec 10. REGISTER HERE

Dr. Joshua Mears: “I have provided an overview of the many crises that impact families today, and in this upcoming webinar and course, you will be able to further familiarize yourself with the theoretical frameworks for crisis ministry. Having appreciation for what clinical counselors do on the clinical side will help you understand when and how you can provide important triage support for families in crisis.”

RESOURCES
Price, C.A., Bush, K.R., & Price, S.J. (2017), Families and Change: Coping with Stressful Events and Transitions (5^th ed.). London: Sage.

Barna Group (2019), “What Makes a Spiritually Vibrant Household?” https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/