A VISION FOR THE FUTURE - REDEEMING PSYCHOLOGY AND BUSINESS, MANAGINGMANAGED CARE, AND PARTNERING WITH THE CHURCH

A vision for the future of Christian counseling is presented, focusing on four integration issues: incorporation of psychology and theology into one's practice, integration of business practices and biblical pr inciples, intrusion of managed care into mental health care, and isola tion of counselors from the church. The negative effects of profession alism are considered, including the spiritual mediocrity created by co ntractual relationships. In contrast, covenantal relationships are mor e biblical as web as foundational to Christian counseling. A covenanta l biblical view of reality is discussed, followed by a comparison of t he transactional-contract-based-and transformational-covenant-based-ap proaches to counseling. Engendering covenantal understanding in others , engaging them in covenantal actions and encouraging their ongoing pa rticipation in covenant community are pivotal in the future of Christi an counseling. Finally, guidelines for the future are given, with spec ial emphasis on partnering with local churches in developing caring co mmunities for the completion of the transformation process.