While social work is most commonly a secular work field, the foundations and principles of what a social worker actually do come from the Bible. The mission statement for social work describes how social work education specifically prepares students to be competent and effective. This is proven by a student, studying in this field, to be committed to the practice. The core practice of social work includes services to the poor, and fight to relieve those suffering from poverty, oppression and discrimination.
To receive a proper education in social work, a student must be presented with the opportunity of learning the knowledge, values and skills of a certified social worker. Studying social work at Cairn, specifically, allows for all of these factors, plus the chance to step out into the field with an internship, and put the classroom lessons to practice before stepping away with a degree and a career. According to the different competencies, social work is a field of being an advocate for an individual, family, group, organization or community. To be a social worker, one must be able to step out of their comfort zone, without fear, and defend the defenseless. As a Christian, stepping out of our comfort zone can still be hard, but it's a little easier because we know that the Lord is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).
The major of social work at Cairn University, is presented with five specific goals to prepare students for their future.
The first goal is to teach students to walk into a liberal work force with a Biblical view, and keep identity, ethics and values. Students need to be professional, but they need to keep a Christian mindset and not lose focus of the true reasons that they were called to enter into the field of social work. The second goal is to prepare students to understand diversity, social justice and advocacy. Diversity can shape a person and their experiences. However, there are some areas where diversity is seen a derogatory factor. The goal of a professionally-taught social worker is to protect the rights of those who are diverse from the majority. The third goal of a proper and professional social work education is to teach students the history, structure and current issues of the profession. By understanding the past and present of the major, students will be prepared to apply their knowledge to circumstances that they're faced with, and whether or not they're competent enough to handle the situations in a calm and professional manor. The fourth goal of the professional social work study is to present students with a lifelong commitment to learning. Through the learning in the classroom or on the field, students should be demonstrating critical thinking and professional communication. This keeps the students working professionally for their education in a professional program. The fifth and final goal of proper social work education is to engage students in practice. This is done through students creating relationships with those who need help and advocacy. A social worker doesn't just show up, do her job and leave. She needs to take time to understand and know her client and understand how she can take further steps in creating better circumstances. Students also need to be able to process their skills, even after they are out of the classroom and onto the field.
Not only is defending the defenseless a core value of social work, but it's also a command of God for us to help care for those who cannot care for themselves. Philippians 2:4 states, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” With this verse, Paul tells the Philippians that they mustn't focus on the selfish wants of themselves, but to take care of others and do what's in their best interest. This verse explains social work because it talks about being a selfless professional and looking out for not only the clients, but any man around that may need help.
Psalm 82 speaks to the Christians about rescuing the weak and needy. This is a good passage for those pursuing social work, because it teaches that the weak and needy need to be rescued and delivered from the hand of the evil one (Psalm 82:4). Specifically in Psalms 82:3, it's said that Christians need to, “Give justice to the weak and fatherless.” Not only does this mean that the society of Christians needs to reach out, but it shows just how much a social work education with a Biblical background should teach to seek out those who need help and strength. In social work education, a large part of the study is devoted to making sure that all people are being offered full opportunity and justice. Deuteronomy 24:17-18 reminds Christians that we were once slaves and helpless but we have been redeemed, and therefore, this needs to be done for those who cannot escape themselves. “You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a window’s garment in pledge, but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.”
Social work education shouldn't just teach about the secular morals and values. It should bring in the aspect of the Bible. As previously stated, going into the profession of social work is following the exact commandments that God gives us, to go out and help the fatherless and support those who cannot support themselves. In Acts 20:35, Luke states that, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive.’” Here is a perfect example of how social workers need to bring a selfless and compassionate persona to the field. While they must care for themselves and their health, the actual job description, through both secular and Biblical eyes, is to serve the less fortunate and make sure that their needs are fulfilled and they're being offered fair and proper opportunities. Social work is all about reaching out and not only connecting with the clients, but loving on them and showing them that there are people in society that care about them and their well-being. Christ gives this command in John 13. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
While studying social work at Cairn University, the morals and values of the secular understanding of social should absolutely be taught. However, not only because it's a Biblical institution, but because the study of social work is formed from the Bible, those who study social work should have at least a basic understanding of the commandments that the Lord places in front of the Christians. Christ tells Christians to reach out and love one another. These are the exact principles of social work and what the profession focuses on. 1 John 3:18-20 says, “Little children, let us not love in word but in deed and truth. By this we shall know that we are of truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us; God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”
In closing, as a Christian social worker, one is not only told to show love to their clients, but to practice real love. They must reach out and make sure they are being defended, protected, offered opportunities and not being looked over.
