Seminary Wives Fellowship

Lynelle Buchanan was our speaker for the February Seminary Wives Fellowship meeting. Lynelle is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Counseling Department at Baptist Bible College. She shared with us a detailed overview of Biblical Counseling and some personal experiences related to life in the ministry. Although there was a lot of ground to cover, she supplied helpful handouts* that walk through the concept and application of this very important and helpful topic. She knows that sometimes the wives of ministry leaders are expected to fill areas of ministry that we were often not expecting; this can include counseling within the church.

Lynelle offered her definition of Biblical counseling as:

“One person helping another apply the Word of God to the situations of his/her life. This would include both transformed thinking and changed behavior enabled by the Holy Spirit to conform the individual to the image of Jesus Christ.”

One of her key thoughts in the discussion was that we, the counselor and the counselee, are “in the same boat.” We are to come alongside one another in our areas of strength and weakness and build one another up in the faith. Biblical counseling “rests on the premise that God’s Word is sufficient to meet man’s need.” Difficulties often arise from not applying His truths to our lives. Therefore, effective counseling leads the recipient through the process of developing a Godly perspective and applying it to all circumstances.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Before delving into the heart of the issues the person may face, we must establish several things:

1) Are they saved?
2) Do they have a Biblical frame of thinking?
3) Do they face multiple problems?
4) Does it involve others/should I involve others?
5) Am I in over my head?
After you are able to answer these questions, you can begin to determine what the root issues are that she is struggling with and how to proceed.

Devise a course of action to take the counselee from where they are (Point A) to where they should be (Point B).

▪    Listen and gather data
▪    Identify Scriptural principles relating to the counselee’s need or situation
▪    Help the counselee view the situation from God’s perspective
▪    Formulate a Biblical course of action for the counselee to follow
▪    Create an interest and desire for your Biblical course.
▪    Be patient and sensitive; allow the Holy Spirit time to do His work in the person’s life.
▪    Set up accountability/follow-up

* If you would like the detailed outline of Lynelle’s talk, see the link here –> counseling handout

At the February meeting, we also Skyped with Laura Boudmer and had a drawing for a Dunkin Donuts gift card for anyone who arrived on time. Check out our facebook page for even more photos. Hope to see you at the next meeting!

 

Speaker: Kim Gromacki

Date: January 10, 2013
Summary by: Amber Pool

We were blessed to have our very own Kim Gromacki as this month’s speaker for our Seminary Wives Meeting. She spoke to us about small groups, but why small groups? Small groups are not only a wonderful ministry to reach others, but a key way to make true companions when you find yourself in a new place or even just a new place in life.

So many of us wives in the ministry, or preparing for the ministry, find ourselves moving to new places with new surroundings and new people. Usually the only person we know is our husband and even though his time spent with us is precious, we still find ourselves needing true female companions. After moving to a new place, no matter how long or short your time is there, try putting together a small group or joining an existing one to help you get plugged in. This will allow you to meet other females in the same situation or who have been in the same situation as you. These groups can be a collection of other women from your local church or even other seminary wives. If you are unsure about starting a small group ask around and find one to join.

When putting a small group together, try to make it practical by using things like short devotionals with no homework. Most women, especially with children, do not have the time to squeeze homework in. You will want to strive to make this group become a community of women who become comfortable around each other and supportive. Don’t freak out over following a strict agenda; doing that can get in the way of getting to know one another which is the main goal. One of the best ways to get to know the other women is through ‘ice breakers’. These can be a series of random questions or a short game to break through the awkward atmosphere that so often happens at the beginning of these groups. Try to use the application of the day’s topic as a great conclusion or transition into prayer time. Asking the question, “How can you use this (insert application) in your life this week?” is also a great way to get to know the women and learn how to pray for them.

It can be so scary starting these things and being around all these new women, but pretending you have it all together will not make it easier. We all tend to say from time to time the phrase, “No one’s perfect.” Yet we try to portray ourselves that way so often that when we do something ‘imperfect’ in public we become embarrassed, ashamed, and/or even angry. Do not be scared to be transparent. Opening up and letting the others see you for who you are will bring in better and deeper friendships, it will also allow the others to feel able to open up. Let the Holy Spirit do His job- He will do a mighty work in your group if you let Him. Along with that, the best way to bring people together is through prayer. After the devotional time close with a prayer time. You can mix it up through different styles such as ‘pop corn style’, splitting into couples or even into two groups. ‘Pop corn’ style prayer is when the group pipes up and prays one at a time without any organization to it and it’s only one small statement at a time.

We wish you happy friendship making and a great day.
Trust in the Lord always and rejoice in him!