Ideas

I have joined up with Kiddlington church on placement this year and we have to fill in a section on our aims of being a part of this church. One of my particular passions is pastoral care and counselling. I have always enjoyed active listening, which is what encouraged me to join Samaritans last year, and really want to develop those skills to incorporate prayer and the Bible. I am not sure what context to do it in at the church, and may find out more tomorrow after speaking to their pastor. I did however have some ideas last night: personal pastors or a men's singles meeting. 


Personal pastors each care for one other person. It used to be done at OCC, but has become less popular with the move towards missional communities (http://oxford.occ.org.uk/our-missional-communities) which should be providing some level of pastoral care. I think missional communities are great, but also value the personal pastors of old. It was someone who would confidentially guide you, listen to your problems or confessions, offer any relevant advice and pray with you. I applied to be one, but I am not sure if they are still running. I would love to be one this year, if we can get them going again in Kiddlington.


There are many youth groups, there is a marriage course, student groups and parent's breakfasts in churches, but there is rarely anything for single males. Girls are pretty good at organising events exclusively for themselves, but us guys rarely seem to just for us. As such in our culture there is little community or  guidance on what it is to be a single guy; our responsibilities, temptations, whether it's OK to be single, attitudes and interests. If it is feasible I would love to start a safe meeting place for single guys - both Christian and non-believers to talk and spend time together.  I don't think too much has been done at all in salt and light concerning singleness, and could see it going on as a course addressing topics i.e. singleness, is it OK; temptations; marriage and long term relationships; attitudes to women; past experiences at relationships; being content with who we are. If it is from God I believe that this idea will not leave me, but rather grow. I'd love it to be a place where guys can talk about things they would never usually do (i.e. feelings) in a safe environment. 


As I say, I don't know what will happen with these this year, but I have had this interest before (during the time I was training in level 1 counselling skills and Samaritans), and never pursued it. I'd love it if you'd comment on your thoughts


God guide
xSx

Update:

Since starting this blog I became a Counsellor. You can read more on blog on subjects like Therapy at:

 www.simonslistening.co.uk