Counseling Ministries at Xenos

Katey Downs, Director

The church today faces unique challenges in meeting the needs of members who are broken and wounded from life in a society increasingly hazardous to emotional health. Xenos has struggled with questions raised by modern therapeutic schools of thought. We have even faced church division over differences of opinion about how we should respond.

These papers are typical snapshots of this conflict from our point of view.

Church Abuse and Postmodern Counseling Theory: A Response, is lead pastor, Dennis McCallum's answer to new therapeutic suggestions that client's feelings are their "reality" and should not be questioned or negated in counseling.

My Problems With Self-first and Inner-Child Theories, is McCallum's response to the new emphasis on selfism in some counseling theory. This article is adapted from the book, Walking in Victory. 

The church must devise its own redemptive counseling strategies based on Scripture and wisdom. These papers are a partial response to that need.

DivorceCare ministry provides a five week class/support group for those suffering the trauma of divorce.

Lay Counseling is a general orientation for those interested in pursuing informal counseling in the context of home group ministry.

Love Therapy is an approach to intervention based on the centrality of Christian love, not only as the fruit of spiritual growth, but also as a contributing factor in growth and healing.

Postmodernism and Psychotherapy is an abstract of Dr. Jim Fidelibus' article detailing the influence of postmodernism on psychotherapy today. This article is adapted from the book, The Death of Truth.

Conflict Management is an introductory paper on this subject focusing on how conflict affects home groups in the church.

Recognizing Emotional Disorders: When to Refer for Professional Help, is Dr. Amy Merker's paper explaining typical situations where lay counselors should seek professional help.