Ethics of Counseling in the Context of Pastoral Care

Ethics of Counseling in the Context of Pastoral Care

King-tak IP

Since the mid-twentieth century, the theory and practice of pastoral counseling has become an indispensable part of the training of Christian pastors. This essay attempts to look at those ethical issues related to counseling, not from the perspective of professional counselors, but from that of the pastors. It clarifies first the development, aims and objectives of pastoral counseling. Then the author attempts to explore in details four particular areas in which pastors might confront ethical challenges. The author argues along with Bill Blackburn that since pastoral counseling is only one of the pastoral duties, a responsible pastor needs to set boundary in deciding how much time he or she would like to spend in providing counseling service. Moreover, in counseling clients of the opposite sex, a pastor needs to keep vigilant so as to keep oneself and the clients from falling into temptation. A moral counselor needs to understand his or her limitations and takes referral as an act of pastoral care. The author points out that, apart from particularly acute situations, a pastor should uphold the principle of confidentiality. Finally , the author reminds the readers that both professional Christian counselors and pastors should know that they are working in an ecclesiastical context. They need to rely on God to provide an excellent service to their clients.