Within the past ten years a number of Christians, largely untrained in psychology, have attracted great numbers of followers who are seeking advice and self-help formulae for solving personal problems. This article identifies nine characteristics which the popular leaders have in common, suggests reasons for the attractiveness of these leaders, and examines the significance of these popularizers for mental health professionals. The article suggests that the popularizers have arisen to fill a gap left vacant by church leaders and professional counselors who have not shown lay people how to cope with the problems of everyday living.
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