Lay Counseling: Equipping Christians for a Helping Ministry

I have thoroughly enjoyed Tan's work. There is very little information on this topic in print. There are alot of goofballs out doing seminars but his offers some of the best and sound advice out there. Dr Tan brings a very thorough researced approach to this very needed ministry. It should not be considered comprehensive since it is dated and lay counseling is subjective to state law. I have researched several lay counseling ministries and found that the information given here is extrememly helpful.

A reader who comes to this book with a desire to help others grow in their ability to help others (and open mind, obviously) will benefit from this work of Dr. Tan. It is practical in the material covered; this includes the gamut from paraprofessional counselor selection to training and supervision - even the easily neglected area of evaluation. He also provides useful resources (sample questionnaires) and other organizations which one might contact for further assistance. Tan's survey of the writings in this field is not comprehensive and is weaker in the area of research support. However, when this was written there was less work done than there is now, and I understand research not only supports what he has written, but that he plans to ipdate his book and include this material in a new edition. The reader below is clearly trying to play an immature joke on someone or is simply prejudiced and antagonistic to people having differing beliefs than his or her own.

I have read several books and heard countless speakers on this difficult and confusing topic. I have to say, this book by Dr. Tan, is the most intelligent and well balanced book on the sudject to date. I recommend it to anyone who is considering getting involved in this area in one's local church. I also recommend it to any pastor considering starting up a Lay Counseling program in his/her own church. This is a very difficult and emotionally laden topic to discuss, and Dr. Tan has done a superb job. Well Done!