Abstract
The documentation of this journey in pastoral counseling of an event is outlined from “Crossroads”, which is based on a set case study of characters. The implementation of F.A.I.T.H. for Solution-based Short-term Pastoral Counseling (SBSPC), along with faith based measures of the counselor in pastoral mantle is the focus of the assessment. As a final report requirement, a counseling initiative for documentation in a pastoral role is required, and has been carried forth. An individual was chosen from the case studies, and all culminating work in this course of study has come to this report. The four F.A.I.T.H counseling measures are applied to the case of one of the case studies, namely Brody Murakami, and the considerations of SBSPC, as well as the word of God, and the discipline in his instructions have been applied to each phase. Through prayer and fasting, leadership as pastor and counselor, along with all other respected means, the prescription of these implementations have been documented for the chosen case, utilizing the four phases unto the completion of this work.
Annotated Outline4
Phase One.5
Phase Two8
Phase Three,,,.10
Phase Four..12
References..15
Rubric.16
Introduction
The Murakami family, Bruce, the working class father, Cindy, the caring and considerate mother, Josh the oldest son, a student, Brody, the second son, a musician of 15 in high school, and Chelsea, a young aspiring gymnast, are an upper middle class family and the center of the case study (Crossroads, 2013). A horrible accident takes the lives of the mother, Cindy, and the youngest child, Chelsea. Because of the relationships between the family members, some unknowingly strained, some not, the tragedy takes from the family it’s primary love center (Crossroads, 2013). This is evident from case study, as Cindy was a mother who made up for her husband’s lack of communication with all members of the family because of her mothering nature, as did Chelsea, particularly in the life of the second son, Brody (Crossroads, 2013). The loss of the Murakami family’s women is further complicated by the nature of the accident. A street racer named Justin caused the accident that ended the lives of Cindy Murakami and Chelsea Murakami, and the fact is not readily made available to the family, which serves possibly to open the wound of loss everytime justice does not seem to be served for the grieving and hurt Murakami family (Crossroads, 2013). For the summaried events, F.A.I.T.H. for SBSPC is deemed necessary for each family member, and all aspects of each model will be employed for the individual. The endeavor of fasting and prayer in seeking answers will also be utilized. The choice from the case study is Brody Murakami, the second son. The choosing of Brody Murakami is not a choice that came from andy of the SBSPC, although I respect the counseling without any doubt. The choice in this case from the guidance that I am receiving from whom I believe to be God himself. It is as if the name Brody was spoken to me before any endeavor to do this case was even realized, or the case itself known to me in respect of choices. This is the influence of Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit upon my life, to speak the name of the person chosen before I knew what to do. That person is Brody.
1. PHASE ONE GETTING THE CARE SEEKER’S PRESENT STORY
In accordance with guidelines of SBSPC, the care seeker’s present story must be a complete portrait of the individual, in this case, Brody Murakami. Several considerations must be made in getting the story of Brody, whose position is relational.
Purpose: The purpose of getting Brody’s story is to seek the appropriate care.
Goal: The goal is to get Brody to open up and speak, all in consideration to other factors in Brody’s case to consider which help me to see Brody in portrait, are:
Brody’s main source of attention and love has been lost.
Brody has begun to close people out, and might have a desire to be with his loved ones who have died. This is not a judgment, but a legitimate concern for Brody.
Although Brody is close to Melissa, he feels he has lost his father too, who has tried to extend himself to Justin, which causes more pain for Brody, because Justin is the cause of the accident that killed his mother and sister.
Chief Aim: The chief aim is to hear the story to determine if certain criteria will indicate whether Brody needs care not only from a spiritual a group, but psychological care as well. There is a hope that he will not; However, I do not wish to neglect clinical necessities for Brody if necessary. There is always the concern that Brody might withdraw more from a purely clinical view, even if that view is professional and performed well. The work of God can be done in clinical settings. Yet the concern has been made that this is a work that is dependent upon F.A.I.T.H., as well as faith in fasting and prayer.
Roles/Responsibilities: The pastoral responsibility is to listen with focus on scriptures from the book of Romans, and Ephesians, and 1 Corinthians 4, without a tone of judgment in thought word or deed. To fast and pray over the situation, because the individual is pulling away, and will need all effort.
Guiding Assumptions: Although Brody has lost people who gave him love and attention, God is already active in the counselee because he has reached out to his mother’s friend, Melissa (Kollar, 2011)
The other important part of this counseling approach is faith in the word of God as well as the other approach. As pastor, fasting and prayer will be an important issue in working with Brody, because Matthew Matthew 17:21New King James Version reads from The wonderful counselor, Jesus Christ, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Bible Gateway, 2016). In this passage, Jesus tells his followers some matters need prayer and fasting to bring forth for help in healing. There is no assumption being made here. This is the spiritual route that is necessary in a tragedy, and because it comes from the author and finisher of our faith, according to Hebrews 12: 2, it cannot be forgotten, and is important in any case, and especially in experience with helping individuals with bringing forth what needs to be said (Biblegateway, 2016). The discipline of fasting and prayer will help the other spiritual aspects of listening to the individual. I cannot address to what extent I shall fast; It interferes with the process that God in which God places me. His glory is not to be discussed as something I must do, and to what extent. I only mention it as part of the solution for helping Brody.
The action of being involved with Brody will require that I follow all gidelines to insure that I am available to him. With A and B in place, the action that will ensue is that I be prepared to listen openly and completely. In my spirit, there is a knowledge that only God gives in cases like these. Only if Brody senses the sincerity of me in Christ will he give any information that will help him. It might take time, but the most important thing for me to do is not fall into Brody’s position, or I will begin to see him in such a subjective way. In this, I cannot judge before the time in anything about Brody, otherwise the counseling will go undone, and decisions cannot be ascertained in order, let alone made for his care (Biblegateway, 2016). Even if it takes several meetings, Brody will get what he needs through giving his story.
Consideration of the relationship between Brody and his father will be a careful topic in discussion with Brody, and will be mentioned as delicately as possible. If avoidance of the topic is immediate by Brody, then my counsel expertise, and wisdom from God will pursue with humility another venue, and approach this delicate area even more carefully the next time.
The fast I identified from the scriptures is from a plan that is set to make myself available for a supernatural use for the sake of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I realize that a focus should also be on the factual consistencies of counsel, but I must remind that I am being obedient to what I as a counselor and minster of God would do in a situation like this. This might be unorthodox to some, but in this God works. I can senses myself listening to Brody in a completely selfless, childlike way that will reach him, not by any means, but by the Holy Spirit of God, through Christ Jesus, and I must stand in my faith in God to reach an introverted child that has had this happen to him (Bible Gateway, 2016). This is in direct relationship with asking and receiving, seeking and finding written in the word, in by belief (Biblegateway, 2016). I am absolutely full of faith, and convinced that nothing will keep me from being a help to Brody, and his family as I fast and pray, and act as pastoral counsel, except my lack of belief in God as my help.
2. PHASE TWO: DEVELOP THE CARE-SEEKER’S PREFERRED STORY/SOLUTION
A. Once again, the principles of F.A.I.T.H. for SBSPC are important for the counselor and counselee ((Liberty University, 2013), The outline remains as will follow in scope.
Purpose: Brody’s story, and/or solution must be developed, and this will be done.
Goal: The goal here is to express Brody’s goal.
Chief Aim: To be completely accepted by Brody as someone who cares for him, as well as his story, and goal.
Role/Responsibility: Although keeping a pastoral watch over Brody, the role must assume a role of humility, and willingness to allow whatever Brody needs to express to come forth, so that he will know that his feelings are important; It is all important to know that what is being heard is indeed Brody’s story. This role must be a completely selfless one, so that Brody will not pull away any farther than he has.
Guiding Assumptions: Gentle, and sincere is the only way to go in the case of getting to hear from Brody, who is also a sensitive musician, and his gift is one from the Lord, and cannot be left out as a means for his help. I will be mindful of his abilities, and remember that Brody feel he has suffered more loss since the death of his two loved ones, according to the case study, not judgment, for he feels he has lost his father to the boy who caused the death of his support (Crossroads, 2013).
B. In meetings with Brody, the F.A.I.T.H. guidelines and pure inspiration from the word will be the basis of hearing from Brody, and getting him to just open up. Brody is introverted, and is trying to go on, and might be silent. I must keep his case profile in mind as I work with this young man. It is important that my approachableness is evident. I will utilize all tools from personal qualities given me by inspiration from fasting and praying to God, among the other methods that have been discussed Having fasted and prayed also for the ability to seen as being completely selfless, and trustworthy to Brody, and hearing his first attempts to respond concerning what is happening in his life, I will really lean to what cannot be counted, which is the miraculous works of God. With great care, I will ask about his music, what he is working on, seeing that this area of his life might be a place in which to show him that my concern is for him and hearing from him in every way what needs to be told.
C. A relevant verse for the work that will occur in talks with Brody is from Romans 8:28, Romans 8:28, New King James Version, which reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Bible Gateway, 2016). In approaching Brody’s introverted person, I am seeing myself as being allowed to come into where he is. As I seek all ways of helping Brody, I am constantly keeping in mind that in his calm way, he will express himself, and when he begins to open, then his story will unfold, and we can go further into clarity and action. In this area, I am reminded of Mary and Martha, who sought to please the Lord Jesus, but Mary found what has important, despite all the things that seemed necessary. It is my faith, and relationship with God, along with F.A.I.T.H. that will help me in this area—in essence, to know when to hold on, and when to let God work a perfect work.
D. The relationship between Brody and his father will continue to be a concern in every session, but will always be mentioned only when it does not cause Brody to retract, or withdraw. God will bring the opportunity for Brody and Bruce, and the rest of his family into his world, and help him to react in theirs, so that they all see each other, and understand according to the level of measure with which God will allow them to understand what they need to be to each other. The most important issue of focus in counsel comes from the word of God in this case, another verse on which the fasting and prayer has resulted in a resounding, and evident way. Only God can transform the lives of these people so that they interact differently; This interaction requires the submission of the family itself, and the prayer is not only that the Father receive and desire what is necessary for his spiritual health, but that perhaps if it is necessary for Brody to be a guide here, that he in his child like self lead the rest of the family to what has been the prayer of pastor in counsel. This verse is founded in what has been fasted and search for, and as it is written in Romans 12:1, that the mind transformed by renewal. This is a remarkable finding, and the prayer is that the relationship with God is strengthening as the transformation occurs.
3 . PHASE THREE: CLARIFY AND EXECUTE THE ACTION PLAN
The plan of phase three, in accord with the F.A.I.T.H. plan proceed as will follow.
Purpose: The purpose is to execute the action plan through implementation in the life of Brody
Goal: The goal is to clarify what needs to be done in the action plan
Chief Aim: The chief aim is to insure that the action plan is clear, and carried forth
Role/Responsibility: It is the pastor’s role to guide in collaboration with Brody to get to the implementation of the plan
Guiding Assumptions: Brody and I must work together for the results.
As we clarify and execute the action necessary, the plan of care is to be as involved as possible with Brody in counseling without becoming devisive in any way. This is where the aforementioned prayer and fasting will be needed, as plans come into place.
Finding solutions for Brody, and Bruce, his father, and Josh as well to connect, will be a fervent prayer in belief, and a hope throughout the counsel plan in seeking connection to community.
A special need is addressed here. Once again, for the counsel that will be provided, this is where I have hope in the miracles of God. This is an important step for Brody. I am fasting, and prayerful that Brody is being relieved of the problems that have bound his life because of the accident and unfortunate loss, and that his life is at the point at which he can begin to make a decision based on what God himself, by his Holy Spirit has been doing all along to help this young man who needs direct transformation by God. This is possible, as it is written Romans 12:1, that he is being transformed by the works of God, for God is the only one that by his Holy Spirit, and the willingness of the individual, can a person be transformed by the renewal of the mind of the given individual (Bible Gateway, 2016).
4. PHASE FOUR: CONNECTING THE CARE-SEEKER TO COMMUNITY
The phase four features of connecting the care-seeker to community include
Purpose: The purpose is to help Brody fit into a community
Goal: The goal is to get Bordy to adjust to a new life with others involved with him, and him with others
Chief Aim: The chief aim is to make sure Brody knows he is appreciated and accepted.
Role/Responsibility: The role and responsibility is on Brody, that he will connect to a group of people who are accepting of him,and help him to feel he is a part of a group, so that his life, and his abilities will begin to flourish in a new light, so that he can reflect the same attributes toward them.
Guiding Assumptions: God works all things for good for those who love him and are “called according to his purpose” (Bible Gateway, 2016). This hope continues to be central, because it is often not our working despite all our efforts to do what is important in life for many, the study and responsibilities. Mary, and Martha reflect this clearly in their contact and interaction with Jesus Christ, as has been mentioned (Bible Gateway, 2016).
The most important in this responsibility is to get Brody connected to other people, and get him to interact without forcing in any way. There are small groups who work very well for this purpose, so the scripture of Romans 8:28 is aptly in effect here. Seeking considerations for the best group for Brody’s needs will be very important. Brody will need a group of people with musical interests of his caliber, for he is a very gifted musician, and needs people who can identify with his ability.
Another consideration will be to get Brody in a group that has a relaxed, yet advanced counseling emphasis, and also a stable group that has been working together for lengthy and successful period of time. All qualifiying earmarks of a great leader and stability will be important aspects/qualifications to seek. A ministerial group would be a better option than a clinical observation of Brody, which might cause more introversion for Brody (this is not from written material; it is from listening to what is needed by inspiration of God). It is not necessary to crowd Brody; he only needs a small group of sincere and dedicated people to assist him, will be prayerful for him and seek his interaction with them.
A great approach to solving problems is employing the counseling of F.A.I.T.H., and the elements of faith in the word, namely prayer and fasting, to assist in every possible way, even in a supernatural way. This is the best and only way to work through a tragedy such as the “Crossroads” issue. Thankfully, and through the methods in place by responsible ministers and groups interested in counsel and helping the ministry, a solution can be found each time to help those who have had such tragic events happen. It has been a privilege to reflect how to proceed on such consultation, and thie experience has enriched my personal religious life and ministerial aspirations, as I know it will enrich encounters with Brody Murakami and his family.
References
Bible Gateway. (2016) Bible gateway passage: Matthew 17:21 - New King James Version. (2016). Bible Gateway. Retrieved 24 August 2016, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A21&version=NKJV
Bible Gateway. (2016). Bible gateway passage: Romans 8:28 – New King James Version
2016. Bible Gateway. Retrieved 24 August 2016, from
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NKJV
Bible Gateway. (2016). Bible gateway passage: Romans 12:1 – New King James Version
2016. Bible Gateway. Retrieved 24 August 2016, from
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12&version=NKJV
Bible Gateway. (2016) Bible gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 4:5 – New King James Version
2016. Bible Gateway. Retrieved 24 August 2016, from
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+4%3A5&version=NKJV
Bible Gateway (2016). Bible gateway passage: Hebrews 12:2 – New King James Verstion
2016. Bible Gateway. Retrieved 24 August 2016, from
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:2&version=NKJV
Kollar, C. A. (2011). Solution-focused pastoral counseling: An effective short-term approach for
getting people back on track. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Johnson, W. B., & Johnson, W. L. (2014). The minister’s guide to psychological disorders and
treatment. New York, NY: Routledge.
Liberty University (2013). F.A.I.T.H for solution-based short-term pastoral counseling (SBSPC)
[Word Document]. Retrieved on August 24, 2015, from https://sso.liberty.edu/cas/login?service
Final Project Grading Rubric
