It is always wonderful when someone is freed out of the spiritual New Age deception and now knows Jesus! Often a period of confusion and struggle follows, especially if someone is not properly discipled from the beginning. What’s next?
Many of the people I counsel are ex-New Agers. They often had a radical conversion (like us), are in an environment that is diametrically opposed to the faith, and in many cases they can no longer do their old work because it is based on New Age ideas and practices. They may also lose (a big part of) their income as a result. They find me through word of mouth or through the Internet. After an initial introduction, to see if we are a good match, we start working together. The conversations have no price tag, because we have received God’s wisdom and knowledge for free, and we also want to give it for free (Matthew 10:8). Giving without expecting anything in return is an important biblical concept and a reflection of God’s nature.
To give some more insight in where counseling based on the Bible can lead to, I’d like to share this experience of one of my counselees:
“Uprooted from my old life, stepped out of the new age, converted, but not yet rooted in my new identity in Jesus. The first time period after my conversion was like a honeymoon. Hallelujah! But soon I fell into confusion and spiritual strife/numbing. Just before my baptism, I knocked on Ingrid’s door for counseling. I wanted clarity about what comes from God, what does not, and the difference between spiritual struggle and trauma. Discernment.
I thought I had already hit bottom, but the deepest darkness came only after my baptism. Ingrid was a beacon for me in this. Each time she led me back to God and His word. In a loving and calm and knowledgeable way. It was so nice that Ingrid knows from her own experience about the new age. Things that I thought were probably just me turned out to be very recognizable and completely normal for someone with a history with new age in combination with trauma. After a conversation with Ingrid, there was always hope and peace again. God worked so powerfully and encouragingly through her. Thank you Lord for the work Ingrid is doing in Your name.” Lia
I am touched and privileged to serve with this work. It is so beautiful to see the Father bringing together and healing His earthly family…. All glory and honor to God!
From various sides I have had the request to begin writing equipping materials related to counseling ex-New Agers. This I am happy to do. I pray that God will give me the strength and wisdom to accomplish this task.