|
The common kinds of things that happen in regular face-to-face biblical counseling cannot happen in on-line counseling. The act of dialogue that normally occurs, where one speaks and another immediate responds with verbal and non-verbal communication, cannot happen with on-line counseling. The tone of voice and bodily expressions cannot be observed with on-line counseling. Expression is communicated through the eyes as well as through the hands, arms, and rest of the body. Also, there are times of silence during the session that cannot be witnessed with on-line counseling. And how can tears be heard or shared with on-line counseling?
Where is the work of the Holy Spirit in on-line counseling? One can teach and preach in on-line counseling, but the person wanting counseling is in need of someone to be directly available to draw along side to help bear the burden and "so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). There is too much technological, geographical, and personal distance for this to happen in on-line counseling.
On-line counseling cannot even approach the possibility of a dynamic, spiritual interchange between believers who are in the same room with one another. On-line counseling replaces the care of souls with a far removed, cosmic, internet interchange, separated by many miles and characterized by the limitations of the media being used.
CCM is not opposed to the use of the internet to educate, inform, preach, and teach. We are not opposed to people communicating with each other by email and even sharing their problems or concerns with each other. HOWEVER, the counseling relationship is a most private, intimate and spiritual one. Let's keep it as such.
Doug McLain Executive Director Compassionate Christian Ministries
| 
