Know when to refer to a professional counselor. A broken world is filled with broken people. They are in our churches as well. Some who are very troubled will come to you and in compassion, and in your role as a pastor, you need to seek to help them. It is really part of the disciple-making process—to produce healthy saints requires facing what is making them sick and assisting them in getting well. Counseling is part of our task, and we need to work to enhance our knowledge and skill in this. Yet, we will at times encounter deep-seated and enduring issues with some that may be crippling and even life-threatening. They may be at their wit’s end in dealing with this, and you find yourself in that state as well! It is a humbling thing to know that someone may be contemplating suicide and they have turned to you as the last resort.
Think of it this way. There is a doctor who is a general practitioner. He can handle many cases. He can help with overall health. But, there will be sicknesses that arise for which he needs to refer to a specialist for treatment. He has not failed, but is doing what is best for the patient. That is what a pastor is called to do. You will counsel and you will help people become spiritually healthy. Yet, there will be times to refer to a “specialist,”—someone who has the time and training to treat the debilitating emotional, relational, mental sickness.
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