Dr. Don Anderson reflects on two recent retreats
"To put it straight and simple, the psychologist's job in a Wellness Retreat is tough but worth it," Board Member Don Anderson said with a smile and twinkle in his eye. Don worked the recent retreats at Dallas and Tennessee in the Staff Psychologist role and also as an MTM advisor to give his professional impression of the Wellness Retreat design.
He said that basically two types of ministers attended the retreats - those who had been blindsided and those who are habitually fired. The first group had been treated harshly and abruptly. They were crushed and left feeling rejected and in a faith crisis.
The second group members had been terminated two or more times and were facing a real re-thinking of their call to the pastoral ministry. Their need seemed to be in helping them to understand some alternative ways to fulfill their call from God.
Don characterized the members of both groups as, "Facing a grief situation similar to a death. They were incapable of making good decisions and were in a panic type condition. They were filled with anger, doubt and rebellion."
Real healing took place in the retreat setting even though it was hard, at first, for the attendees to listen with understanding. The retreat design moved participants along and in time, some made a real breakthrough.
Summing up the total retreat experience, Dr. Anderson said, "Our retreats help all participants to a new level of well-being and functioning. It helps them develop a personal sense of confidence and competence. I believe the retreat structure is very powerful and productive."
Thad does sound like hard work . . . but, well worth every minute of it!