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Abstract
The problem of this study was to analyze perceptions of Texas Southern Baptist ministers regarding their health counseling competencies and the health counseling needs of the churchgoer. Ministers from three areas within the state were surveyed.
A questionnaire was developed with help from existing instruments and a panel of professionals. Administration of the mail survey yielded 113 responses.
The ministers ranked 14 counseling areas from most to least counseled according to their past experience. They also ranked these cases according to perceived needs of the churchgoer. There was significant agreement among all rank orders between groups when the ministers were compared according to age, area, community size, church size, years in the ministry, and level of education.
Most ministers felt inadequately trained to counsel in seven areas and recommended educational programs during ministerial training in each area. They were also interested in additional educational opportunities in each counseling area. The ministers felt that it was important to offer competent counsel in each area, but did not indicate a need for a “minister of health” on their staff.
Finally, comparisons of several questionnaire items revealed some interesting patterns in ministers' responses. Recommendations for health education programs are made.