Tell Me Pastor

You're biased, Pastor

Dear Pastor,

I have a very genuine concern. Firstly, I would like to say that what you are trying to do is very commendable. However, the problem I have with you is that as a counsellor, you are supposed to sound unbiased in your responses. You are too opinionated and you give closed-ended advice.

As a counsellor, you should try to see things more from the point of view of your writers and give different solutions. By doing so, the writer will have something to think about, and then choose the one that is more appropriate for their situation.

I hope you will think about this. Keep up the good work!

A.M.,

USA

Dear A.M.,

You are entitled to your opinion and so am I. I have the letters before me, you do not. You are not the counsellor, I am. Sure you can criticise me. A counsellor cannot be 'wishy washy'. There are times that he has to be indirect and there are times that he has to be direct. Why should I tell you these things, I doubt very much you would understand.

I am sure that those who have followed my work over the years know that I am not biased. But if you think that I am, no big thing. You seem to be someone who is young and inexperienced. But, I repeat, you are entitled to your opinion. At least you think that I am doing a good job.

Counsellor's job

No counsellor ought to tell people what they want to hear at all times. His/Her job is to listen, get the facts, evaluate, determine the solution and make suggestions. Sometimes the counsellor, like the surgeon has to use the knife to correct the problem. It might be painful to the person being counselled, but it has to be done. And that is what separates the men from the boys.

Thanks for writing, love you just the same.

Pastor