What You'll Discover in this Episode:
Biblical Counseling is Discipleship Counseling
In this brief article, I would like to describe discipleship from the perspective of a Biblical Counselor. Since the word counseling can have different meanings in our culture today, it is important to define our terms, and what we mean by the term “biblical counseling.”
An important foundational truth to remember is that the Bible is clear that biblical counseling is discipleship that takes place in the context and community of the local church. That is, biblical counseling is not independent from church life. Counseling can happen outside of the church building, of course. When we refer to the church, we are referring to the body of Christ: God’s people. Therefore, biblical counseling takes place between Christians. Men counseling men, and women counseling women. Additionally, biblical counseling does not take place separately from discipleship.
Colossians 1:27b-28 supports this concept: “…Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
First, a person can only be made perfect (or complete or mature) when they are born again. Therefore, counseling must lead to salvation before it can progress to sanctification. Second, counseling is about Jesus and “Christ in you,” for the power to become who God wants us to become: namely, someone who is Christlike (Eph 4:14-16; Col 1:28).
Biblical counseling includes the community of believers. It establishes relationships and provides resources for every Christian to bless and encourage weak and needy believers (Col 1:28-29, 3:16).
Biblical counseling emphasizes that the Word of God is sufficient to bring about understanding about life’s problems. God’s Word is also sufficient to give help and hope to people with relational, emotional, mental, and behavioral problems (Rom 15:4-5, 13).
Biblical counseling is not based on man’s reasoning or opinion, but rather is solely founded on God’s Word.
Biblical counseling does not ignore true medical issues, but works diligently to see the person as a whole (1 Tim 5:23; Ps 32:3-4). It is neither insensitive nor uncaring (Acts 20:31; 1 Thess 2:7-12). But rather, in love, biblical counseling uses God’s Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, to captivate a person’s desires, thoughts, and behavior and turn them towards the truth (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 4; 2 Peter 1:3). Biblical counseling does not focus solely on behavioral issues or circumstances (Prov 4:23; Mark 7:21ff). Rather, it deals with the counselee’s sins or trials by strategically helping them connect and apply the truths and promises of the gospel to their lives (Prov 18:13; 2 Pet 1:3-4). It equips a person with tools to live out God’s commands by grace through faith (2 Cor 10:5; Col 3; Eph 4). Biblical counseling focuses on the gospel, and seeks to put these Christ-centered truths into action. Finally, it should be emphasized that the ultimate goal of biblical counseling is to glorify God through helping believers with their progressive sanctification and strengthening the church body as a whole (John 17:17-19).
In summary, biblical counseling is discipleship. Too often discipleship is seen as simply teaching a new believer the fundamentals of faith in Christ. However, the Bible clearly commands that believers are to be consistently and personally involved in each other’s lives. Consistent discipleship relationships brings God’s Word to bear on specific life issues. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 says that we are to baptize and teach others to observe (keep or live out) all that He commanded. The church has neglected this essential directive, presuming that those who are familiar with the Bible know how to apply it in all aspects of their lives (Deut 6:1-3; Eph 4:11-16). Biblical counseling in its truest sense is coming alongside one another. It is providing comfort and instruction from Scripture, helping each other understand how the gospel of Christ Jesus addresses every aspect of life. In this manner, discipleship counseling teaches a person how to live for the glory of God.
Discipleship counseling is also multiplicative. This means that counselors should produce more counselors. We must disciple with the goal of equipping leaders to then counsel others. As a believer effectively applies God’s word to his own life, he is then able to pour out God’s principles, promises, and gospel application into the lives of others. Through intense, biblical discipleship, leaders are more adequately prepared and equipped so that they may in turn counsel, prepare, and equip others. Biblical, discipleship counseling creates a system in which the gospel of Christ is effectively advanced and where leaders are consistently trained and commissioned to train others.
This article should have given you an overview of what we offer in our classes in the Biblical Counseling Program. If you should want further information or would like to discuss this topic, contact Pastor Jeff at jeffchristianson@gmail.com or text him at (970) 510-0055.
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There is a widespread recognition that discipleship in the American church falls far short of the teaching of Jesus. In many cases, this is because people are unaware of what the Bible really teaches; in others, it is because they are misguided by flawed teaching. Regardless, relatively few professing believers appear to be living as true disciples of Jesus Christ. And as a result, many reject him, discredit the church, repel nonbelievers, and diminish the influence of God’s truth in the secular world.
Each of us must begin by earnestly seeking God’s grace to be a more faithful disciple of Jesus ourselves. This may involve a renewed commitment of all that we are and all that we have to him, no matter the cost. We must seek ways to help our own church become a community of disciples seeking to fulfil the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit. And we must pursue to live publicly for Christ and seek to be salt and light in the world, influencing our family, friends, colleagues, and community.
more than ever, we must pray that God will raise up a movement back to authentic discipleship that will restore our lives, church, society, and (most of all) God’s glory before the watching world.
I think we can get sucked into the business of life, and start to treat following Jesus as less relational, and more task oriented. We strive to read the scriptures, spend time in prayer, and go to a weekly gathering, but lack relational connection with other believers which hurts you and others. We were meant, and designed by God to be in relationship with others and counsel one another. Being a disciple of Jesus means making other disciple of Jesus, which means spending time in relating, guiding, and serving other people. Practicing the way of Jesus is in essence serving and loving on others. This includes creating real relationships with people, where there is intimacy and honesty. This is lamenting with people, weeping with people, and comforting people, just as much as it is teaching people, encouraging people, and love people. Too often do we engage in mundane and self-protecting dialogue that is unhelpful to growing in intimacy with other. Real relationship is where real change occurs. When we are disciples of Jesus, we will make other disciples of Jesus. We are not creating disciples of ourselves, but creating disciple of Jesus who will then in turn do the same.
Thank you pastor Jeff for another great podcast! It’s a great reminder that men should counsel each other and women should counsel each other. We need to use better discernment when it comes too this issue of transparency and accountability.
Allowing Jesus to work through us for people makes changes in them that no one else can,
it is important to define not only their relationship but ours, always making sure we are in the word and be doers of the word is highly important so we may be equipped and adequate to guide others by example and providing hope.
I do agree that when we seek counsel it is for self-satisfaction and we must be ready to admonish those who seek such because it is easy to give prosperity gospel but the truth the real gospel comes by dying to self.
Thank you again Pastor Jeff for encouraging us to continue to seek scripture as the basis of our lives
Thanks Pastor Jeff for another informative pod cast. Biblical counseling is discipleship counseling it takes place in the community of the local church because it can’t be duplicated or made up. Thanks for the reminder that biblical counseling has to be 2 believers and preferably men counseling men and women counseling women to keep the temptation away and not let the enemy use anything to bring us down. To many times people get caught up without realizes the positions they put themselves in till their hearts have gone astray. We teach others in the wisdom of the Lord not our own wisdom. Biblical counselors teach others that the Word is sufficient for all matters. Biblical counseling does not dismiss true medical issues. The Body of Christ has many members that work together to lead others to Christ, everyone has a part to do can be a blessing to the person.
You are so right when you said that too many people get caught up without realizing the place, they are putting themselves in. We need to be aware that we have an enemy that is looking for things that he can work with for the goal to bring division and destruction among the body of Christ. It is so important to be aware of the enemy’s tricks and to stay connected with the word of God for wisdom. Thank you, Margaret, for your post.
This was another timely podcast from Pastor Jeff. I appreciate his commitment to the sufficiency and efficacy of the Scriptures for all of the various issues of life. He brought up the importance of defining our terms as far as what biblical counseling is; which I agree is vitally important. Most Christians see counseling as a means of problem solving, not discipleship. Nevertheless, it is important for us as counselors to inform and encourage that process from salvation to sanctification. I appreciated his restating of the importance of counseling taking place within church life. Too often, we assume the role of sole counselor, without incorporating the various means of counsel God has provided in the church and the Word. With the current state of affairs, there is a greater demand for competent biblical counselors. However, this great need must be filled with individuals that are filled with His Spirit, committed to His Word, and devoted to Christ themselves. In other words, biblical counselors should beget other biblical counselors.
David, what you said really resonated with me, “that most christians see counseling as a means of problem solving, not discipleship.” When you word it like that discipleship is a long, lifetime process and takes commitment. It is not just a onetime meeting, but needs to be an investment into someones life. This is so important to realize it’s a relationship to bring someone closer to Jesus.
This podcast was such a great reminder of what is most important. The first step in Biblical counseling is to make sure that the person is saved. Many people coming for counseling are looking for something to help them and may not know the Lord. It is only through salvation in Christ that a person can step on the path to sanctification and begin the growing and changing process. It is Christ in us that transform’s us.
I appreciated Jeff’s words when he said, it takes the whole community of believers, each member doing their share in encouraging and building up one another. Biblical counseling emphasizes that the word of God is sufficient to bring about understanding and clarity for life’s problems or questions. When each of us understand that and understand our part in the body of Christ we will experience the discipleship that Jesus desires for us to be a part of and will see people growing in Christ.
Kristie, I agree with your point concerning salvation. Nothing is more difficult than trying to biblically counsel an unbeliever. It is a futile endeavor that must give way to the preaching of the Gospel, so that they may be born-again. I have had the unfortunate experience of realizing in the second session that this individual was unsaved. I immediately turned my attention to their need for repentance and faith in Christ. Unfortunately, that individual rejected the Good News and counseling was discontinued. Since then , I have placed even greater emphasis on their salvation and relationship with Christ and His word before addressing any of their “problems”.
Very true David that’s the most important issue is the person we are counseling saved or not? In our discipleship group we have a mixture of saved and unsaved and it’s complicated sharing a christian message but we are always point towards a call to repentance in the end. We mustn’t forget that call to action, repentance at the end of any message because we never know who is listening.
Thank you for sharing
How important it is to be part of the body of Christ but even more so being ready to use our gifts and talents to edify, teach, correct and guide those near us and we will receive the same
Amen Jeff I do believe we should stay out of heavy arguments that lead to nowhere and take attention away for Christ. In our discipleship group we have seen these empty arguments and straight away we point back to scripture and Christ. 2 Timothy 2:23.
Also we must encourage those around us to refocus on developing that relationship with God and to share the gospel with all nations and to teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. Matthew 28:18-20.
This is my life’s focus to share Christ and his good news, help those in need.
I agree to that women should counsel women and men should counsel men. In our discipleship group we follow this principle and it is a protection from the enemy’s snares.
Also the biblical counselor must be evangelistic and make sure the counselee is actually saved and moving forward in the sanctification process becoming more Christlike and this includes the whole community of believers in the body of Christ who can encourage and build up the person receiving counsel/discipleship. And that the word of God is sufficient to help those in need and biblical counseling does not ignore medical issues but works alongside.
Thank you for sharing
I agree because through our men’s ministries we have methods where one man cannot be alone with a woman unless someone else is present, we cannot counsel a woman unless someone from the same sex is there to assist and mostly we leave it to women to counsel women.
Thank you so much
Thanks Pablo for sharing that insight about men’s ministry: “we cannot counsel a woman unless someone from the same sex is there to assist and mostly we leave it to women to counsel women.” Very important point as members of the body of Christ we must protect one another this is all part of the care within the body.
The expectation when counseling biblically is to have people learn how to live a life that is Christ-like and then for them to counsel others and bring them to the same place. It should be something that will continue happening with the body of Christ. One of the things I pray to God about us (the body of Christ) is to help us to be disciples that make disciples. What an opportunity God is giving us! Like you said biblical counseling is discipleship which involves bringing salvation, seeking what our wonderful Counselor is saying through His word, relying on the Holy Spirit, and being involved in each other’s lives. I like how you compare Biblical counseling with Christian counseling. Since I was younger, I wanted to be a counselor, then after being a believer for a while, I wanted to be a Christian counselor. Then a few years ago, one of my sisters in Christ sent me a link about ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) coming to NJ to teach; a 30-hour program (three weekends). My husband and I went and it was amazing. There we learned in more detail the difference between Christian counseling and Biblical counseling. We both love it and we were so encouraged about what we learned. I told my husband at that time that I would love to become a biblical counselor one day. Here I am today taking biblical counseling with CCU. I’m so grateful! As you said God Word is sufficient to help people with behavioral, emotional, and mental problems – Romans 15:4-5, 13 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I love the word of God; it brings such comfort! Another thing you mentioned was the fact that women are to counsel women and men to counsel men. It is so important for sure especially knowing that there is a vulnerability in people and the enemy will use anything to bring division and destroy families. My husband and I have been practicing this for a while. It is very delicate and we need to take seriously. Thank you again Pastor Jeff for your insight and for responding in obedience to God’s call.
Ritter, I am so happy to read of your love for the Word of God and for biblical counseling. I do my best to avoid situation with women that could appear as evil. When I have met with women, I have always had another woman in the room as well, usually a staff person. When I counsel married couples, I always have my wife with me as a measure of accountability. There are many vulnerabilities in the practice of counseling that we need to be aware of, but as we follow His Word, we will receive the wisdom to navigate them. Thank you and your husband for being sensitive and serious concerning these delicate matters.
Yes, the Word of God gives us wisdom and this is why we need to stay in the Word of God more than ever. Thank you, David.
That is so great to hear that you saw the difference between Christian counseling and Biblical counseling and made the decision to pursue Biblical counseling. We know that the Word of God is able to change hearts and to work in the lives of people. God’s word has the answers for all of life’s problems.
Such an excellent reminder by Pastor Jeff of the core description of Biblical Counseling. As our cultural definition of counseling can be multifaceted, or multilayered or even somewhat confusing as to the actual definition; it is important for us to be able to define the meaning and purpose of Biblical Counseling. Pastor Jeff reminded us that the Bible is clear, that biblical counseling is discipleship that takes place within the community of the local church. It takes place between Christian’s in the body of Christ. We need to recall that counseling must lead to salvation before progress to sanctification. Then we can counsel for the counselee to become Christlike, sanctified. Biblical Counseling is founded on God’s word. We must recognize the truth that Biblical Counseling does not ignore medical issues. There are medical issues that need attention of a medical professional. Biblical Counseling is to glorify and please God. To help believers in their sanctification. We seek God’s word to work in specific issues as we are involved in others lives. Teaching believers how to apply all aspects of Scripture in their lives. Biblical Counseling is coming along beside one another. Providing comfort and instruction from Scripture. Helping others solve the problems in their lives through daily application of the Bible. Helping others to understand the Bible and to live for the glory of God.
I have a real appreciation for how Pastor Jeff views social media and interacts on them. I have seen more and more just how much pressure is put on people to make a video post, or write out a status that goes along with the current issue of the day. People of all ages, even professionals and ministry leaders, are guilted or intimidating into speaking up before they know what to say.
Instead, I believe the best conversations and the most helpful dialogue happens off of social media. Social media isn’t reality and we shouldn’t give into its pressures so quickly. For instance, and please don’t misunderstand me. The Black Lives Matter concept is godly, biblical and true. Every person of color should be validated that they matter, were made in God’s image, and that racism is wrong in any fashion. However, as the weeks have progressed, the BLM movement leaders are now making political demands for how they see racism should be dealt with such as defunding police fundamentally or replacing the police force altogether. I wonder how many people stepped out to make a social media post or status quickly in support but are now having to take a step back because they aren’t in support of defunding police.
True discipleship looks like Jesus and his 12. He spent years with them conversing, teaching, explaining, loving, and serving them. From time spent with Jesus, we are discipled. From time spent with us as counselors, our counselee’s can be discipled as we point them to Jesus.
I completely agree, Alejandro. Social media can be a useful tool, but it’s not a representation of reality, and it’s not an effective means for building meaningful relationships. I think a lot of people today are using social media as a substitute for authentic community, and it’s unhealthy. But I have noticed that when I invite people to engage face-to-face, they are usually eager. We have the opportunity to take the lead and get involved in people’s lives instead of falling into the social media trap.
Your point is well taken Alejandro. All believers believe in the statement “Black Lives Matter”, but we don’t agree with the BLM movement as a whole. Unfortunately, we are made guilty by association in most instances. This is a sad reality. Our culture is quick to speak, but slow to hear (James 1:19). This is the exact opposite of what the Scripture commands and it makes discussion nearly impossible. Your point about discipleship is a very good one. I have found that many Christians are too impatient with each other for discipleship to occur. Our lives are so fast-paced and cluttered that we would rather find “5 Easy Steps to Instant Discipleship” than to actually put in the time, prayer, and love that Jesus showed His disciples. I pray we will allow God to adjust our lives so that we can obey the Great Commandment to make disciples and not fans or followers of ourselves.
The culture today in the world is very divided, and I believe it is our job to know what biblical counseling is in a biblical view. I Can’t agree more with when you said “Biblical counseling is discipleship counseling and it takes place in community, in the local church.” I have gone through several counseling sessions through the church, and in secular settings, and I have learned so much in all that God uses, but nothing like biblical counseling in the church. I liked how you elaborated on many different angles on how man should counsel man and women counsel women, but for some reason i automatically thought of the scriptures, 1 Thessalonians 5:22” Avoid all appearance of evil , and Ephesians 4:27,” Do not let the devil get a foothold. You as a counselor maybe spiritually sound, and spiritually mature but we never know what the next person is thinking or going through, and considering to never being a stumbling block is using discernment and wisdom.God’s word is sufficient, it has the answers, and I know this to be true in my own personal life. Our goal is to please God and to glorify God and I believe by studying and showing ourselves approved can look like us directing people to the truth through counseling, and I know that God honors and acknowledges us, helping Him build His kingdom.
True Johan, the world’s culture today is quite divided; and in line with Pastor Jeff’s teaching, we as Biblical counselors must stay focused, knowing that despite the diversity, there’s a lot of opportunity to do Biblical counseling as we browse through the activities of social media. This diversity has imposed different meanings to the word ‘counseling’; a culture that’s so divided by a variety of ways to be offended by, but we must make/ maintain our stand while doing Biblical counseling. We mustn’t be offended by the such diversities but should be engaged to do Biblical counseling more than ever before. (Ephesians 4:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
After this special Podcast, I have resolved, to stay out of the argument, get above it all with a heavenly mindset though I am still in the midst of the difficult last days, to continually point people to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the transforming power of the Word of God without integrating ‘secular counseling methodology/ philosophy/ psychology with the Bible to propel/ help/ give counsel to the counselee’ . Thanks for your post Johan.
The goal is to please God and to glorify Him – 1 Corinthians 10:31! God has given us the best gift there is, His Word and in there He teaches us how to counsel, love, teach, admonish, bring hope, and to direct people to the truth of who He is. This is amazing news for us and the people we counsel. The Bible has never disappointed me; it has always brought light. Our responsibility as you said is to study the word and to show ourselves approved. This is what we need to do for the people of God. God gets glory!. Thank you, Johan 🙂
Johan, so true that the world is very divided. I cannot agree more. Discipleship counseling is our means of bringing order to a divided, fractured world and within the church. Even those within in the church can be so segregated. Especially politically. When we learn Scripture through Biblical Counseling there is new understanding, knowledge and wisdom. New ways to live a Godly life with situations within the church and in our cultural. Thanks for your post. It is right on.
This podcast is a great encouragement to me, as I’ve been striving to relieve my pastors from their female caseloads. Our pastors should not be placed in a position of meeting with women on a regular, ongoing basis. As Pastor Jeff stated, men should not be getting into a deep dive of counseling with women. Our pastors should always be able to be above reproach, while still adequately shepherding the body of Christ. They can do this if they have women training and growing in the ministry of biblical counseling. This process must take place in the context of discipleship, as this is where relationship develops. Love and concern can be adequately conveyed to a counselee in the context of discipleship. Without discipleship this may prove difficult. Certainly biblical counseling begins with salvation and then progresses with sanctification. I appreciated the reminder that many counselees will simply be walking in carnality. We can encourage the believer on toward greater growth in Christ and letting go of worldly pursuits.
Thanks JoAnn for your response to this week’s Podcast (Biblical Counseling is Discipleship Counseling). I was also encouraged like you especially when I relate it to the current happenings in the world. One of the things that I enjoyed most during this global lockdown is having ‘a relatively better quiet time with the Lord’; getting soaked in the Word of God; allowing God to make me useful in His hands and for His kingdom; for His work; for His Glory while pointing people to Christ – knowing that Biblical counseling is discipleship counseling; I am better involved in the lives of people that need help (though mostly online for now), bringing God’s Word to bare in specific life issues (Colossians 1:27-28; Galatians 4:19; Proverbs 18:13).
I agree with you and Pastor Jeff, JoAnn. In fact, I knew a Christian counselor who left his wife for a woman he was counseling. No amount of confrontation could make him see that what he was doing was wrong! Sin blinds us and twists our thinking; it is so much better to be prepared upfront than to allow ourselves to be caught unaware.
I believe a Pastor also should never have consistent one on one counseling sessions with women. Other than what I mentioned in my Comment, I do remember attending a couples retreat and the main topic was “how different men and women are”, and how differently God designed us. Since i can speak from a man’s perspective, I know that we can perceive things differently than women. I love that if a man and a woman both are for the lord, then yes there will be no barriers, other than once again man and women are just different. A Pastor of the church will know not to do this and also acknowledge that it is using wisdom to have his wife or another female member of the church attend to this woman in need.
Thanks Pastor Jeff for this great Podcast (on ‘Biblical Counseling is Discipleship Counseling’; describing discipleship from the perspective of a Biblical counselor; not being offended the cultural diversities of our day but doing Biblical counseling more than ever before to point people to the Lord Jesus Christ; pointing them to the transforming power of the Word of God, with a heavenly mindset though we are in the midst of the difficult last days.
Pastor Jeff stated that Biblical counseling is discipleship counseling and it takes place in a community of the local Church; that’s why the local Church is so important (something that can’t be replaced/ duplicated online; may be temporarily but we need the face-to-face/ person-to-person discipleship opportunities (Koinonia – Biblical word for having things in common; coming together to worship the Lord as one body (Church) but all attached to the Head)); stating that Biblical counseling takes place two Jesus people (believers); where men counsel men and women counsel women.
My main takeaway from this Podcast is that counseling must begin with salvation; bringing the counselee to the path of discipleship before it can progress to sanctification. As Biblical counselors, we must have at the back of our minds as we gather data (listening to the counselee/ gathering data); not condemning but just trying to be a Biblical detective and applying Biblical principles to the issues on ground.
A person can only be made complete/ perfect (Colossians 1:28) when they are born again. Biblical counseling includes and can’t exclude the whole community of believers because in the body of Christ there are many members with one Head/ one Spirit/ one Jesus and we work together with each member doing his/ her share. We are to establish relationships in the community of believers with resources; every Christian can be blessed and be a blessing; encouraging the weak; help the needy and everything we do together.
Biblical counseling is multifaceted; emphasizing that the Word of God is sufficient to bring about understanding and clarity concerning life’s problems/ dilemmas/ discerning the will and direction God wants us to go with our lives. God’s Word is sufficient to help people deal with relational/ emotional/ mental/ behavioral problems. It has the answers; not based on man’s reasoning/ opinion but solely founded on the Word of God; not ignoring true medical issues; but working diligently to see the person whole.
The Word of God isn’t insensitive or uncaring but rather in love; Biblical counseling uses the Word of God guided by the Holy Spirit to captivate the person’s desires/ thoughts/ behaviors turn the person toward the truth.
Biblical counseling doesn’t focus solely on behavioral issues/ circumstances but deals with the sins/ trials / dreams/ hopes; taking them and strategically helping them to connect; applying the truths/ promises of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ – the Word of God to their lives. It equips the person with tools to live out God’s commands by grace because we can’t live by mastering the letter of the Law and we must be careful of ‘the letter of the Law counseling’. The power is by the grace of God through faith. Biblical counseling focuses on the Gospel and seeks to put Christ-centered truths into action; emphasizing that the ultimate goal of Biblical counseling is to ‘please/ glorify God’; helping believers with their progress down the path of sanctification and thereby strengthen the whole Church (the Body of Christ).
Pastor Jeff Biblical contrasted between ‘good Godly Christian counsel (using some secular counseling methodology and philosophy and psychology mixed in with the Bible to propel/ help/ give counsel to the counselee)’ and ‘Biblical counseling’. We must be true Biblical counselors, knowing that we are needed in this day/ age and God desires to raise an army of Biblical counselors in the true sense of coming along side one another in providing comfort and instruction from the Scriptures; helping admonish one another; understanding that the Gospel of Jesus Christ addresses every aspect in life; teaching the person how to live their lives for the glory of God. As we get soaked in the Word of God; God will allow us useful in His hands and for His kingdom; for His work; for His Glory; knowing that Biblical counseling is discipleship counseling; beyond teaching a new believer the fundamentals of their faith in Christ but in line with Scriptures; we are to consistently/ personally be involved in each other’s lives, bringing God’s Word to bare on specific life issues (the Great Commission that we have been given).
(Colossians 1:27-28; Galatians 4:19; Proverbs 18:13; 1 Timothy 5:23; Psalms 32:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 28:19-20).
Hello Esther,
You mentioned the sufficiency of Scripture. Pastor Jeff reminded us that God’s word is sufficient for all of life’s problems, whether they be emotional, relational, or decision making. I find myself beginning counseling sessions more and more with 2 Timothy 3:16. I want to make sure that my counselees understand that my counsel is not my counsel – it’s God’s! God’s word is authoritative and inerrant. We can depend on His word to lead us in decision making and to provide us with the direction we need for any life circumstances we find ourselves in. God has given us all we need to be pleasing to Him (2 Pt 1:3-4).
Hello Esther, I am in such agreement with Pastor Jeff and you, that salvation is the ground level starting point prior to sanctification. Once we testify to the unsaved with the salvation story and there is acceptance, then discipleship can go deeper and broader. That is when the ‘new believer’ can advance in sanctification and problem solving based upon Scripture. Without salvation, can a non-believer gain wisdom from guidance of the gospel and be guided by the Holy Spirit to receive, understand and gain wisdom in solving his or her life problems? We know the answer. Thanks again.
Counseling must definitely begin with salvation before anything. I love how Pastor Jeff gives us a way to investigate if the person is safe or not. Gathering data while listening is the way to do it. It is very difficult to counsel someone that has not received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. My husband and I counsel a couple that the wife is a believer but the husband is not, and it is challenging but he loves to meet with us, and we are just praying for his salvation while helping them with their issues. We talk about Jesus and His word every time . Thank you, Esther!
Today during devotion time I went to share a word, and I read off this scripture. We know of the tablets of our heart, and the bible, but we fail to mention that just like the word says “ We are the letter”, and i don’t know about which I’m sure you are, but i am so honored to be used as a letter by God. I see how the messenger was just as important to the one who sent them, and in our context we are co-heirs with the lord and it is only by His spirit that we are. I think of all the people that have never heard the gospel, and it can be a life and death situation when someone sees us claiming to be christians but then live a double life. We need to understand that some people haven’t heard the simple truth of the gospel and it can be a small conversation that we find on the shelves, that can testify that God is good, or ruin our testimony with a bad decision.
Discipleship involves so much more than simply meeting with someone to discuss a problem they’re experiencing. It’s a wonderful invitation to fully invest in someone’s life. Just as Pastor Jeff described the benefits of being surrounded by “Jesus people,” we are called to provide that kind of immersive training for our disciples. In fact, Jesus Himself is our model for biblical counseling and discipleship. I think sometimes we expect “counseling” to come in a nice, neat package with boundaries of weekly scheduled meetings, but we’re called to give ourselves freely, laying down our own lives for others to the glory of God. Living for Jesus is tough, and that’s why we need the Body, just as Pastor Jeff said. Online is good enough for a little while, but we need to be receiving encouragement just as much as we’re giving it, if not more.
Thanks Athena for your submission to this interesting Podcast (Biblical Counseling is Discipleship Counseling). I was quite blessed and in line with your submission, I agree with you concerning Pastor Jeff’s teaching that ‘online is good enough for a little while, but we need to be receiving encouragement just as much as we’re giving it, if not more’. The local Church is so important and can’t be replaced/ duplicated with ‘online’ (may be temporarily) but we need the face-to-face and person-to-person discipleship opportunities (Koinonia – Biblical word for having things in common; coming together to worship the Lord as one body (Church) but all attached to the Head)); reiterating that Biblical counseling takes place two Jesus people (believers); where men counsel men and women counsel women (Colossians 1:27-28; 3:16).
Athena,
I have been prayerfully thinking ‘outside the box’ throughout this time of quarantine to try to demonstrate my investment in others’ lives as I seek to bring them biblical counsel. It has been a bit tough, but I have had more checking in via text. I’ve also been blessed to incorporate daily accountability, which I think I will continue after quarantine! God has been faithful to provide ways for us to still connect in this ministry. Thank you for your post!