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Counseling
Clergy and Congregational Care Consultants at Samaritan Counseling Center recognize the unique needs of the pastor and pastoral family. Clergy have a very unique set of circumstances in which to work. They are called to be the leader of a congregation but many times the definition of congregational leader is unclear. Even within a congregation there can be disagreement about what they are looking for in their leader. The clergy person not only has to serve the people in the pews, but must also meet the expectations of their denomination.
The life of a pastor’s spouse can be equally, if not more challenging. Where can the pastor’s spouse turn for spiritual direction? With whom can (s)he share burdens, heartaches, and leadership challenges? The potential stumbling blocks to either the pastor or the pastor’s spouse can compromise an otherwise effective ministry.
People in pastoral ministry rarely have a set work schedule and can be interrupted anywhere at any time to tend to the spiritual and emotional needs of those they minister to. Their heart is a heart of service and it can be difficult to set boundaries and limits. These sorts of conditions can lead to pastoral burnout. Burnout can be insidious and go unrecognized until it is full blown and affects not only the clergy person, but their spouse and family as well. If ignored, it will also eventually adversely affect the congregation. So who can clergy go to when they need to unload or work through a problem they may be experiencing personally?
As well, we understand the organization and needs of the church at each level. The consultants on our team are specially trained to work with clergy in the ministerial setting. Some are ordained ministers, some are pastoral spouses, and others work closely with clergy in the ministerial setting. Regardless of their backgrounds, each of the consultants is also a trained and licensed psychotherapist and/or marriage and family therapist. When the need for personal support arises from a member of the clergy, any member of the CCC team can provide confidential, effective counseling in their time of need.
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