COUNSELLING NEEDS OF RELIGIOUS PERSONS IN FULL TIME MINISTRY: A CASE STUDY OF THE METHODIST CHURCH, ASHANTI REGION

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to interview ministers of the gospel to

ascertain their counselling needs as well as the coping mechanisms

implemented to mediate the stressors in their personal and professional lives.

There is limited academic research provided through the lens of seasoned

clergy which reveals their counselling needs related to sustaining ministry.

The design for this study was a descriptive analytical survey. Both

qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in this study. The sample

of the study consisted of fifty (50) Methodist ministers in the Ashanti Region

of Ghana but much interest was on ordained ministers. Simple random

sampling procedure was used in the selection of the respondents for the study.

It was established from the study that most children of the respondents

had bad behaviour due to the lack of quality time with their parents. It was

also discovered that most respondents were financially overburdened since

they shoulder all the financial responsibilities in their households. Also most

of the ministers lack support from their leaders thereby making it incumbent

on them to solely ensures the progress of the church.

To address the problems of ministers, the researcher recommended the

organization of leadership retreats and seminars for ministers and their leaders

by Christian Council of Ghana and various denominations. Again, the

establishment of counselling and placement centres for ministers and their

families was recommended. Finally, ministers’ spouses who are not in gainful

employment need to be equipped with vocational skills and business activities

by their spouses with the help of the church to keep them busy always.

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