A Layperson's Brief Guide to Ministering/Praying for Someone Online or on the Telephone

By David Kyle Foster

This is not an exhaustive handbook. It is a brief guide filled with suggestions about the kind of things one might say or pray while ministering to someone on a one-time or short-term basis.

Depending on the circumstances, these suggestions may not be fully sufficient for the task. They are only the start of a process that should be carried further by pastoral, intercessory, home fellowship leaders, or counseling ministries.

Originally written for a national network of counseling centers. Revised and updated.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Kyle Foster
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005990541

David Kyle Foster

Dr. David Kyle Foster (M-Div - Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; D-Min - Trinity School for Ministry) is the author of Love Hunger: A Harrowing Journey from Sexual Addiction to True Fulfillment, The Sexual Healing Reference EditionA Biblical Guide to Finding Freedom from Every Major Area of Sexual Sin & Brokenness, and Transformed Into His Image: Hidden Steps on the Journey to Christlikeness. He has served as adjunct professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, The Bible Institute of Hawaii, Trinity School for Ministry, Logos Christian College & Graduate School and the Wagner Leadership Institute. His articles have appeared in numerous journals and magazines and he has been a guest on countless television and radio programs at home and abroad - witnessing to the power of God to set anyone free from anything. David has spoken on five continents for ministries such as Youth With A Mission, Ellel Ministries and others. He is also the founder and director of Mastering Life Ministries, producer of the “Pure Passion” TV program (www.PurePassion.us) and producer/director of the award-winning documentaries, “Such Were Some of You”, "How Do You Like Me Now?" and "TranZformed: Finding Peace with Your God-Given Gender". Making his home in the Nashville, TN area, David loves hanging out with Jesus during the Autumn in a quiet mountain cabin and being in the company of people who can’t stop talking about how much they love God.

Book preview

A Layperson’s Brief Guide to Ministering/Praying for Someone Online or on the Telephone

By

Dr. David Kyle Foster

Copyright © 2022 Dr. David Kyle Foster

All rights reserved.

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This is not an exhaustive handbook. It is a brief guide filled with suggestions about the kind of things one might say or pray while ministering to someone on a one-time or short-term basis.

Depending on the circumstances, these suggestions may not be fully sufficient for the task. They are only the start of a process that should be carried further by pastoral, intercessory, home fellowship leaders, or counseling ministries.

Contents

I. MINIMAL STANDARDS FOR MINISTRY/PRAYER COUNSELOR WORKERS

II. INITIAL ASSESSMENT

III. THE PRIMARY CONCERNS OF CALLERS

IV. POSSIBLE UNDERLYING PROBLEMS OF CALLERS

V. PARAMETERS FOR MINISTRY ONLINE OR BY PHONE

VI. METHODS FOR MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE CONVERSATION

VII. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH THOSE SEEKING HELP

VIII. WHAT WE BELIEVE

IX. PRAYER PRINCIPLES

X. HOW TO PRAY FOR SALVATION

XI. LEAD THEM INTO THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

XII. SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE SIGNS & WONDERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

XIII. HOW TO PRAY FOR DIVINE HEALING

XIV. MINISTRY OF DELIVERANCE

XV. DELIVERANCE FROM SATAN AND HIS DEMONIC FORCES

XVI. SCRIPTURES ABOUT DELIVERANCE

XVII. ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

XVIII. PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS OF CULTS OR OTHER RELIGIONS

XIX. PRAYING FOR EMOTION-BASED PROBLEMS

XX. PRAYING FOR FREEDOM FROM DEPRESSION

XXI. PRAYING FOR THOSE THREATENING SUICIDE

XXII. PRAYING FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

XXIII. PRAYING FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS

XXIV. PRAYING FOR MARITAL PROBLEMS

XXV. PRAYING FOR PARENTING ISSUES

I. MINIMAL STANDARDS FOR MINISTRY/PRAYER COUNSELOR WORKERS

A. Born again

B. Bible-believing

C. Empowered by the Spirit

D. Committed to a local church

E. Reasonably mature in their faith

F. A good heart attitude

G. Obedient to God’s Word (Romans 15:14)

H. A servant’s nature (Matthew 20:26-28)

I. Free from habitual sin (2 Corinthians 7:1)

J. Committed to the work of the Lord (Proverbs 16:3)

K. Submissive to authority (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

L. An orientation toward love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

M. Teachable spirit (Romans 6:17-18)

N. Ability to minister in reliance on the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:26-27)

O. Facility and accuracy with using God’s Word for answers (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

II. INITIAL ASSESSMENT

A. What is their relationship with Jesus?

1. Avoid confusing terms like saved, born-again, in order to avoid getting bogged down with doctrines that are inessential to salvation.

2. If they died tonight, would they go to heaven? Why?

3. If they showed up at the pearly gates, what would they give as their reason for being given entrance into heaven?

B. Have they been empowered by the Holy Spirit? (Acts 19:1-6)

1. Avoid confusing terms like Spirit-baptized, baptized by the Spirit, etc.

2. Are the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit working in their life?

C. Are they happy with their present church?

1. This approach reveals more than simply if they go to or have a church.

2. Send them a list of recommended churches or have a pastor contact them.

D. Are they in need of in-depth counseling?

1. Is their present church capable of handling their problem?

2. If not, refer them to a known ministry and/or church that is known to biblically handle the issues involved.

E. Get them to make one or more specific prayer requests.

F. Pray with them. (Sometimes you will feel led to let them lead the prayer).

G. Close immediately with a word of thank you or encouragement.

III. THE PRIMARY CONCERNS OF CALLERS

A. Financial needs (est. 30% of all calls)

B. Healing needs (est. 20% of all calls)

C. Family-related problems (est. 20% of all calls)

D.