타문화 선교현장에서의 기독교상담

Abstract

Many missionaries and Christian workers are presently trying to act as helpers and healers to people who have very different cultural backgrounds. Christian counseling, however, fail to give a large enough place to cultural considerations in the mission field particularly. This paper aims to discuss how cross-cultural Christian counseling in the mission field could be made more effective. To approach this discussion, the relationships between mission and Christian counseling are discussed. Finally, conclusions to guide the practice of counseling in the mission field are drawn. The theory and practice for cross-cultural counseling ministry need to be based on an understanding of cultural differences as well as human universals and individual uniqueness. Cross-cultural counseling is cultural activity that requires the open-mindedness and sensitivity of the practitioners to the cultural influence of both their counselees and themselves. Then, we try to apply the skills of Christian counseling to mission field to help the counselees in three ways--preparation counseling, salvation counseling, and healing counseling. Forgiveness for sin and power to change into Christ’s image are the greatest needs of counselees. The gospel message is not complete without a clear statement of the fact and nature of sin and the need of the individual for salvation through Christ. Integrating counseling practice with biblical faith, we endeavor to assist counselees to be better equipped to live Christ-centered lives in service, vocation, and community. These core truths must infuse the cross-cultural Christian counseling process.