am conducting a little survey for an upcoming article. I would appreciate it a great deal if you would answer the following survey questions. The purpose for this study is to obtain some form of an objective assessment of how the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ interact with the field of Psychology in any way shape or form. I thank you for taking the time to respond. 1. Do you use mental health professionals to screen or evaluate ministry candidates? 2. Do you use psychological tests to screen or evaluate ministry candidates? 3. Do you use or favor the use of mental health professionals to assist ministry personnel if they are experiencing problems of living? 4. Have you read any authors who are opposed to the integration of psychological theory with Christianity (i.e. "Christian Psychology", "Christian Counseling", "Biblical Counseling", etc.)? 5. From your personal observations, would you agree with the following statement? "Christian Churches and Churches of Christ either use or are not opposed to the use of 'mental health professionals' and 'psychological tests' to screen pastoral or missionary candidates, and either use or are open to the use of mental health professionals to care for pastors and missionaries" If you would like to add any personal comments, please feel free to do so.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2002

Answers

All I can answer is in the Word of God I cannot find any place they used mental health professionals to decide on people's calling,but in Acts 13 the word of God tells us that they were praying and fasting and the Holy Ghost spoke and said seperate Banabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.Maybe if we would do more praying and fasting He would speak to us and then we would know what the Lord wanted instead of leaning to our own understanding.After all if the Lord don't know the answers we are in big trouble.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2002

Philip,

As one who is hoping to "go on the market" for a ministry soon, I would have to say that if it was suggested by the church applied to, that I have a psyche exam before they would consider me.........I would probably have a few suggestions for them!! The first of which would be for them to be examined as well and that those reports be given to me. Afterall, what's good for the goose, is good for the gander! The Preacher has AS MUCH right to interview the Elders as the Elders do him, afterall it is the Preacher's livelihood which is on the line.

The relationship between Elders & Minister MUST be one of ABSOLUTE truth AND honesty. If either party has a question of the other's integrity - then either that question needs to be resolved immediately face to face.....or else the Interview should be terminated. Required Psyche exams are only a scapegoat to cover their own questions & insecurities. Period!

In fact, I will not even consider serving in a Ministry unless the Elders are 100% in support of my hiring, as any leftover accusations or questions will only fester with time and end up getting "ugly".

Here's another thought, if a church turns down a man (refuses him a job) based on a Psyche exam, do they not then open up both themselves & the "Professional" to lawsuits for unlawful refusal to hire??? One would hope a Preacher would act better than that........but if you start treating him like a criminal or a "nut case" before you even hire him.......by what standard would you then judge him by??

Now, if a preacher wanted to seek a "Professional's" counsel on his own.......fine. I would hope that he would seek a man of Christian pursuation as a councellor........which is what most do now - they seek the advice of friends and trusted confidants within the Ministry.

I do think that the field of Psychology has some benefit as far as understanding what makes people tick. Unfortunately, people use their "discoveries" as a way to mask the real problems people have..........SIN! Abusive behaviors are a sin, not a disease. Habitual lying is a sin, not a personality flaw. Habitual theft is a sin, not kleptomania. Homosexuality is a sin, not a lifestyle.

You get the point.

I stand with Chuck on this. Careful questions and considerable prayer (and listening for the answers) are what this situation requires - not Sigmund Freud's great grandson!

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2002

Mark,

I know this for a fact: If you took a psych exam they'd lock you up till Jesus comes ;o)

-- Anonymous, April 10, 2002

Actually Scott,

They would lock me away until AFTER He came and went. One never knows what a crazy, gun-totin' preacher will do!! ;~)

-- Anonymous, April 10, 2002