Ministry Ethics: Referencing Psychology with Care

Guidelines for Ministers Who Teach About Emotional and Mental Healing

1. Stay Within Your Scope of Competence

Speak confidently about the Word, pastoral experience, and Spirit-led insight — but recognize when a topic crosses into professional territory.

“I’m not a licensed counselor, but here’s the spiritual side of what we’re talking about.”

This humble clarity protects both minister and listener.

2. Illuminate, Don’t Diagnose

Use psychological terms to illustrate truth, not to label people.
Avoid statements like “She’s a narcissist” or “He’s bipolar.”
Instead, describe behaviors or patterns:

“When someone builds emotional walls,” or “When pain turns to pride.”
This keeps your message pastoral rather than clinical.

3. Verify Before You Share

Social media often spreads half-truths that sound wise but distort real psychology.
Before repeating them, confirm through a credible source — such as the APA Dictionary, NIH, or trusted counseling texts.
Sound teaching requires both revelation and accuracy.

4. Blend Revelation With Research

Spiritual insight and science both reflect God’s truth.
Use them together:

“What psychologists call an attachment wound, Scripture calls the brokenhearted — and God heals both.”
When Spirit and study walk hand in hand, credibility and power increase.

5. Encourage Healing Through Both Prayer and Process

Remind listeners that God heals through prayer, community, and wise counsel.

“God can heal in a moment, but He also heals through process — through His Word, through the renewing of the mind, and through those He equips to help.”

6. Model Humility and Correction

If you learn something new or realize a post was inaccurate, say so.

“I’ve learned more since I first shared that thought, and I want to keep growing in truth and accuracy.”
This transparency builds trust and demonstrates integrity.

Point to Consider:

Ministry that integrates truth, humility, and care is both powerful and safe.
When we handle the souls of others, we carry holy ground in our hands.
Accuracy is not just professionalism — it’s love in action.

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