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What You'll Discover in this Episode:
Evangelism and Counseling
In this episode, we discuss the value of one-on-one discipleship and the steps on how to go about it. Now, more than ever, we are to bring the gospel with people who are not born again or who are unsure of their salvation. Often, people don't know God in a personal way.
So, when they come to us for counseling, we listen. We listen to evidences and make observations. Are they saved or born again? Have they fallen away? Are they ready to recommit or receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?
Next, we pray with them. We ask the Lord to bring conviction in their lives and that they see the need for Jesus. We also ask the Holy Spirit to draw them to God.
We let them understand what sin is. Sin means missing the mark and missing God's perfection. We can't be who we're supposed to be in God's eyes without Jesus Christ. We let them know that the penalty for sin is death -- death meaning separation from the love of God. The good news is that God has shown His great love by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. Romans 5:8
Then, we lead them to repentance. They should express their conviction to confess Jesus as their Savior and Lord and that they're willing to turn away from sin. They should be willing to turn their life to God and start running toward Him.
How do you lead somebody in this counseling situation?
- Lead them in prayer
- Share the gospel and disciple them.
How do we start discipling them?
- Let them share their faith
- Ask them to join small fellowship groups
- Ask them to read the Bible regularly
- Ask them to pray every day
- Let them grow in faith by serving the Lord with their time, talent and treasure
We invite you to listen to the entire episode as Pastor Jeff Christianson shares some of his insights and experiences in biblical counseling in a one-on-one aspect. Share your thoughts below in the comment section below!
I can personally relate to how the quality of life we have will make a real difference in our perspectives. A year ago I chose to improve my eating habits and began to lose weight and take time for myself in different areas, but then some new physical conditions began to show up which didn’t go away. About 3 months ago I was diagnosed with diabetes. It was kind of devastating because I never really faced something that if left unchecked could literally kill me one way or another.
But what it has done through the Lord’s guidance, is give me a new perspective on how I view others who face things that have made their lives difficult. And it brings a bit of compassion, and patience into view when counseling those who haven’t done well in areas as I have. Now, this isn’t to say they don’t need to make changes in their lifestyles, just like I was eventually forced to do and with hope, others wouldn’t go the distance of abusing their bodies like I once did.
But what it should say to the counselor and the counselee is, “Let’s face this obstacle together” and with God’s help, the person who is seeking to overcome issues in their lives tends to reach personal goals if they know others are behind them. This is true for spiritual issues too. None of us have led their lives of faith perfectly but those in counseling, if they have a desire for God to change them in ways the Holy Spirit is showing them, they will indeed have victory in their life if they have support. True they must want to change but if they do, having help along the way will make a big difference.
I can definitely relate to this. During my season of health decline, the Lord taught me the importance of truly “eating and drinking” as unto Him. I very practically had to deny the desires of my flesh in food and choose what was best for my health. Each time I prepared a meal I was reminded of the very practical application of the spirit vs the flesh. What we need to be healed is not always what we want, but as we choose obedience anyway through self-control, those other cravings begin to diminish and we begin to crave those things that are truly for our good.
I agree Liel,
One of the biggest challenges in life is getting our flesh to submit to the Holy Spirit. One thing for me personally is understanding the works of the flesh and works of our spirit and His Spirit. It doesn’t appear the flesh will really submit to God. As I have taught, using this saying, “It seems our flesh didn’t get the memo that we are saved in Jesus.”
I think a lot of believers in Jesus put stock in their flesh, hoping it will finally submit to God, and maybe it does some, a little bit, but within us is a conscience or spirit which now as believers allows us to choose to go over to the side of true life and into the work of the Holy Spirit.
What do you think? How are we divided as living beings – flesh and spirit and then there is God’s Spirit in the believer as well – gotta say, we are a real mix of things, one way or the other.
I very much appreciate the emphasis on the foundation of salvation being laid. This is the most critical issue, and if we do not have this sure foundation nothing else we try to build will be effective. I also appreciate the standard of having those who are coming for counseling being held accountable in the handling of their time, talent, and treasure. Studying the Bible daily on their own and being involved in regular fellowship are areas that can be easily overlooked but really set the course for their healing and growth. I also like the practical advise such as investigating their exercise and sleep. These things make a bigger impact than most realize! The substance of this podcast is so crucial, because often the issues we are dealing with are rooted in a lack of or shaky foundation with the Lord and His Word. Healing can begin only after the relationship with the Lord is mended.
Great Podcast! This was so helpful and I love how you explained, when ministering to someone, “Are they saved or are they saved, but not walking in fellowship with the Lord?” What a great way to use ministry and evangelize and share the gospel message! I always wondered, after leading someone to Christ, a genuine repentant believer, what’s next? I must confess that after sharing the gospel, I didn’t think too much of letting them share their faith, asking them to join in bible studies or getting them plugged into fellowship or local churches around them. This was a very helpful podcast!
I appreciated the steps after evangelism as well! I have known discipleship is important, but having those practical steps to lead them through afterwards is very helpful. What stood out to me especially about these steps is the emphasis placed on their willingness to do them. I have always struggled with how long to continue meeting with someone who seems to remain in the same place and does not follow counsel. It gives me peace to know that it is alright to hold them to a standard for their own growth’s sake.
I can relate to this situation as well. After folks in my life have given their life to the Lord sometimes those new in Jesus or maybe a Christian for a while can slip through the cracks of life and they are kind of forgotten. We don’t mean to do that but it can happen. I appreciate when God places a person on my heart to check on them, and I know it is time to do so. Sometimes all they say is they’re doing fine but if we trust God in these situations, I know they needed to hear from us. Thank you for your post Oliver.