Clinton and Ohlschlager (2002) emphasize the importance of a counselors theology and its effect on the counseling process. Clinton and Ohlschlager also note that our theology informs and shapes our worldview which ultimately shapes our counseling practice. One of the central issues in the Christian culture today is discerning the will of God.
Read the article in this module/week by Horton (2009) Discerning Spiritual Discernment and review Case Study 1. Provide a brief summary for each approach of discerning the will of God (bulls eye wisdom and relationship-formation).
Then discuss the following questions:
Thomas is a 20 year old college student who is currently a pre-med major. Thomas explains to you that he has been enjoying his major and is getting good grades. Also his father and grandfather were both doctors so he is proud to continue on that legacy. However Thomas has a roommate who is a Biblical Studies major and he finds himself more interested in his roommate’s work than his own. Additionally Thomas is very gifted in leadership and teaching and has found himself praying about becoming a pastor. When you ask Thomas how he has been praying about it he says he has been praying that God would make it clear that He should be a pastor and that all of the doors should open for him in that endeavor if that is Gods will for his life.