Christian Approaches to Counseling and Life Transformation Course Overview

Dr. Andrew Sears�President �City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

​

How this Course/Final Project Fits with Other Courses & Programs

Christian Approaches to Counseling & Life Transformation.�Project: Program Values Staff Training �Manual

Other Nonprofit,

Business & Counseling Courses

Strategic Management.�Project: Strategic Plan

Aligning Strategy with Theology and Values. Project: Theological Vision & Organizational Values Alignment Plan

CEO &�Executive �Leadership

Program�Executive

Leadership

Why? Values or Heart of Organization

How? Skills & Competencies (Nuts and Bolts)

Bible & Theology Courses

Relationship between Courses

Aligning Strategy with Theology and Values Course

Christian Approaches

to Counseling &

Life Transformation

Course

Values Alignment

Professionalism

$2 million

$40 million

$10 million

How to Increase Professionalization without Decreasing Values Alignment

1. Document values and unique approach
2. Intensive Training & Education

Frontier of �Staff Quality

Frontier of �Staff Quality

Increases

Secularization Risk

Most�Traditional

FBO

Traditional

FBO

Critical�Mass�FBO

CVU’s Ministry Education Strategy

Aligning �Strategy with Theology and Values Course

Biblical Interpretation

Intro to Biblical Interpretation

New Testament Survey

Old Testament Foundations

New Testament Foundations

Foundations of Theology

Biblical Theology

Christian Approaches to Counseling & Life Transformation

Cross-Cultural Management & Ministry

Leadership in Under-Resourced Communities

Christian Community Development

Theology & Strategy of Urban Ministry

Urban Youth Ministry

Vocation, Calling & Purpose of Work

Christian Counseling Courses (33)

Ministry Management & Leadership Courses

City Vision Practical Theology Courses

Christian Counseling & Life Transformation Ministry Competency Cube

Clinical �Counseling

Program &�Community

Case Management

Christian�Integration�Knowledge

Christian�Clinical�Counseling�Skills

​

Expertise in

Christian�Program & Community�Design

Expertise in

Developing�Community�Partnerships

Personal Maturity�& Experience

of Counselor/Staff

Christian Teaching & Spiritual Disciplines

Life Skills Classes

Vocational Development�(job, financial health, housing)

Emotional Stability

& Relational Health

Support Community

(church, 12-step, etc.)

Physical Health�(psychiatric, medical, habits)

Client Development Dimensions

Intervention Dimensions

Staff & Program Competency Dimensions

Christian Counseling & Life Transformation Ministry Competency Cube

Clinical �Counseling

Program &�Community

Case Management

Christian�Integration�Knowledge

Christian�Clinical�Counseling�Skills

​

Expertise in

Christian�Program & Community�Design

Expertise in

Developing�Community�Partnerships

Personal Maturity�& Lived Experience

of Counselor/Staff

Christian Teaching & Spiritual Disciplines

Life Skills Classes

Vocational Development�(job, financial health, housing)

Emotional Stability

& Relational Health

Support Community

(church, 12-step, etc.)

Physical Health�(psychiatric, medical, habits)

Client Development Dimensions

Intervention Dimensions

Christian Counseling & Program Competency Dimensions

Weeks 1-4

Weeks 5 & 6

Week 7 & 8

Final Project

How Philosophy of Who We Are Affects our Understanding �of How Life Transformation Happens

Psychological�Perspectives

Theological�Perspectives

Spiritual�Formation�Perspectives

Spiritual Community &�Program�Perspectives

Improved Understanding of

Life Transformation

How Life Transformation

Happens

Who Are We?

Philosophical & �Epistemological Framework

Applying science to the mind,

behavior & counseling

Psychological theory & skills in

clinical counseling

Answers from Discipline of

Psychology (head)

Modernist, Rational, Secular,

Individualistic

Applying

Christian worldview

to counseling & psychology

+ Adopting correct theology &

Christian worldview

Answers from Discipline of

Theology (head)

Modernist, Rational,

Christian

,

Individualistic

Recognizes the importance of

spiritual disciplines

+Adopting spiritual disciplines

Holistic individuals (

head,

heart/will, hands

) will

-

centered

Holistic

, Christian,

Individualistic

Life transformation is more

caught than taught (or willed)

+Deep relationships in a

healthy Christian community

Holistic ministry (

head, heart,

hands + community

-

centered

)

Holistic Christian

Community

Weeks 1-3

Weeks 4-6

Weeks 7-8

Standard CACREP/LPC/ADC Curriculum

Educational Philosophy & Design of This Course

Live Meetings

Forums

Take notes

Reinforce Content Retention with Reading & Videos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloom%27s_taxonomy

Learning Journal

2-8: Final Project Program Staff Training Manual:

Ministry’s Unique Approach to Counseling �& Life Transformation

Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a Method to Develop Practical Theology

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to Develop Practical Theology in Specific Domains

Specific Lessons Learned by Your Ministry

Learning from Your Movement

Core Theology

Fields: Academic Learning, Science, etc. Worldview

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History

Fields: Bible & Theology

Your Goal is to Retain Your Organization’s Emphasis While Its Core Competencies

Specific Lessons Learned by Your Ministry

Learning from Your Movement

Core Theology

Fields: Academic Learning, Science, etc. Worldview

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History

Fields: Bible & Theology

Practical Theology within the Theological Pyramid

Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/17837958/

Application

Critical Competency

Typically Not Valued Enough

Theory

Foundational

Principles to Discerning Truth: Scripture

• In using Scripture, it is almost as important to know what the Scripture does not say (where it may not be defining truth) as it is important to know what it says (where it is defining truth).
• Most historical mistakes of the church relative to science have been from assuming the Bible said more than it did (flat earth, geocentrism)
• Which quadrants we focus on in determining truth often will depend on the domain in question. Christians who are strong in scripture, but weak in science often have difficulty discerning the boundaries (and vice versa).
• Medicine & COVID-19
• Facts of Climate Change

​

Theological Certainty

Scientific Certainly

Scientific and Theological Certainty

Earth is Not Flat

Earth Revolves Around the Sun

Invalidity of Currently

Trendy but Crazy Theories

(COVID-19, Vaccine Conspiracies,�Climate Change is a Hoax, etc.)

Apostles Creed

(Jesus is God, 12 tenets)

Theological Conservatism

(evangelical tenets, sexual morality)

Denominational Beliefs

(pneumatology, eschatology)

Minor Points

(age of earth, worship styles

cultural holiness standards)

Boundaries within

Tradition

Boundaries of who

Meets Historical �Definition of Who is

a Christian

Complex Systems,�Praxis

Practical Theology

Theological Overreach

Overreach by �Science

Scripture: The Bible and Theological Education

• What does scripture say about the potential causes and the solution to the problem you are trying to solve?
• What key passages specifically from the text of the Bible informs your approach to ministry?
• How does your organization’s and that of its tradition inform its approach to Bible interpretation?
• What other relevant aspects of the core theology of the organization (and its tradition) that informs its approach to the problems it is trying to address?
• What is the theological history and church/parachurch history that informs your ministry?

Principles to Guide Discerning Truth: Science

• Science’s strength is defining what is. (Is vs. ought.)
• By definition, science does not provide moral judgements on what should be
• When scientific tools become metanarratives to answer worldview questions, they are no longer science
• Biological evolution (is) vs Evolutionism as a Worldview (ought)
• Science of climate change (is) vs. Climate change as a Worldview (ought)
• Cosmology/Big Bang (is) vs. Big Bang as Justification of Atheist Worldview (ought)
• Study of Economic Exploitation (is) vs. Marxist Worldview (ought)
• Study of Racism (is) vs. Critical Race Theory (ought)
• Study of the Biology of Sexuality (is) vs. Moral Judgements on Sexuality (ought)
• Because of the tendency of some domains of science to be used to promote worldviews hostile to a Christian worldview, many conservative Christians use an Overton window that excludes the science in these domains

Reason: Best Practices & Christian Integration

• Disciplines and Best Practices
• What do the most relevant disciplines teach that may be relevant to understanding the causes and potential solutions to the problems you are trying to solve?
• What are considered the evidence-based best practices in your field overall among all organizations serving your population?
• Societal Systems View (Continuum of Care)
• How does your organization fit into your sector and your sector fit into larger societal systems related to the problems you are trying to solve?
• Christian Integration
• In what ways does the dominant ideology of secular organizations follow an Overton window that limits debate and potential sources of truth and best practices? In what ways does that limit their effectiveness?
• How do the worldview and philosophical assumptions shape what is considered best practices in your field?
• i.e. Counseling, Psychology, Pragmatism (Management), Social Sciences

Experience: Lessons and Uniqueness

• What have been key lessons that your ministry has learned about its unique call and what works?
• What is different about your ministry, its context and who it serves compared to the larger movement?
• How might these differences shape your organization’s approach relative to the larger movement?
• Carefully assess how Scripture, reason and the movement relate to uniqueness of your context to ensure you are not ignoring the wisdom of the other quadrants for the sake of uniqueness
• Follow good principles of missiology

Tradition: Learning from Your Movement

• Programs
• What are the common programs or methods used within your movement?
• What are common approaches that other organizations use to address the same problems that are typically avoided by organizations like yours within your movement?
• Policies
• What are clear boundaries, common policies and expectations used by others in your movement to set to shape the culture of various tiers of your ministry (board, staff, volunteer leaders, clients, etc.)?
• What strategies are commonly used by others within your movement to shape the culture at these levels?
• Culture
• How would you characterize the culture of most organizations within your movement?
• What are key distinctives of ministries in your movement relative to both others serving a similar population?
• How would you characterize the how your organization limits debate (Overton window) and sources that might inform its understanding of truth?

Competencies for Senior Leaders & Organizations

Science, Social Science, Counseling

Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

History, Church/Parachurch History

Bible & Theology

Resident Theologian Competencies

• Mastery of the theological pyramid for teaching & guidance�and deep engagement with other quadrants
• Lead staff and clients into deeper relationship with God
• Inspire others by articulating scriptural foundations of your mission
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop practical theologies �within movement
• Develop a community of leaders to do the same

Resident Historian Competencies

• Mastery of the history of your tradition (how and why) for teaching & �guidance and deep engagement with other quadrants
• Document history & train others in a way that �1) Inspires them by connecting your mission to God’s larger movement�2) Explains your culture through key organizational lessons in its history
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop history of movement
• Develop a community of leaders to do the same

Christian Counseling Integration Expert Competencies

• Mastery of theories and practice of integrating Christianity with �counseling and other social sciences that bring life transformation�and ability to deeply engage with other quadrants
• Train staff and clients in Christian counseling integration to bring life�transformation
• Articulate and document the effectiveness of your programs according to the terms of social science
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop Christian counseling integration expertise within movement
• Develop a community of leaders in your ministry to do the same

Chief Effectiveness Officer Competencies (often CEO)

• Mastery of business, leadership & nonprofit management best practices�and their deep engagement with other quadrants
• Develop and lead the execution of plans following best practices to grow the organization
• Articulate organization vision to various stakeholders to maximize mission impact
• Collaborate with thought leaders to spread innovation of best practices within movement
• Develop a community of leaders in your ministry to do the same

How Answers to Who We Are (Philosophical & Theological Anthropology) Shape Approaches to Counseling & Social Programs

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Key Questions of Theological Anthropology

• Imago Dei. What does it mean to be created "in the image of God"?
• Sin. How does concept of sin impact our understanding of who we are?
• Redemption. How does concept of redemption and grace impact our understanding of who we are?
• Model & Emphases. What is the relationship between body, soul and spirit? What model do we use, and which aspects do we emphasize?
• Relationship to Nature. Based on who we are, what is our relationship to nature, animals and the physical world?
• Life Direction. What are the implications of our answers to these questions on the meaning of life, how we should live and definitions of health?

Christian vs. Secular Worldview

Christian Worldview Secular Science Worldview

Base Worldview Christian Worldview Secular Scientific Naturalism

Dominant Metanarrative Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration Cosmic Chance to Ecological Catastrophe

Epistemology Wesleyan Quadrilateral, etc. Empirical, Positivistic Naturalism

Who are we? Emphases? In God’s Image but fallen Thinking animals/Collection of atoms� Holistic, social, people Provided by Field (i.e. psychology)

Fundamental Problem? Sin Provided by Field (i.e. psychopathology)

Solution? What is health? Salvation Provided by Field (i.e. psychology)

Holistic spiritual growth Psychological health

How should I live? Love God, Love Others Individual Pleasure Maximizing/Self-Actualization

Values Bible-based Relativistic (pretends falsely to be value-free)

This is not science.

Philosophical assumptions that science uses.

Philosophical �& Theological�Anthropology

Psychological & Theological Approaches to Philosophical Anthropology

Source. Table 7.1 Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity with slight modifications

Contrasting Theological Anthropology with Secular Model & Emphases on Who Are We at our Core?

Source: Renovation of the Heart Dallas Willard. Image sources: https://thecontinuumtheory.com/concentric-circles.html

The Foundational core of “who we are” has profound implications on:

1. What are the causes the problem (etiology & attribution style)?
2. What are the most effective interventions to bring transformative change?

Dallas Willard’s Model of Who We Are

Secular Materialist Model of Who We Are

How Philosophy of Who We Are Affects our Understanding �of How Life Transformation Happens

Psychological�Perspectives

Theological�Perspectives

Spiritual�Formation�Perspectives

Spiritual Community &�Program�Perspectives

Improved Understanding of

Life Transformation

How Life Transformation

Happens

Who Are We?

Philosophical Framework

Applying science to the mind,

behavior & counseling

Psychological theory & skills in

clinical counseling

Answers from Discipline of

Psychology (head)

Modernist, Rational, Secular,

Individualistic

Applying

Christian worldview

to counseling & psychology

+ Adopting correct theology &

Christian worldview

Answers from Discipline of

Theology (head)

Modernist, Rational,

Christian

,

Individualistic

Recognizes the importance of

spiritual disciplines

+Adopting spiritual disciplines

Holistic individuals (

head,

heart/will, hands

) will

-

centered

Holistic

, Christian,

Individualistic

Life transformation is more

caught than taught (or willed)

+Deep relationships in a

healthy Christian community

Holistic ministry (

head, heart,

hands + community

-

centered

)

Holistic Christian

Community

Christian Framework for Sin & Psychopathology (disease of the soul)

1. Sin is when we cause �these to be out of order

• Original Sin
• Personal Sin
• Suffering

2. Weakness or poverty (astheneia) is damage to God’s creation not due to personal sin

• Biological damage
• Psychological damage
• Social damage

Source: Eric Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Z2DsXT8O8

What is the problem? What do we emphasize?

Spiritual and Psychological Health

What is health? What model? What do we emphasize?

Source: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling

How Framework of Imago Dei Influences Markers of Health and Counseling Focus

Source: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Table 1.

Imago Dei is theological of being made in God’s image

Implications: What is health? What do we emphasize?

(office)

(attributes)

For more on this the imago dei see:

What Is Man?: Lesson 2 - The Image of God

Holistic Individual Focused Clinical Counseling-Centered Framework

Source: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Table 1.

Holistic Relational Community Focused Framework to Life Transformation

Psychological�Perspectives

Theological�Perspectives

Spiritual�Formation�Perspectives

Spiritual Community &�Program�Perspectives

Source: Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling Table 1 adapted.

How Worldview Emphases on Who We Are Influence Programs & Outcomes

Rescue Mission Secular Homeless Shelter

Theology/Worldview Holistic Christian Worldview Secular Scientific Positivism

Practical Theology Christian Holistic Approach Quantitative Best Practices & Harm Reduction

Fundamental Problem Holistic: Christian 4 quadrant Physical: Lack of Housing + Overdose Deaths

Solution/Mission Salvation + holistic needs Physical interventions: housing + medical

Who You Serve Anyone (dry shelter) + Anyone (low barrier shelter + MAT) � people ready for change

Programs Shelter + Christian Recovery Housing First + Methadone + Safe Injections

Primary Funding Private Donations Government Grants

Outcomes Spiritual, Housing, Job, Decreased deaths and # of homeless� Sobriety, Healthy Relationships ��

Streetlight Effect of Empiricism & Strength of Ministry Centered Approaches

Strength of

Empiricism

Weakness of

Empiricism

Weakness of

Empiricism

Strength of

Ministries

Streetlight Effect of Empiricism & Holistic Ministry Approaches

Clinical �Counseling

Program &�Community

Case Management

Christian�Integration�Knowledge

Christian�Clinical�Counseling�Skills

​

Expertise in

Christian�Program & Community�Design

Expertise in

Developing�Community�Partnerships

Personal Maturity�& Experience

of Counselor/Staff

Christian Teaching & Spiritual Disciplines

Life Skills Classes

Vocational Development�(job, financial health, housing)

Emotional Stability

& Relational Health

Support Community

(church, 12-step, etc.)

Physical Health�(psychiatric, medical, habits)

Client Development Dimensions

Intervention Dimensions

Staff & Program Competency Dimensions

Challenges of Empirical Studies of Holistic Ministries

1. Typically focus on changing one variable�and holistic approach changes too many �variables at once
2. Many religious intervention techniques�are heterogeneous in both skill & �implementation (prayer)
3. Alignment of religious intervention technique�with both client and counselor’s belief system�is critical

Epistemology Model in Clinical Counseling: �Secular Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence�Based �Practice

Epistemology Model in Clinical Counseling: �Secular Evidence-Based Practice (Empiricism Dominant)

Evidence�Based �Practice

Epistemology Model in Christian Clinical Counseling: �Christian Evidence-Based Practice

Christian�Evidence�Based �Practice

Assessing Your Organization's Approach to Practical Theology

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Core Theology, Practical Theology & Ministry Expression

Doctrinal Foundation�or Core Theology

Ministry Expression

Theological Vision

What to Believe

How to See

What to Do

A faithful restatement of the gospel with rich

implications for life, ministry, and mission

in a particular culture at a moment in history

• Mission, Vision & values
• Ministry “DNA”
• Philosophy of ministry
• Theory of change
• Priorities & Emphases

Timeless truths from the Bible

about God, our relationship to Him,

and His purposes in the world

• Theological tradition
• Organizational statement of faith
• Systematic & biblical theology

Adapted from Tim Keller’s Center Church

Practical �Theology

Strategic�Alignment

How the gospel is expressed

in a particular ministry in one

community at a point in time

• Programs
• Culture & staff
• Systems & Policies
• Funding model

Practical Theology within the Theological Pyramid

Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/17837958/

Theology applied to

everyday life

Application

Critical Competency

Typically Not Valued Enough

Theory

Foundational

Role of Practical Theology By Audience

Practical theology refers to

• an activity of believers seeking to sustain a life of reflective faith in the everyday,
• a curricular area in Christian education focused on how theology informs how Christian organizations engage in holistic ministry
• a curricular area in theological education focused on ministerial practice and subspecialties,
• a method or way of analyzing theology in practice used by religious leaders and by teachers and students across the theological curriculum,
• an academic discipline pursued by a smaller subset of scholars to support and sustain these first four enterprises.

Definition from Bonnie Miller-McLemore in Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. Order of items changed to align with the audience spectrum in this diagram�Bold item added since this is a particular emphasis of CVU.

Church = �Body of Christ

�Christian�organizations

�church�

Theologians

​

​

​

Academic�Theologians

Audience

One Function of Theology is to Set Boundaries of Your Organization

“The endemic disagreements between liberal-progressives and conservative-traditionalists are arguments about how wide the boundaries of the tradition are. Since no rule can decide in advance about all change or all boundaries, a healthy tradition…..includes an ongoing argument about where the boundaries of the tradition are and whether they should change. The name for this ongoing argument in the Christian tradition is ‘theology.’” �- Dr. Phillip Cary, The History of Christian Theology

​

Assessing Your Organization's Approach to Practical Theology

• What is the larger movement(s) your organization is a part of?
• Where does your organization’s core theology fall on the spectrum of theologically conservative vs. liberal?
• Where does your organization fall in the typology of FBOs?
• Who does your organization serve? Race, class, gender, other factors?
• What is your organization’s mission and values?
• What is the practical theology that informs that mission & values?
• What are the other disciplines outside of theology that your organization needs to apply to be effective and what will be your approach to relating to those disciplines?

Typology of FBOs & Approaches to Practical Theology

Secularized

• Secular sources�only (secularism)

Fundamentalist

• Bible Only �(Biblicism)

Biblical Engagement

• Complex interaction of Bible & other Disciplines

Most Theologically

Conservative

Most Theologically

Liberal

What is the Larger Movement You are a Part of?

Examples of Movements & Traditions

• Denomination (or non-denominational)
• Theologically conservative vs. liberal
• Evangelical vs. Mainline denomination
• Racial/ethnic/cultural group
• Black church, Hispanic church, White Evangelical
• Parachurch
• Rescue Mission, CCDA, Salvation Army, YWAM, Teen Challenge, Global Development/Relief
• Many organizations will have overlapping elements of different movements
• Black church & CCDA
• Rescue Mission and White evangelical

Family Tree of Christian Denominations

Source https://www.psalm11918.org/References/Technical-References/Family-Tree-of-Christian-Denominations.html

Acculturation, Assimilation & Practical Theology

Is it important to maintain one’s Christian identity & community?

Is it important to

develop relationships

with larger society?

No

Yes

No

Yes

Source: Adapted from Berry’s Acculturation Model

Biblically Faithful Innovators

Is it important to avoid secularization?

Is it important to

Innovate & adapt to�be culturally relevant?

No

Yes

No

Yes

Source: Adapted from Berry’s Acculturation Model

Niebuhr’s Five Approaches to Christ and Culture

http://christianculturecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/christ-and-culture.png

CVU’s Emphases & Strengths in Practical Theology

We will emphasize how practical theology relates to our students’ contexts. Many of our students are:

• In Christian nonprofits and parachurch organizations
• Serve those who are poor, addicted and disadvantaged in urban contexts
• Theologically conservative to moderate and engage deeply with society
• Engaging with the fields of counseling, psychology, social sciences, cultural studies and organizational leadership

City Vision’s Strengths in Practical Theology

Assessing Your Organization's Approach to Practical Theology

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Core Theology, Practical Theology & Ministry Expression

Doctrinal Foundation�or Core Theology

Ministry Expression

Theological Vision

What to Believe

How to See

What to Do

A faithful restatement of the gospel with rich

implications for life, ministry, and mission

in a particular culture at a moment in history

• Mission, Vision & values
• Ministry “DNA”
• Philosophy of ministry
• Theory of change
• Priorities & Emphases

Timeless truths from the Bible

about God, our relationship to Him,

and His purposes in the world

• Theological tradition
• Organizational statement of faith
• Systematic & biblical theology

Adapted from Tim Keller’s Center Church

Practical �Theology

Strategic�Alignment

How the gospel is expressed

in a particular ministry in one

community at a point in time

• Programs
• Culture & staff
• Systems & Policies
• Funding model

Practical Theology within the Theological Pyramid

Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/17837958/

Theology applied to

everyday life

Application

Critical Competency

Typically Not Valued Enough

Theory

Foundational

Role of Practical Theology By Audience

Practical theology refers to

• an activity of believers seeking to sustain a life of reflective faith in the everyday,
• a curricular area in Christian education focused on how theology informs how Christian organizations engage in holistic ministry
• a curricular area in theological education focused on ministerial practice and subspecialties,
• a method or way of analyzing theology in practice used by religious leaders and by teachers and students across the theological curriculum,
• an academic discipline pursued by a smaller subset of scholars to support and sustain these first four enterprises.

Definition from Bonnie Miller-McLemore in Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. Order of items changed to align with the audience spectrum in this diagram�Bold item added since this is a particular emphasis of CVU.

Church = �Body of Christ

�Christian�organizations

�church�

Theologians

​

​

​

Academic�Theologians

Audience

One Function of Theology is to Set Boundaries of Your Organization

“The endemic disagreements between liberal-progressives and conservative-traditionalists are arguments about how wide the boundaries of the tradition are. Since no rule can decide in advance about all change or all boundaries, a healthy tradition…..includes an ongoing argument about where the boundaries of the tradition are and whether they should change. The name for this ongoing argument in the Christian tradition is ‘theology.’” �- Dr. Phillip Cary, The History of Christian Theology

​

Assessing Your Organization's Approach to Practical Theology

• What is the larger movement(s) your organization is a part of?
• Where does your organization’s core theology fall on the spectrum of theologically conservative vs. liberal?
• Where does your organization fall in the typology of FBOs?
• Who does your organization serve? Race, class, gender, other factors?
• What is your organization’s mission and values?
• What is the practical theology that informs that mission & values?
• What are the other disciplines outside of theology that your organization needs to apply to be effective and what will be your approach to relating to those disciplines?

Typology of FBOs & Approaches to Practical Theology

Secularized

• Secular sources�only (secularism)

Fundamentalist

• Bible Only �(Biblicism)

Biblical Engagement

• Complex interaction of Bible & other Disciplines

Most Theologically

Conservative

Most Theologically

Liberal

What is the Larger Movement You are a Part of?

Examples of Movements & Traditions

• Denomination (or non-denominational)
• Theologically conservative vs. liberal
• Evangelical vs. Mainline denomination
• Racial/ethnic/cultural group
• Black church, Hispanic church, White Evangelical
• Parachurch
• Rescue Mission, CCDA, Salvation Army, YWAM, Teen Challenge, Global Development/Relief
• Many organizations will have overlapping elements of different movements
• Black church & CCDA
• Rescue Mission and White evangelical

Family Tree of Christian Denominations

Source https://www.psalm11918.org/References/Technical-References/Family-Tree-of-Christian-Denominations.html

Acculturation, Assimilation & Practical Theology

Is it important to maintain one’s Christian identity & community?

Is it important to

develop relationships

with larger society?

No

Yes

No

Yes

Source: Adapted from Berry’s Acculturation Model

Biblically Faithful Innovators

Is it important to avoid secularization?

Is it important to

Innovate & adapt to�be culturally relevant?

No

Yes

No

Yes

Source: Adapted from Berry’s Acculturation Model

Niebuhr’s Five Approaches to Christ and Culture

http://christianculturecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/christ-and-culture.png

CVU’s Emphases & Strengths in Practical Theology

We will emphasize how practical theology relates to our students’ contexts. Many of our students are:

• In Christian nonprofits and parachurch organizations
• Serve those who are poor, addicted and disadvantaged in urban contexts
• Theologically conservative to moderate and engage deeply with society
• Engaging with the fields of counseling, psychology, social sciences, cultural studies and organizational leadership

City Vision’s Strengths in Practical Theology

Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as a Method to Develop Practical Theology

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to Develop Practical Theology in Specific Domains

Specific Lessons Learned by Your Ministry

Learning from Your Movement

Core Theology

Fields: Academic Learning, Science, etc. Worldview

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History

Fields: Bible & Theology

Your Goal is to Retain Your Organization’s Emphasis While Its Core Competencies

Specific Lessons Learned by Your Ministry

Learning from Your Movement

Core Theology

Fields: Academic Learning, Science, etc. Worldview

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History

Fields: Bible & Theology

Practical Theology within the Theological Pyramid

Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/17837958/

Application

Critical Competency

Typically Not Valued Enough

Theory

Foundational

Principles to Discerning Truth: Scripture

• In using Scripture, it is almost as important to know what the Scripture does not say (where it may not be defining truth) as it is important to know what it says (where it is defining truth).
• Most historical mistakes of the church relative to science have been from assuming the Bible said more than it did (flat earth, geocentrism)
• Which quadrants we focus on in determining truth often will depend on the domain in question. Christians who are strong in scripture, but weak in science often have difficulty discerning the boundaries (and vice versa).
• Medicine & COVID-19
• Facts of Climate Change

​

Theological Certainty

Scientific Certainly

Scientific and Theological Certainty

Earth is Not Flat

Earth Revolves Around the Sun

Invalidity of Currently

Trendy but Crazy Theories

(COVID-19, Vaccine Conspiracies,�Climate Change is a Hoax, etc.)

Apostles Creed

(Jesus is God, 12 tenets)

Theological Conservatism

(evangelical tenets, sexual morality)

Denominational Beliefs

(pneumatology, eschatology)

Minor Points

(age of earth, worship styles

cultural holiness standards)

Boundaries within

Tradition

Boundaries of who

Meets Historical �Definition of Who is

a Christian

Complex Systems,�Praxis

Practical Theology

Theological Overreach

Overreach by �Science

Scripture: The Bible and Theological Education

• What does scripture say about the potential causes and the solution to the problem you are trying to solve?
• What key passages specifically from the text of the Bible informs your approach to ministry?
• How does your organization’s and that of its tradition inform its approach to Bible interpretation?
• What other relevant aspects of the core theology of the organization (and its tradition) that informs its approach to the problems it is trying to address?
• What is the theological history and church/parachurch history that informs your ministry?

Principles to Guide Discerning Truth: Science

• Science’s strength is defining what is. (Is vs. ought.)
• By definition, science does not provide moral judgements on what should be
• When scientific tools become metanarratives to answer worldview questions, they are no longer science
• Biological evolution (is) vs Evolutionism as a Worldview (ought)
• Science of climate change (is) vs. Climate change as a Worldview (ought)
• Cosmology/Big Bang (is) vs. Big Bang as Justification of Atheist Worldview (ought)
• Study of Economic Exploitation (is) vs. Marxist Worldview (ought)
• Study of Racism (is) vs. Critical Race Theory (ought)
• Study of the Biology of Sexuality (is) vs. Moral Judgements on Sexuality (ought)
• Because of the tendency of some domains of science to be used to promote worldviews hostile to a Christian worldview, many conservative Christians use an Overton window that excludes the science in these domains

Reason: Best Practices & Christian Integration

• Disciplines and Best Practices
• What do the most relevant disciplines teach that may be relevant to understanding the causes and potential solutions to the problems you are trying to solve?
• What are considered the evidence-based best practices in your field overall among all organizations serving your population?
• Societal Systems View (Continuum of Care)
• How does your organization fit into your sector and your sector fit into larger societal systems related to the problems you are trying to solve?
• Christian Integration
• In what ways does the dominant ideology of secular organizations follow an Overton window that limits debate and potential sources of truth and best practices? In what ways does that limit their effectiveness?
• How do the worldview and philosophical assumptions shape what is considered best practices in your field?
• i.e. Counseling, Psychology, Pragmatism (Management), Social Sciences

Experience: Lessons and Uniqueness

• What have been key lessons that your ministry has learned about its unique call and what works?
• What is different about your ministry, its context and who it serves compared to the larger movement?
• How might these differences shape your organization’s approach relative to the larger movement?
• Carefully assess how Scripture, reason and the movement relate to uniqueness of your context to ensure you are not ignoring the wisdom of the other quadrants for the sake of uniqueness
• Follow good principles of missiology

Tradition: Learning from Your Movement

• Programs
• What are the common programs or methods used within your movement?
• What are common approaches that other organizations use to address the same problems that are typically avoided by organizations like yours within your movement?
• Policies
• What are clear boundaries, common policies and expectations used by others in your movement to set to shape the culture of various tiers of your ministry (board, staff, volunteer leaders, clients, etc.)?
• What strategies are commonly used by others within your movement to shape the culture at these levels?
• Culture
• How would you characterize the culture of most organizations within your movement?
• What are key distinctives of ministries in your movement relative to both others serving a similar population?
• How would you characterize the how your organization limits debate (Overton window) and sources that might inform its understanding of truth?

Competencies for Senior Leaders & Organizations

Science, Social Science, Counseling

Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

History, Church/Parachurch History

Bible & Theology

Resident Theologian Competencies

• Mastery of the theological pyramid for teaching & guidance�and deep engagement with other quadrants
• Lead staff and clients into deeper relationship with God
• Inspire others by articulating scriptural foundations of your mission
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop practical theologies �within movement
• Develop a community of leaders to do the same

Resident Historian Competencies

• Mastery of the history of your tradition (how and why) for teaching & �guidance and deep engagement with other quadrants
• Document history & train others in a way that �1) Inspires them by connecting your mission to God’s larger movement�2) Explains your culture through key organizational lessons in its history
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop history of movement
• Develop a community of leaders to do the same

Christian Counseling Integration Expert Competencies

• Mastery of theories and practice of integrating Christianity with �counseling and other social sciences that bring life transformation�and ability to deeply engage with other quadrants
• Train staff and clients in Christian counseling integration to bring life�transformation
• Articulate and document the effectiveness of your programs according to the terms of social science
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop Christian counseling integration expertise within movement
• Develop a community of leaders in your ministry to do the same

Chief Effectiveness Officer Competencies (often CEO)

• Mastery of business, leadership & nonprofit management best practices�and their deep engagement with other quadrants
• Develop and lead the execution of plans following best practices to grow the organization
• Articulate organization vision to various stakeholders to maximize mission impact
• Collaborate with thought leaders to spread innovation of best practices within movement
• Develop a community of leaders in your ministry to do the same

Using Practical Theology to Engage with Science, Social Science and Other Disciplines

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Outline

• How practical theology relates to other disciplines
• Marginalized discipline OR
• A secular vs sacred battle OR
• As a lens to view all other disciplines (“Practical theology of…”
• How your ministry’s unique identity influences how it approaches…
• Frameworks for Practical Theology
• Modern vs. Postmodernism
• Counseling/Psychology & Christianity
• Cross-Cultural Ministry & Race

Is Theology a Marginalized Discipline or the Queen of the Sciences?

“Theology is Queen of the Sciences” – Thomas Aquinas

• Pre-Modern
• Theology at times was a tyrant of the sciences in abuses of the Catholic church
• Modern
• As academic studies expanded, it was no longer possible for one person to master all disciplines
• Specialization of academic disciplines redefines Theology a marginalized discipline
• Current academic framing
• Updated Framing
• Theology can be the queen of the sciences if we see from God’s perspective combining all disciplines at once with all knowledge at once (Note: we can’t)
• Christians wanting to help solve society’s great problems should take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach using multiple lenses striving toward an integrated understanding and solution (and combine head, heart and hands)
• CVU is striving to take a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to help Christian ministries address society great problems related to poverty and addiction

Interdisciplinary Sources Engaging with Practical Theology

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

• Ethnic, Gender, Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Ethics
• Non-Western Christian theology
• Music/Worship
• Art for others

Micro

• Organizational & Business Management
• Microeconomics

Macro

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Law, Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Ecology

• Humanities
• Western Theology
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Individual Psychology
• Art for Self

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Medicine/Psychiatry
• Healthcare/Life Sciences
• Nutrition & Exercise Science

Practical Theology

Theology as Marginalized Academic Discipline

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

• Ethnic, Gender, Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Ethics
• Non-Western Christian theology
• Music/Worship
• Art for others

Micro

• Organizational & Business Management
• Microeconomics

Macro

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Law, Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Ecology

• Humanities
• Western Theology
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Individual Psychology
• Art for Self

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Medicine/Psychiatry
• Healthcare/Life Sciences
• Nutrition & Exercise Science

Theology as Marginalized Academic Discipline

Dualism Heresy: Secular-Sacred Divide

Secular

• Counseling/Psychology/Sociology
• Science
• The other 6 days

Sacred

• Personal beliefs
• Church/religion
• Sunday

“The sacred-secular dualism is the worst heresy of the Christian church worldwide” – R. Paul Stevens

​

The whole world is sacred and under God. Ephesians 4:6, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 139:8

​

Typology of FBOs & Approaches to Practical Theology

Secularized

• Secular sources�only (secularism)

Fundamentalist

• Bible Only �(Biblicism)

Biblical Engagement

• Complex interaction of Bible & other Disciplines

Most Theologically

Conservative

Most Theologically

Liberal

Spectrum of Frameworks for Practical Theology

Bible Only

Secular

Only

Most Skeptical of�Theological Traditions

Most Skeptical of�Secular Knowledge

CVU will span these four groups, but with emphases aligned with our student population

5%

70%

25%

Why Level of Engagement Different Fields Might Vary

• Need for different levels of contextualization
• It’s not simply a “one size fits all” approach to other fields
• Need for cultural fluency to engage with a specific audience
• Jesus typically starts with where we are
• Recognition that dominant “Christian” cultural norms are also distorted and fallen
• Oversimplified view of engagement can result in legalism and political identity dominating Christian identity and biblical teaching
• Examples
• Intervarsity: elite college campuses requires highly sophisticated engagement with postmodern philosophy and frameworks on race and culture
• Urban Ministries: need highly sophisticated engagement with postmodern philosophy and frameworks on race and culture
• Addiction Recovery: often will need a highly sophisticated engagement with counseling

​

Using Who You Are to Determine Your Approach to Practical Theology

Most Skeptical of�Theological �Traditions

Most Skeptical of�Secular Knowledge

Christian Views of Modern vs. Postmodern Philosophy

Avoid All

Contextualization

Everything

is Relative

Evangelical

• Intervarsity Press
• Truth is Stranger than �It Used to Be

CVU’s View is that both modern and postmodern framings are flawed, but to construct

an informed Christian holistic perspective it is helpful to learn from postmodern deconstructions

Three Approaches to Counseling & Christianity

Church�Gathered

(not of �the world)

Church�Scattered�(sent into �the world)

Bible Only

Secular Only

Effective Integration: Biblical Worldview Dominant�Weak Integration: Secular Worldview Dominant

More Risk of Separation & Irrelevance

More Risk of Assimilation

Practical Theology in Counseling & Christianity

Church�Gathered

(not of �the world)

Church�Scattered�(sent into �the world)

Primarily Christian

Counselors in Secular �Organizations

Primarily Pastors &

Christian Counselors

in Churches

Primarily Christian

Counselors in

Christian organizations

that take Insurance

Range of what City Vision will teach intentionally exposing students to a range of views, recognizing our focus is on strong Christian Worldview Integration

Increased Compatibility with Norms of Secular Counseling

Practical Theology: Cross-Cultural Ministry & Approaches to Race

• Intervarsity Press
• John Perkins
• Brenda Salter McNeil
• Miles McPherson
• George Yancey
• CCDA 1.0

Nearly all-White

Nearly all non-White

• Brian Fikkert
• Bob Lupton
• Ray Bakke
• Tim Keller

• Intervarsity Press (by PoC for PoC)
• Sheila Wise Rowe
• Robert Chao Romero
• Carl Ellis
• CCDA 2.0

CVU will span these four groups, but with emphases aligned with our student population

5%

35%

35%

25%

Using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to Assess & Direct Organizational Culture

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

About the Wesleyan Quadrilateral

• Reflects theological technique used by John Wesley to discern God’s truth
• He never specifically framed this technique this way or referenced a quadrilateral or, but applied it in his writing
• Typically used as a tool of practical theology
• How we will be using in in this lecture is a different application
• Why we use this as a primary tool for this course
• It is simple and practical
• It fits the context of many of our students
• It can be used to shape organizational culture and strategy
• We use it primarily as a non-denominational framework, not dependent on Wesleyan Theology

An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral & Epistemology

Epistemology: How do we know what is truth?

The Wesleyan quadrilateral is typically only applied to understanding�religious truth, but this course will use it in a different way.

1. As a way of explaining the cultural understanding of discerning�truth created by different disciplines
2. As a framework for practical theology for relating to those �disciplines and the world

Competing Values Framework: A Business Lens on Organizational Culture

(Collaborate)�Ministry

(Create)�Social Enterprise

Administrative

(Control)

Business

(Compete)

Wesleyan Quadrilateral as Theological Lens on Understanding Organizational Culture

Fields: Science, Social Science, Counseling

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History, Church/Parachurch History

Fields: Bible & Theology

1. Being trained and working in various fields will inherently create a particular perspective or lens in understanding truth and together they create cultural understanding of truth
2. To assess organizational culture, consider the core competency or collective level of expertise, fluency and value of the leadership has across the four quadrants.
3. Organizational culture often trumps the espoused value of primacy of scripture.

Your Current Organizational Values and Core Competencies

Specific Lessons Learned by Your Ministry

Learning from Your Movement

Core Theology

Fields: Science, Social Science, Counseling Christian integration into these fields

Fields: Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

Fields: History, Church/Parachurch History

Fields: Bible & Theology

Organizations Values �& Core Competencies

Communicating to Different Stakeholders & the Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Donors, government, secular groups/partners

Business donors, pragmatic staff & donors

Longtime staff, movement, Christian donors

Staff, volunteers, Christian donors

Outline of This Course

Week 2: Resisting Secularization

Week 3: Understanding Our Place in History

Week 4: Practical Theological Method

Week 5: Using Practical Theology to Engage

with Science, Social Science and other Disciplines

Week 6: Business, Leadership & Nonprofit Mgt

Week 7. Developing �a Theological Vision

Week 8. Plan to

Operationalize Values �& Avoid Mission Drift

Week 1: How Theological Vision Informs Strategy

CVU’s Ministry Education Strategy

Aligning �Strategy with Theology and Values Course

Biblical Interpretation

Intro to Biblical Interpretation

New Testament Survey

Old Testament Foundations

New Testament Foundations

Foundations of Theology

Biblical Theology

Christian Approaches to Counseling & Life Transformation

Vocation, Calling & Purpose of Work

Cross-Cultural Management & Ministry

Leadership in Under-Resourced Communities

Christian Community Development

Theology & Strategy of Urban Ministry

Urban Youth Ministry

Christian Counseling Courses (33)

Ministry Management & Leadership Courses

City Vision Practical Theology Courses

CVU Applying Practical Theology to Specific Disciplines

Christian Approaches to Counseling & Life Transformation All Programs

Vocation, Calling & Purpose of Work Purpose of Work/Vocational Discernment

Cross-Cultural Management & Ministry Cross Cultural Management

Leadership in Under-Resourced Communities Leadership

Christian Community Development Community Development

Theology & Strategy of Urban Ministry Urban Development

Urban Youth Ministry Youth Work

Christian Counseling Courses Counseling/Addiction Counseling

Ministry Management & Leadership Courses Management & Leadership

​

Practical Theological Method

Epistemology and Evidenced Based Practice in Christian Ministry

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

Competencies for Senior Leaders & Organizations

Science, Social Science, Counseling

Business, Leadership, Nonprofit Mgt

History, Church/Parachurch History

Bible & Theology

Resident Theologian Competencies

• Mastery of the theological pyramid for teaching & guidance�and deep engagement with other quadrants
• Lead staff and clients into deeper relationship with God
• Inspire others by articulating scriptural foundations of your mission
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop practical theologies �within movement
• Develop a community of leaders to do the same

Resident Historian Competencies

• Mastery of the history of your tradition (how and why) for teaching & �guidance and deep engagement with other quadrants
• Document history & train others in a way that �1) Inspires them by connecting your mission to God’s larger movement�2) Explains your culture through key organizational lessons in its history
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop history of movement
• Develop a community of leaders to do the same

Christian Counseling Integration Expert Competencies

• Mastery of theories and practice of integrating Christianity with �counseling and other social sciences that bring life transformation�and ability to deeply engage with other quadrants
• Train staff and clients in Christian counseling integration to bring life�transformation
• Articulate and document the effectiveness of your programs according to the terms of social science
• Collaborate with thought leaders to develop Christian counseling integration expertise within movement
• Develop a community of leaders in your ministry to do the same

Chief Effectiveness Officer Competencies (often CEO)

• Mastery of business, leadership & nonprofit management best practices�and their deep engagement with other quadrants
• Develop and lead the execution of plans following best practices to grow the organization
• Articulate organization vision to various stakeholders to maximize mission impact
• Collaborate with thought leaders to spread innovation of best practices within movement
• Develop a community of leaders in your ministry to do the same

Appling the Doctrine of Original Sin to Epistemology

• Tim Keller paraphrase explaining doctrine of original sin: “If sin were blue, I would not have a few blue dot, I would be blue throughout.”
• Translation for Epistemology (Fully Knowing Truth)
• Every lens, framework, model, system, theology, word, book, course, symbol, academic/professional field has built in flaws and presents a limited perspective in understanding God’s truth
• Striving Sanctification in striving to fully know God’s truth
• It is critical that we still use these things to help us get the closest we can get to fully knowing truth (while still recognizing their limitations)
• Combining these concepts maintains humility while avoiding relativism
• Biblical & historical examples of healthy skepticism
• 2^nd & 3^rd commandment, Jewish attitude toward God’s name, images, idols, cross…

The implication for this course is that we will teach you

to use multiple lenses, recognizing that they all have flaws.

We Need Multiple Lenses to Address Society’s Great Problems

• “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” �- 1 Corinthians 13:12
• The glass is different colors for different people, cultures and disciplines
• Most people, cultures and disciplines only see limited parts of the problem
• “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”�- Luke 6:41
• Each discipline predisposes their lens on the world
• We like to point out the distortions of others
• We need multiple lenses to serve effectively
• We all have planks in our eyes and see �through a distorted lenses, but can improve

Image Source: https://tithebarn.wordpress.com/2017/01/20/specks-and-planks-luke-6/

Truth in Tension in Applying Multiple Lenses

Strive for Truth with Multiple Lenses

(Sanctification)

All Lenses are Flawed

(Original Sin)

Truth in Tension

Discerning Truth: Four Epistemological Models

• Christian: Wesleyan Quadrilateral
• Clinical Counseling: Secular Evidence-Based Practice
• Christian Clinical Counseling: Christian Evidence-Based Practice
• Secular Empirical Science

​

​

​

Christian Epistemological Model: Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Epistemology Model in Clinical Counseling: �Secular Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence�Based �Practice

Epistemology Model in Christian Clinical Counseling: �Christian Evidence-Based Practice

Christian�Evidence�Based �Practice

Epistemology Model of Empirical Science

Image source: https://isu.libguides.com/psychology/levels

Levels of Evidence Pyramid in Research & Its Limitations in Counseling

Limitations

1. RCTs are only possible in a small domain of knowledge in counseling
2. Large-scale RCTs are very expensive further limiting their availability
3. Often the effectiveness of a particular intervention more depends on the fit with a client than anything else
4. RTCs provide average results assuming homogeneous clients, but all groups will have significant heterogeneity in condition & goals
5. Using an intervention with strong average RTC results may be less important than matching the intervention with the client
6. The lens of Positivistic Naturalism emphasis on RCTs can create a bias toward interventions that lend themselves to the constraints needed by RCTs (i.e. CBT)
7. These limitations severely distort ability to evaluate effectiveness of religious interventions

Image source: https://isu.libguides.com/psychology/levels

Integrating Models: Christian Evidence-Based Practice

Christian�Evidence�Based �Practice

How Should We Live: Streetlight Effect, Positivistic Empiricism

• Counseling inevitably involves values to help answer the question: “How Should I live?”
• Positivistic Empirical Naturalism (while very helpful) has a very narrow scope where it applies

Hammers, Toolkits & The Wise Engineer

Source: https://www.tyrell.co/2019/05/the-old-engineer-and-hammer.html, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/215821007131374920/, https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Construction-Adjustable-Release-Buckle/dp/B07FD2H4N2

Stage 1. �Same Tool for Everything

Stage 2. �Extensive Toolkit

Stage 3. Extensive Toolkit & Use �the Right Tool in the Right Context

Academic Disciplines

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

• Ethnic, Gender, Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Ethics
• Non-Western Christian theology
• Music/Worship
• Art for others

Micro

• Organizational & Business Management
• Microeconomics

Macro

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Law, Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Ecology

• Humanities
• Western Theology
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Individual Psychology
• Art for Self

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Medicine/Psychiatry
• Healthcare/Life Sciences
• Nutrition & Exercise Science

Epistemological Research Methods Across Academic Disciplines

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

Constructivism

• Intersubjective truth
• Example: Black History
• Understanding &
• Multiple participant meanings
• Social and historical construction
• Theory generation
• Primarily qualitative methods

Transformative

• Frame truth to maximize change
• Example: Critical Race Theory
• Political
• Power and justice oriented
• Collaborative
• Change oriented
• Primarily qualitative methods

Postpositivism

• Fuzzy determination of reality
• Example: Social Science
• Postmodern understanding of positivism
• Modified empirical; critical multiplism;
• Quantitative & qualitative methods

Positivism

• Provable, objective truth
• Example: Science
• Determination, Reductionism
• Empirical observation and measurement
• Primarily quantitative methods

Source: Paradigmatic controversies

Participatory Action Research

• Pragmatist problem focused
• Use any method or tool to�solve problem
• Primary framework of CVU

The Primacy of Empirical Positivism

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

(Western theology, counseling, psychology)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

(biology, medicine, healthcare)

Q3: Cultural

(Eastern theology, anthropology, cultural studies)

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)�(sociology, law, economics, political science, history)

Cultural �Assimilation

By not advocating for systemic change, Counseling

might help a few individuals while not changing the

societal dysfunctions that are causing the problems

Positivism

• Provable, objective truth
• Example: Science
• Determination, Reductionism
• Empirical observation and measurement
• Primarily quantitative methods

Cultural Imperialism of Empirical Positivism

Image Source: Wikipedia Article on Assimilation of Native Americans

We can’t repeat the mistakes of the past by expecting the all fields to pretend to follow empirical positivism.

Theological Certainty

Scientific Certainly

Scientific and Theological Certainty

Earth is Not Flat

Earth Revolves Around the Sun

Invalidity of Currently

Trendy but Crazy Theories

(COVID-19, Vaccine Conspiracies,�Climate Change is a Hoax, etc.)

Apostles Creed

(Jesus is God, 12 tenets)

Theological Conservatism

(evangelical tenets, sexual morality)

Denominational Beliefs

(pneumatology, eschatology)

Minor Points

(age of earth, worship styles

cultural holiness standards)

Complex Systems,�Praxis

Practical Theology

Participatory Action Research

Theological Overreach

Overreach by �Science

Theological Certainty

Scientific Certainly

Scientific and Theological Certainty in Christian Ministry

Genetic Determination

(in Rare Cases, i.e. Down Syndrome)

1�Founding

2�Scaling

Genetic Determination

(addiction, sexuality)

Genetic Influence

(addiction, sexuality)

Apostles Creed

(Jesus is God, 12 tenets)

Theological Conservatism

(evangelical tenets, sexual morality)

Denominational Beliefs

(pneumatology, eschatology)

Minor Points

(age of earth, worship styles

cultural holiness standards)

Mental Health Debates

What attitude toward the following maximizes mental health outcomes:

• Attitudes toward sexual morality
• Balancing underuse/overuse of prescriptive psychoactive medications & MAT
• Attributive Style: to what extent do we blame external factors �for conditions vs. personal responsibility
• Abstinence vs. guilt reduction strategies
• Priority of housing first vs. treatment-first for those who are homeless

General: What morality and social values are optimal for long-term health of a society?

Most Pragmatic Questions for �Participatory Action Research

Most Common Epistemological Errors

• Misuse of “science” & Scientism
• Overstating scientific certainty in areas that have little certainty (that sexuality or addiction is genetically determined rather than influenced)
• Using science to state what “should be” rather than what is (Naturalistic Fallacy). i.e. because something is genetically determined then should be good (ethics, morality, sexuality)
• Assuming that the single variable scientific method can be applied with certainty to multivariable complex phenomena (most chronic disease, human behavior, what are the best ethical norms for society over the long term, etc.)
• Misuse of scripture & Biblicism
• Failure to recognize that all Biblical interpretation is done through flawed people
• Teaching scriptural certainty where there is not certainty or something that is cultural is universal (no dancing, playing cards, geocentrism, flat earth, etc.)
• Misapplying a theological generality to a specific scientific question (there are no genetically determined mental illnesses)
• General
• Misapplying science or scripture that fails to acknowledge built in limitations (from human flaws or by methodological assumptions)

The Risk of Master’s and Doctoral Programs

1. The vast majority of Doctoral Programs (both Christian and secular) essentially �follow an assimilative process to assimilate the student into the reason quadrant�and primary focus on deconstruction
2. This can make them values incompatible with the larger organizations and�movements they are a part of
3. Because of their superior reasoning expertise compared to others, they often �never recover because they deprioritize the value of the other quadrants

How Worldview and Epistemology Frame Social Problems and Solutions

Dr. Andrew Sears

President

​

What is a Worldview

• A worldview is a comprehensive lens through which we see and make sense of the world
• Big picture beliefs and assumptions on the world: philosophy, theology, epistemology, metaphysics, anthropology, etc.
• Important points about worldview
• Important to recognize distinction between espoused worldview and enacted worldview (which is often has strong unconscious & cultural influences)
• Often discussions on worldview overly focus on having the right “checklist” of “Christian” espoused worldview assumptions while downplaying enacted worldview
• Worldview can be understood as a cognitively (head) focused view of culture (whereas culture is more comprehensive)

​

How Original Sin Creates Worldview & Culture Wars

1. Every field applies methodologies (science, social science, theology) that rely on philosophical assumptions that make them effective
• Science uses Empirical, Positivistic Naturalism as a methodological assumptions
2. Often the philosophical assumptions needed for a methodology (like science) naturally become engrained as a worldview (scientism)
3. A principle from the field of media ecology is that anytime we use a methodology it builds our mental muscle to perceive the world through that worldview
• As a Christian practicing science, it will unconsciously shape your worldview
4. To build great cultures and institutions requires collecting people together who specialize in using a particular methodology
• This creates a type of group think where the methodologies become engrained worldviews
• This creates worldview/culture wars: academia/scientism vs. church/biblicism)
• Addressing most problems in the world requires multiple lenses & methods

​

Christian vs. Secular Worldview

Christian Worldview Secular Science Worldview

Base Worldview Christian Worldview Secular Scientific Naturalism

Dominant Metanarrative Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration Cosmic Chance to Ecological Catastrophe

Epistemology Wesleyan Quadrilateral, etc. Empirical, Positivistic Naturalism

Who are we? Emphases? In God’s Image but fallen Thinking animals/Collection of atoms� Holistic, social, people Provided by Field (i.e. psychology)

Fundamental Problem? Sin Provided by Field (i.e. psychopathology)

Solution? What is health? Salvation Provided by Field (i.e. psychology)

Holistic spiritual growth Psychological health

How should I live? Love God, Love Others Individual Pleasure Maximizing/Self-Actualization

Values Bible-based Relativistic (pretends falsely to be value-free)

This is not science.

Philosophical assumptions that science uses.

Having the right espoused worldview “checklist”�is not the same as an enacted worldview

How Philosophy of Who We Are Affects our Understanding �of How Life Transformation Happens

Psychological�Perspectives

Theological�Perspectives

Spiritual�Formation�Perspectives

Spiritual Community &�Program�Perspectives

Improved Understanding of

Life Transformation

How Life Transformation

Happens

Who Are We?

(Philosophical Anthropology)

Philosophical & �Epistemological Framework

Applying science to the mind,

behavior & counseling

Psychological theory & skills in

clinical counseling

Answers from Discipline of

Psychology (head)

Modernist, Rational, Secular,

Individualistic

Applying

Christian worldview

to counseling & psychology

+Adopting correct theology &

Christian worldview

Answers from Discipline of

Theology (head)

Modernist, Rational,

Christian

,

Individualistic

Recognizes the importance of

spiritual disciplines

+Adopting spiritual disciplines

Holistic individuals (

head,

heart/will, hands

) will

-

centered

Holistic

, Christian,

Individualistic

Life transformation is more

caught than taught (or willed)

+Deep relationships in a

healthy Christian community

Holistic ministry (

head, heart,

hands + community

-

centered

)

Holistic Christian

Community

Most Counseling Programs at Christian Universities

City Vision University’s Perspective & Curriculum

Christians Trained in Counseling at Secular Schools

Academic Disciplines

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

• Ethnic, Gender, Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Ethics
• Non-Western Christian theology
• Music/Worship
• Art for others

Micro

• Organizational & Business Management
• Microeconomics

Macro

• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Law, Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Ecology

• Humanities
• Western Theology
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Individual Psychology
• Art for Self

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Medicine/Psychiatry
• Healthcare/Life Sciences
• Nutrition & Exercise Science

A Christian Systems Approach to Understanding Causes of Addiction

• Biochemistry of addiction
• Medical Treatments
• Hereditary predisposition
• Easy access to drugs/addiction
• Lack of physical care of bodies
• Biophysical emotional predisposition

• Unemployment
• Lack of emotional intelligence
• Personal isolation/broken relationships
• Spiritual emptiness
• Wounds from abuse
• Separation from God

• Cultural devaluation of emotion,

spiritual, relationships, etc.

• Subcultures where addiction is norm
• Drugs, alcohol, sex, food & materialism

promoted in mass media

• Current cultural oppression (racism, etc.)
• Cultural inheritance from past oppression
• “Worship” of sex, hedonism and other

“gods” permeates culture

• Breakdown of family
• Lack of jobs
• Systemic Oppression (Racism, etc.)
• Political priorities
• Economics of drug trade
• Global exploitation
• Failed States/Governments
• Globalization of crime

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

All Disciplines Interpreted through �Lens of a Christian Worldview

A Christian Holistic Approach to Treating Addiction

• Assistance with physical needs
• Get on proper psychotropic medication
• Remove access to addictive item
• Avoid HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
• Narcan
• Some forms of Medication Assisted Treatment

• Get a job
• Go to counseling
• Get healthy friendships
• Form identity
• Establish physical & emotional safety
• Pursue spiritual fulfillment
• Get healing from wounds of abuse
• Get connected to God

• Spiritual revival
• Pursue or create subcultures that value � emotion, spiritual, relationships, etc.
•  Avoid subcultures where addiction is norm
• Avoid triggering mass media
• Pursue groups that help to cope with � cultural oppression
• Pursue groups that positively address

cultural inheritance from past oppression

•  Immerse in culture that worships God

Micro (development)

• Community development organizations
• Micro-economic development

Macro (advocacy & structural change)

• Just laws & policies
• Healthy social structures
• Just teaching of history (Black history, etc.)
• Macro-economic development

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Christian Faith & Dependence on God is the Organizing Paradigm

Secular Scientific Positivism Approach to Overdose Deaths: Harm Reduction

• Methadone
• Narcan
• Medication Assisted Treatment

• Unemployment
• Lack of emotional intelligence
• Personal isolation/broken relationships
• Spiritual emptiness
• Wounds from abuse
• Separation from God

• Cultural devaluation of emotion,

spiritual, relationships, etc.

• Subcultures where addiction is norm
• Drugs, alcohol, sex, food & materialism

promoted in mass media

• Current cultural oppression (racism, etc.)
• Cultural inheritance from past oppression
• “Worship” of sex, hedonism and other

“gods” permeates culture

• Safe injection sites
• Safe alternatives to opioids

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Secular Scientific Positivism

Scientific Positivism By

Definition Does Not

Recognize Internal Dimensions

Because They Cannot Be

Proven Quantitatively

​

How Worldview & Practical Theology Influence Programs & Outcomes

Rescue Mission Secular Homeless Shelter

Theology/Worldview Holistic Christian Worldview Secular Scientific Positivism

Practical Theology Christian Holistic Approach Quantitative Best Practices & Harm Reduction

Fundamental Problem Holistic: Christian 4 quadrant Physical: Lack of Housing + Overdose Deaths

Solution/Mission Salvation + holistic needs Physical interventions: housing + medical

Who You Serve Anyone (dry shelter) + Anyone (low barrier shelter + MAT) � people ready for change

Programs Shelter + Christian Recovery Housing First + Methadone + Safe Injections

Primary Funding Private Donations Government Grants

Outcomes Spiritual, Housing, Job, Decreased deaths and # of homeless� Sobriety, Healthy Relationships ��

How to Do Effective Christian Integration in Addiction Counseling & Recovery� �

Dr. Andrew Sears�President �City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

​

Dualism Heresy: Secular-Sacred Divide

Secular

Sacred

“The sacred-secular dualism is the worst heresy of the Christian church worldwide” – R. Paul Stevens

​

The whole world is sacred and under God. Ephesians 4:6, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 139:8

​

Christian Truth in Tension: AND vs. OR

Sacred AND Secular

Sharing the Word AND Deed

Faith AND Works

All Boundaries AND No Boundaries

Carry Your Cross AND My Yoke is Easy

Great Commission AND Great Commandment

Truth AND Grace/Love

Justice AND Mercy/Forgiveness

Responsibility AND Freedom

Legalism AND License

Spiritual Counseling AND Clinical Counseling

Spiritual causes AND Physical/Emotional/Social Causes

Spiritual growth AND Growth from Counseling/Psychology/Sociology

Salvation AND Sobriety

​

Acculturation, Counseling & Christian Integration

Is it important to maintain one’s Christian identity & community?

Is it important to

develop relationships

with larger society?

No

Yes

No

Yes

Source: Adapted from Berry’s Acculturation Model

Either/Or Fallacy

Three Approaches to Counseling & Christianity

Church�Gathered

(not of �the world)

Church�Scattered�(sent into �the world)

Bible Only

Secular Only

Effective Integration: Biblical Worldview Dominant�Weak Integration: Secular Worldview Dominant

More Risk of Separation & Irrelevance

More Risk of Assimilation

CVU’s Approach to Integrating Faith & Counseling

Christian�Fundamentalism

(Biblicism)

Secular

Fundamentalism�(naturalistic�positivism)

Primarily Christian

Counselors in

Secular �Organizations

Primarily Pastors &

Christian Counselors

in Churches

Primarily Christian

Counselors in

Christian organizations

that take Insurance

Range of what City Vision will teach intentionally exposing students to a range of views, recognizing our focus is on strong Christian Worldview Integration

CVU Teaches Across Five Perspectives on Counseling & Christianity

Why Many Christian Recovery Programs Challenge Secular Academic Teaching

Focus of Christian�Recovery: Things

you can change

Serenity prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, �the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Most Academic�Teaching on Addiction

Things you cannot�change

A Four Quadrant Approach to Understanding Causes of Addiction

• Medical Treatments
• Easy access to drugs/addiction
• Lack of physical care of bodies
• Biochemistry of addiction
• Hereditary predisposition
• Biophysical emotional predisposition

• Unemployment
• Lack of emotional intelligence
• Personal isolation/broken relationships
• Spiritual emptiness
• Separation from God
• Effects of wounds from abuse
• Effects of trauma from the past

• Cultural devaluation of emotion,

spiritual, relationships, etc.

• Subcultures where addiction is norm
• Drugs, alcohol, sex, food & materialism

promoted in mass media

• Current cultural oppression (racism, etc.)
• Cultural inheritance from past oppression
• “Worship” of sex, hedonism and other

“gods” permeates culture

• Breakdown of family
• Lack of jobs
• Systemic Oppression (Racism, etc.)
• Political priorities
• Economics of drug trade
• Global exploitation
• Failed States/Governments
• Globalization of crime

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Most Academic Understanding of Causes

Are In Circle of Concern (things you cannot control)

How Blaming Things Outside Your Control Can be Used to Avoid Personal Responsibility

• Personal responsibility
• Things you can change

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Blame

Blame

Blame

X

Fundamentalist Disengagement with Selective Academic Disciplines

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities & Social Sciences)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

Individual

Collective

Internal (more subjective)

External (more objective)

• Gender studies
• Cultural studies
• Anthropology
• Ethics
• Non-Western religions/theology
• Music/Worship
• Art for others

Micro

• Organizational & Business Management
• Microeconomics

Macro

• Sociology
• Law, Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Ecology

• Humanities
• Western Theology
• Ministry
• Counseling
• Psychology
• Art for Self

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering
• Medicine/Psychiatry
• Healthcare/Life Sciences
• Nutrition & Exercise Science

Four Quadrant Holistic Plan for Self-Care & Recovery

• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Regular check ups with doctor
• Get needed medical treatments
• Get psychiatric treatments needed w/o abuse
• Take healthy vitamins & supplements
• Remove access to addictive item
• Avoid HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)

• Secure a job in a healthy work environment
• Go to counseling or life coaching
• Develop healthy friendships
• Deepen your personality identity
• Establish physical & emotional safety
• Pursue spiritual fulfillment
• Get healing from wounds of abuse & trauma
• Get connected to God
• Secular counseling, groups & treatment

• Find healthy church & small group that values emotion, spiritual, relationships, etc.
• Avoid subcultures where addiction is norm
• Avoid triggering tech & media use
• Participate in health recovery or counseling groups (to receive)
• For cultural minorities, find positive groups where you can be in your own culture

• Work diligently to improve your resources & social location (employment prospects, housing, financial margin and resources for self-care)
• Only advocate for systemic change in healthy ways as you have personal margin to avoid co-dependency (social justice addiction)

Individual

Collective

Internal

External

Q1 Personal: Nurture (Humanities)

Q2: Physical: Nature (Science & Technology)

Q3: Cultural

Q4: Societal (Social Sciences)

X

X

X

Healthy Biblical Counseling vs. Toxic/Heretical Fundamentalism

X

X

X

X

X

Healthy Biblical Counseling

1. We are good at and prioritize Biblical &�Christian techniques of managing thoughts,

emotions & behaviors

2. Often those are the best place to start �in addiction recovery.

​

Behavior

• Behavioral guidelines in scripture
• Christian accountability
• Spiritual formation
• Discipleship

​

Core Beliefs & Thoughts

• Scripture memorization/study/meditation
• Worship
• Theology/Worldview
• Spiritual warfare of internal thoughts
• Mind of Christ

​

Emotions

• Worship
• Prayer
• Christian meditation/centering prayer
• Spiritual gifts

​

​

Secular

Sacred

Dualism Heresy

Toxic Fundamentalism

X

148

Most Helpful Balancing Point in Spectrum Depends on Progress (Rehabilitation)

Less Progress in Recovery/

More Risk of Relapse

Stronger Boundaries

More Freedom

​

Image Sources: Amazon https://www.deviantart.com/aliencaster/art/Self-inflicted-Setbacks-by-derS4tyr-Gallery-image-830553049 and https://www.flickr.com/photos/iwona_kellie/4656713866

Incarceration

Residential �Recovery

Aftercare�Program

Ministry�Intern

Staff

Senior�Staff

1. Need to accurately assess where you are.
2. Balance taking steps forward with what you can handle.
3. Typically, it’s better to be too cautious than too quick.

More Progress in Recovery/

Less Risk of Relapse

Wounded Healers Program of �Holistic Christian Recovery

Dr. Andrew Sears�President �City Vision University�www.cityvision.edu

​

Expanding Your Personal Capacity for Recovery Expands Your Circle of Control & Influence

Personal

Capacity

For Recovery

Relationships

Support Network

Job

Church

Living Situation

Serenity prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, �the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Downward Spiral of Addiction

• Trauma, abuse and PTSD
• Continued/increased exposure to trauma
• Attraction to toxic relationships
• Toxic relational habits

• Shame
• Poor self-worth (I deserve bad things)
• Not seeing you how God sees you
• Toxic core beliefs & worldview of an addict

• Emotional outburst and impulsive actions cut off healthy people
• Safe people avoid you
• Only people left are toxic people
• Only jobs available are toxic
• Only living environment available is toxic
• Avoid church and God out of shame
• Leave churches from conflict from emotional outburst

• Emotional outbursts
• Impulsivity

• Chemical addictions destroy health
• Toxic relationships destroy health
• No time or money to invest in health
• Shame devalues investing in self
• Friends/family model poor physical health
• Increased mental health issues & addictive pull

• Shame devalues boundaries & self-care
• High-risk relationships & situations
• Continued exposure to temptation
• All personal margin leaks to addictions
• Increased stress

• Unemployability from limited skills
• Unemployability from lack of reliability
• Unemployability from emotional outbursts
• Only employable in the worst jobs

152

Upward Spiral of Christian Recovery

Safety First, then Processing

• Attempting trauma processing w/o safety risks relapse
• Establish baseline of safety in life
• Process trauma in individual & group counseling
• Decreased emotional volitility and health issues
• Reestablish health core beliefs and self-image

Philippians 4:8

• Worship songs with positive messages
• Journal to correct toxic thoughts
• Learn your own unique identity
• Counseling and 12-step for cognitive distortions
• Listen to sermons with positive messages
• Memorizes scripture with positive messages

Analogy of Relational Rehab to Physical Rehab (Love God, Love Others)

• Attend church, small group & recovery group
• Probably initially avoid dating for a time (if single)
• Platonic/non-romantic cross-gender friendships
• Friendships, living and work environment with safe people
• Learn to become a good friend (and romantic partner)
• Books/podcast/videos on healthy relationships
• Attend healthy relationships classes
• Dating/marriage/restoration of relationships

Pressure Cooker & Steam Release Analogy

• Daily worship and prayer as emotional release
• Journaling as emotional release
• Talking to friends & counselor as emotional release
• Reduced stress from self-care, exercise & nutrition
• Develop DBT skills: mindfulness & distress tolerance

Implement the Daniel Plan & Physical Self-Care

• “Conversion experience” on physical health
• Establish routines for healthy cooking & exercise
• Books/podcast/videos on physical health
• Learn how physical heath impacts other domains
• Supportive friends on physical health
• Regular medical care to optimize health
• Psychiatric medication as needed

Healthy core beliefs result in self-care

• Stop trying to rescue others
• Limit stress from work other commitments
• Resist toxic beliefs that limit self-care
• End friendships with toxic/high-risk people
• Learn balancing giving out with taking in
• Learn how you uniquely de-stress & do self-care
• Establish firm routines that keep your “cup full”

Work Hard for Resources for Other Domains

• Entry-level high-stress, high-risk job
• Develop personal financial management skills
• Rehab work ethic between over/under-achievement
• Avoid work conflict w/ other quadrant support
• Serve as an exemplary employee
• Get better degree or trade skill
• Improve your marketability as an employee
• Move into positions with better pay & less risk
• Move into leadership as you have more margin

Resources

Effort

Avoid Sabotage

153

How this Course & CVU Supports a Holistic Recovery Plan