Pastoral Counselor's Identity And Ethics

Pastoral Counselor’s Identity and Ethics Paper
Justin W. Cullen
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Abstract

This report develops a set of ethical and identity guidelines for ministerial boundaries that are maintained through connection with others seeking soul care. The study establishes a biblical responsible vocational paradigm. Within this paper are resources and potential ministerial professional connections that provide licensing, certification, and accreditation for pastoral soul care. Moreover, a pre-counseling packet was placed in the appendices of this paper to assist in a future pastoral counseling profession. Keywords: Ethics, Identity, Counseling, Resources

Contents
Abstract 2.
Paradigm for Identity
I conduct these sessions out of Christian love and genuine concern for your spiritual, mental, and emotional wellbeing. As the counselor, I will be prepared before all sessions and devote my abilities to serve you. I promise the words of Holy Scriptures will be my guiding light in providing you pastoral care through Jesus Christ.
My sincere prayer is for God the Holy Spirit to comfort you in all of your trials, tribulations, and affiliations. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7, English Standard Version).
Pastor’s Printed Name:­___________________________________________________________
Pastor’s
Referral Process
There are Limitation Associated with These Counseling Sessions
There will be situations presented by counselees, which are beyond the limitations of this pastoral counselor. Therefore, there should be an understanding between the counselor and counselee regarding these limitations, so as not to present a dishonest or unethical appearance. For this reason, a network of professionals and mental health providers will be maintained in order to referral counselees, which have been identified as beyond the scope or abilities of this ministry. Moreover, this network will consist of only the most competent professionals, who have be carefully vetted by this ministry.
Understanding the Need for a Referral
A pastoral counselor should refer a counselee when the issue or counseling situation cannot be resolved within the timeframe of the pre-established counseling sessions. The pastor will conduct ministerial triage in order to determine if a referral is needed or not (Johnson and Johnson, 2014). Referring a pastoral care-seeker is something that will be conducted after careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.
Knowing the Time to