Essay #1: Why is biblical counseling important, and how does it fit within the ministry of the local church?
As Christians, biblical counseling helps us apply both the greatest (and the second which is like it) commands as spoken by Jesus in Matthew 22:36-40. Biblical counseling is also a mechanism to which each of us can fulfill the great commission as spoken by Jesus in Matthew 28: 19-20. As such, biblical counseling not only fits within the ministry of the local church, one could argue that it is the ministry of the local church!
The first and greatest commandment along with the second like it can be boiled down to a single word; love. To paraphrase these commands, we are to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind; and to love others
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It is based on biblical truth and we believe this truth has the power to transform lives. This transformation is relevant to all, not just the counselee, but also the counselor. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes. We must be patient as we trust God to reveal Himself through the scripture and by loving each person we counsel, always pointing to the cross and giving God the glory for each victory.
On a personal note, the introduction to biblical counseling has provided me with a new perspective on my faith and my relationship with the Lord. The Lord has given me a heart for the lost and a new love for those around me. It has led me to reexamine my priorities and the purpose the Lord has for me. As I study the scripture, I see new opportunities to use my life to help lead others to Christ.
This perspective has convinced me that I can be used to biblically counseling others. To disciple new Christians, encourage friends and neighbors, and lead the lost to Christ. To be a small part of God’s plan to redeem a lost and dying world by pointing people to the cross and introducing them to Jesus is transforming. As a biblical counselor, I am hungry for not only seeing the lives of others transformed, but to continue to have the Lord continue to transform