RESEARCH TOPIC: AN EVALUATION OF THE PERCEPTION OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WITHIN THE PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY AND ITS IMPLICATION TO THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELLOR

by ladi_musa1 (student)

University Degree Historical and Philosophical studies

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

RESEARCH TOPIC:

AN EVALUATION OF THE PERCEPTION OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WITHIN THE PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY AND ITS IMPLICATION TO THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELLOR

AUTHOR: Christy L. Tabansi

SUPERVISOR: Bishop Barth Orji

CHRIST REDEEMER COLLEGE, LONDON

(MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY, LONDON)

UNITED KINGDOM

INTRODUCTION

Concept of mental health illness among Pentecostals has led to widespread problem whereby persons and families concern are left worse off. In my course Theology and counselling I have come to learn that there is a thin line between mental health and mental illness. Many definitions to mental health and mental illness has emerge over the years. For the sake of this study, ”mental health consist of various scopes that is self- esteem; realisation of one’s potential; the ability to maintain fulfilling, meaningful relationships; and psychological well-being. This could be affected by the environment or circumstance we find ourselves. Also, reaction and extensity may vary.” This infer that one does not have to be raven mad to be branded mentally ill.

They queried the existence of mental health illness and attribute it to demon or the cause is spiritual in nature (personal sin or demonic involvement etc.). To buttress this Adams concord that there is no such thing as mental illness and claimed that the term mental health illness is a figure of speech and also people with personal problems often use camouflage to avoid facing to their sins. . When the person does not response to prayers and deliverance, it is concluded that the person is either resisting prayers or unrepentant. For this reason the proper diagnosis is not given.

This results to a person who has a mental health issue not be given the right support or required treatment. This has been a concern and prompted me to this study; how the Pentecostals perceive mental health issues and how they treat it. These cases were handled in the church as purely spiritual cases which at the end compound their condition. In view of this I embark on this study to explore why the Pentecostals spiritualise mental health issues? Why the reluctance referring to professionals? What is the way forward for the leaders as the members turn to them as healers and the members go to the church for healing. I see the need for the church to wake up to the awareness that mental illness exist and some Christians and their families struggle with this. Besides, most Christians prefer prayers as a counselling option. This study aims to analyse the worth of mental health, psychotherapy within the Pentecostal theology. The history of Pentecostalism, will be explained bringing out the concept or meaning of Pentecostal theology; healing tradition; concept of Christian counselling and how Pentecostal concept affect it. An analysis of the link between the secular and Christian perception of mental health problems/illness will be made. However, the study will concentrate on Pentecostal churches within London.

My expected outcome of this research will be for the church to be aware that using exclusively the bible sometimes is not enough to deal with mental health issues. Some Christians struggle with mental health issues. To add mental health in Pentecostal theology training programme. For the pastors to be aware of the need and when to refer cases. Also, is for the professionals to be aware of the concept of the Pentecostal in case they come to them for care. In the process bring out how this forms their opinion and hesitance referring cases for professional help. Also, I intend to explore the need to strike a balance to arrive at a solution to mental health within the Pentecostal Theology through appropriate counselling and professional approach. In short is to bring awareness of mental health issues to the public.

1. AIMS OF THE RESEARCH

1.1 Main aims of the project are:

To evaluate summary of the literature on mental health and Psychotherapy.
Present an outlook of Pentecostal Theology in relation to mental health.
Explain why people with mental health issues opt to go to church
Explain why Pastors/ members deny the existence of mental health.
Why mental health issues is common within the Pentecostals/Charismatic.
Explain the need for Church leaders to refer cases appropriately.
To make recommendation to Pentecostal Theological education on how make best use of the information resources.

Personal Aims include:

Completion ...

This is a preview of the whole essay

1. AIMS OF THE RESEARCH

1.1 Main aims of the project are:

To evaluate summary of the literature on mental health and Psychotherapy.
Present an outlook of Pentecostal Theology in relation to mental health.
Explain why people with mental health issues opt to go to church
Explain why Pastors/ members deny the existence of mental health.
Why mental health issues is common within the Pentecostals/Charismatic.
Explain the need for Church leaders to refer cases appropriately.
To make recommendation to Pentecostal Theological education on how make best use of the information resources.

Personal Aims include:

Completion of the compulsory component for the award of an honorary degree in Theology and Counselling.
For personal interest
Preparation for possible employment.

1.3 Main Objective of the Research Project

The concept of mental health within the mental health professionals.
The worth of psychotherapy within Pentecostal Theology.
Create an awareness of the existence of mental health within Pentecostal Theology.
Awareness of the availability of mental health promotion services.
Create a structure for proper referral system within Pentecostal Theology Organisations.

2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

What is mental health? In answering this question, I will explain what mental health is to the professional

What is Psychotherapy?

What is Pentecostal Theology?

How is Mental Health perceived within Pentecostal Theology?

What is the healing or care tradition within Pentecostal Theology?

What challenges arise from this perception?

How does this affect Christian counselling?

Who is a Christian counsellor?

What is Christian Counselling?

How can this be resolved?

Location: The location for this research will be London UK and Nigeria.

4. METHODOLOGY AND METHODS

4.1 Literature Review

Secondary data will be form London School of Theology (LSD), library London, Christ Redeemer College (CRC) library London and internet search engines and directories. Sources accessed will be used to write the literature review.

LITERATURE REVIEW

For Psychology and Psychotherapy literature of choice will be William Kay’s Pastoral care and counselling. This book discusses and compares the major approaches with Christian counselling approach. The three major psychologies of Skinner, F. Behaviouristic; Freud, S. Psychodynamics; and Rogers, C.; Person Centred. In this book, he discussed the 3 major theories, their similarities and dissimilarities. Thereafter, he criticise them in Biblical perspective. He further, suggests how Christians can adapt secular counselling approaches and techniques. They include Christian versions of secular approaches formed by James Dobson, Selwyn Hughes to mention a few.

Another book to be reviewed is Competent to counsel : An introduction to Nouthetic Counselling by Adams, J. This book illustrates in Christian perspective how sin is the cause of illness and how he dismissed mental illness as being an act people put up. He demonstrated how the bible alone is infallible manuscript for counselling and does not trust the secular approach to counselling. Also that, counselling cannot be done effectively without the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Adams state that our problems are either biological, medical and organic which can be dealt with medically and the other problem is as a result of sin, this is handled spiritually.

My resource for Pentecostal Theology will be from McMahan Oliver in his book “A Living Stream Journal of Psychology and Healing “ He talk about Pentecostal theology history, characteristics, healing traditions, challenges of their perceptions, their attitudes mental health and opinions on referral to mental health professionals services.

Stanford, M. S., McAlister, K. R. Perception of Serious Mental Health Illness in the local Church.

Stanford, states that pastors/church leaders are thought to serve as a referral source for psychologist who then serve mental health service for clients. Partially, because insufficient training in identifying mental illness and or wrong beliefs about the origin of these conditions. He added that this process could be harmful.

I will refer to other books and journals as go along.

4.2 Data collection and sample of case study

Primary data collection will be by observation, recording and measuring people activities and ideas of real people like; clients, patients, church leaders and professionals.

Non-Random sampling such as; theoretical sampling will be employed this is to give a qualitative research on people directly involved.

Quota Sampling, that is will be interviewing certain number of people in reference to the topic from mental health professionals and Pentecostals perspective.

Sample size

This will be large as I anticipate detailed and high accuracy of this specimen.

Case Study.

At a point I will study a Pentecostal organisation, personality or episode. This I will make a detailed study, assessments and comparisons of a useful number of examples.

I may be asking questions through questionnaires for quantitative and qualitative information from people. Some of the advantages are the impersonality and I will be remote.

4.3 Data analysis

5. Scope and Limitation of the Study

The literature search will aim to be comprehensive, but restricted access to primary literature.

The focus of the primary data collection will be on case study of African Pentecostal Churches in London and African Pentecostal church base in Africa. Due to time constrains to the completion of the project and resources. The number of case study sample will be limited. Also as this is a piece of undergraduate work the research may not match professional standard.

Resources

6. Computing and library facilities at LST and CRC London will be used extensively in support of the study.

7. TIME TABLE.

Submission date for dissertation proposal is November 22nd 2011. December, January, February, March, April will be progressive development of my research and completion of my dissertation. Date of dissertation presentation is not known yet. Further reading will be from the various mentioned sources as above. Analysis will be within London, United Kingdom. The editing and rewriting of my dissertation will be in April 2012.

Submission deadline for dissertation proposal is on the 22nd November 2011. Prior to the date, several drafts will be made and corrected by peers, supervisor and chair of Dissertation.

Time table:

Week Activity

09 – Prepare dissertation

10 – Literature search

11 – Literature search

Christmas vacation:

Write preliminary literature review; start bibliography.

12 – Submission of preliminary literature review to supervisor (version 1).

13 – Reading of methodology

14 – Submission of proposal methodology

15 – Revision of literature review and proposal and proposed methodology (due to new materials and supervisors comments).

16 – Devise case study

17 – Select Sample

18 – Devise sample base on supervisors comment

19 – Submit version 2 of literature review and methodology

20 – Revise version 2 literature reviews

21- Submission of draft of literature review methodology chapters and results to supervisor

22 – Revision of draft.

Easter vacation: Write up final draft of dissertation

23 – Submission of final draft with all the chapters

24 - Revisions and submission of dissertation.

8. Proposed Chapter Headings

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter2: Literature Review

Chapter 3: Methodology

Chapter4: Research Findings and Discussions

Chapter5: Conclusions.

Books I may be reading are as follows:

Bibliography

1. .Adams, E. J. Competent to Counsel: An Introduction to Nouthetic Counselling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan; 1970.

2. Adams, J. Theology of Christian Counselling: More than Redemption. Grand Rapids: Zondervan ;2010

3. Collins, R.G. Christian Counselling: A comprehensive Guide .

4. Collins, G.R. Christian Counselling Casebook. Thomas Nelson Inc; 2007

5. Jacobson, D.G. Thinking in The Spirit: Theologies of the Early Pentecostal Movement. Bloomington: Indiana University Press; 2003

6.Belcher, J. R. Religious Education and Pastoral Counselling. The classical Pentecostal Experience

7.Belcher, J. R. and Hall, S.M. Healing and Psychotherapy: The Pentecostal Tradition

8.Darrryl H. S. Psychological Christianity Integration: Seminal Works that Shaped the Movement. Illinois: CAPS International ; 2007

9.Dobbins, R. What makes Counselling Pentecostal. InJ. Vinning(Ed), Pentecostal Care Givers Anointed to Heal. New York: Cummings & Hathaway Publishers

10.Dowd, E. T., Nielsen, S. L. The Psychologies in Religion: Working with the Religious Client. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.;2006

11. Ingram, J.A. Psychological Aspects of the Filling of the Holy: A Preliminary Model of Post Redemptive Personality function: Journal of Psychology and Theology. 24 104113 1996

12. Johnson, E.L. & Jones, L. S. Psychology & Christianity: Four Views. Illinois: IVP Academic; 2000

13.Kay, K. W. & Weaver, P.C. Pastoral Care and Counselling a Manual. Cambria: Paternoster Press; 1997

14. Kay, K .W. Pentecostalism. London: SCM Press: 2009

15. Koenig, H.G. Handbook of Religion and Mental Health. California: Academic Press; 1998

16. Marshall, R. Political Spiritualist: The Pentecostal Revolution in Nigeria. London: The University of Chicago Press; 2009

17. McMahan, O. A Living Stream: Spiritual Direction within the Pentecostal/Charismatic Tradition. Exploring how Pentecostals relatively brief history and tradition.

18. McMinn, R.M. & Campbell, C.D. Integrative Psychotherapy: Toward a Comprehensive Christian Approach. Illinois: IVP Academic; 2007

19. McNally, R. J. What is Mental Illness? USA: Harvard University Press. 2011

20. Meier, P.D. Minirth, F.B, Wichern,F.B. Ratcliff D. E. Introduction to Psychology and Counsenlling: Christian Perspectives and Applications.(2nd ed) Tunbridgewells: Baker Book House Company; 1991

21. McMahan, O. Scriptural Counselling: A God Centred Method. Cleveland, TN: Pathway Press; 1995

22.Norcross, J. C. & Goldfield, M.R. (Eds). Handbook of Psychotherapy Integration (2nd ed). New York: Oxford; 2005

23. Palmer, S. & Wolfe, R. Integrative and Eclectic Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: SAGE Publications; 1999

24. Staff. “The Association. Definition of ‘Integrative’ in integrative Psychotherapy. International Integrative Psychotherapy Association; 2009

25. Robeck, C.M The Azusas Street Mission and Revival: The of The Global Pentecostal Movement

26. Stanford, M. S., McAlister, K. R. Perceptions of Serious Mental Health Illness in the Local Church. Journals of Religion, Disability and Health. Vol. 12(2) 2008. The Haworth Press.

27. Steven Jack Land. Pentecostal Spirituality: Passion for the Kingdom. London: Sheffield Academic Press Ltd; 2003

28. Shults, F.L., Sandage, S .J. Transforming Spirituality: Integrating Theology and Psychology: Grand Rapids: Baker Academic; 2006

29. Smith, J. K. A., Yong Amos. Science and Spirit: a Pentecostal Engagement with the Sciences. Bloomington Indiana: Indiana University Press; 2010

30. Yong, A., Alexander, E. Afro-Pentecostalism: Black Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in History and Culture. New York and London: New York University Press; 2011

Horwitz, A.V. and Scheid, T. L. ed. A Handbook for the Study of Mental Health: Social Contents , Theories, and Systems. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press;1999. P2

Stanford, M. S., McAlister, K. R. Perceptions of Serious Mental Health Illness in the Local Church. Journals of Religion, Disability and Health. Vol. 12(2) 2008. The Haworth Press.

Adams, E. J. Competent to Counsel: An Introduction to Nouthetic Counselling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan 1970. pp26 -40

Kay, K. W. & Weaver, P.C. Pastoral Care and Counselling a Manual. Cumbria: Paternoster Press; 1997. pp.138-140

Kay, K.W. Op. cit p.147

Adams, E. J. Competent to Counsel: An Introduction to Nouthetic Counselling. Grand Rapids: Zondervan 1970. pp26 -40

Ibid. pp 67- 69

Stanford, M. S., McAlister, K. R. Perceptions of Serious Mental Health Illnessin the Local Church. Journals of Religion, Disability and Health. Vol 12(2) 2008. The Haworth Press.