How many pastoral counselors does it take to change a light bulb?

Only one, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

Okay, it's an old joke. But how many pastoral counselors does it take to illumine the subject of counseling in the church context? Four, if they are as experienced as the group LEADERSHIP gathered to discuss the common dangers, frustrations, and joys of counseling as pastors. The four, who gathered from two coasts, four states, and three counseling roles, are:

-Edward Danks, pastor of Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, Connecticut;

-Gary Gulbranson, pastor of Glen Ellyn (Illinois) Bible Church;

-Archibald Hart, dean of the School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California;

-Wayne Willis, director of pastoral care for Alliant Health System in Louisville, Kentucky.

LEADERSHIP senior associate editor Jim Berkley moderated the discussion.

Leadership: What are the most common issues people are bringing you these days?

Edward Danks: My most frequent ...