The Need for Bibilcal Counseling

At 5:30 PM, I will be sitting with 150+ men and women who have gathered together for the second weekend of "Biblical Counseling and Discipleship Training." I am excited about the opportunity to gather with others who believe in the sufficiency of Scriptures to meet the needs of those who are hurting and looking for help.

Am I attending this conference to fill my head with more knowledge? No! I am here to equip myself with the tools to equip me to better serve others. I am here learning key questions to ask, information to look for, scriptural principles for life change, and I am gathering resources to apply the truth and power of the Gospel to those who are desiring to see change in their lives.

Wouldn't it be exciting if God would use us and our church as a means to bring about radical transformation in the lives of others? Some may think, "No, that can't happen here. You are a Pastor not a psychologist and this is a Church not a counseling office." Well, if you are thinking that way I suppose we could agree that you are partially right. You are right in thinking that I am a pastor and this is a church. But it is wrong to think that Biblical Counseling falls under the calling or expertise of another.

In the book, "Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically,"  John MacArthur writes:

     "Ever since apostolic times, counseling has occurred in the church as a natural function of corporate spiritual life. After all, the New Testament itself commands believers to "admonish one another" (Romans 15:14); "encourage one another" (Heb. 3:13, KJV); "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18); "encourage one another, and build up one another" (1 Thess. 5:11); "confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed" (James 5:16).

     The apostle Paul wrote, "we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1). And, "even is a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:1-2).

     All those instructions apply to rank-and-file church members, not only to some priestly cast of experts. Counseling, particularly counseling that skillfully employs and applies God's Word, is a necessary duty of Christian life and fellowship."

So, biblical counseling is not a side work of the body of believers, it IS who we are and what we are to be doing.

I am ready to get with it! What about you?

Remember..."Everyone has problems, God's Word has the solutions."

I am here for you,
Pastor Mike