CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGY DR. E. C. BRAGG - Trinity College

called upon to use all his knowledge of human nature to deal with them. Too
many have one cure for every ill, like a doctor with but one pill for all ills. The
preacher must know how to deal with each individual; to do this, he must know
their own peculiar outlook, feelings, and problems, if he is to help them. Here is
why there are usually only a few in the average preacher's church that he can
help, while many find no help from him in his counsel. He is a stranger to their
particular problem as he has no understanding of their natures. All too many can
only help those who have similar natures to their own, since their case is known
by experience to them.
2. It is important because there are many problems of a natural nature not
necessarily, nor actually, spiritual, needing the preacher's advice and help. It is
amazing what they can ask you! They expect the preacher to be a paragon of
wisdom. Often he is asked or feels the need to counsel, about marriage problems,
home problems, etc.
3. It is important because the preacher will be called upon again and again to
use every bit of knowledge of human nature to make groups at variance to be
reconciled or various cliques within the church to cooperate in concerted effort.
There is no large group but that diverging interests divide into cliques.
4. It is important to keep down various ill feelings arising out of real or
imagined wrongs on the part of touchy members. There are folks who think they
can sing, for usually they make so much noise so close to their ears they can't
hear their off-key rasping. The ones who can sing, won't; and the ones who can't
insist on singing. It will take all the preacher’s knowledge of psychology and
diplomacy to keep them from singing, yet keep them happy. This is why the
choir is often called “the war department of the church” There are also issues
with the average board, with at least one splinter on it.
5. It is important, for you will find a great deal of sympathetic understanding as
well as patience in dealing with them, if you understand their peculiarities. If you
know from your understanding of psychology that the person has some innate
quirk of character they cannot help, you will be able to deal with them patiently
and also to help them. You will not quickly underrate them, belittle, nor ridicule
them. It ill becomes us to laugh at some infirmity of personality or body. In
every church you will find these folks; if you understand them enough, you can
help them and fulfill the ministry God has given you in that place.
6. It is important, since as a minister, you will be called upon to listen
sympathetically to a lot of confessions. Psychologically it is necessary "to talk it
out" many times to find peace of mind. The urge is overpowering to tell someone
who understands and in the telling, mental rest is found. It is not easy to be a
good listener at times like that. No supercilious air, no levity, no selfrighteousness,
no spirit of criticism, nor of condemnation will do, but real heartfelt
sympathy and understanding.
7. It is important to the right understanding many times of certain Scriptures. It
will clarify many doctrines and portions of the Word to know the psychological
aspect.