Western culture and many of its churches and pastors are enamored by the assumption that life's most difficult problems call for in-depth psychological treatment. This book offers a different model of care than the dominant perspectives of modern psychology to those who have the responsibility of pastoral counseling. While there are a number of models and training programs for Christian lay counselors, this work is original in its application of the Solution-Focused approach to training lay members. The fundamental value of this book is as a guide for ministers in equipping the members of their congregations to care for one another. It is in caring for and being cared for by others that we truly discover the joy of living in God's community.

Jack Holland is the Russell F. and Marian J. Blowers professor of Christian ministries at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan College. Jack frequently conducts workshops and seminars in lay-counseling, ministerial ethics, sexuality, grief, and other pastoral care issues.