Much of the literature in biblical counseling has centered around building a counseling system, broader methodology, and understanding presenting issues from a biblical perspective—all of which are supremely necessary. However, because of the rapid spread of biblical counseling and the lack of literature on skills as a focus, we should revisit why they are necessary to become competent counselors. Continue Reading →
Read More
Difficult conversations are a part of counseling ministry and life. From time to time, with varying degrees of intensity and frequency, we all face difficult conversations that make us vulnerable to experiencing the harsh reality of words that can cause destruction (James 3:6). But that’s not the whole story. The Word of God gives us hope to face difficult conversations. The gospel transforms hearts, which are the source of every spoken word (Luke 6:45). Thus, not only is it possible for us to grow in wisdom for difficult conversations, but it is also expected that God’s children learn a communication governed by heavenly values. Continue Reading →
Read More
The Lord’s Prayer is confusing. I have understood that once forgiven by Christ, you don’t need to be forgiven again. But in that prayer, we are to pray for forgiveness of our trespasses. And in the footnote to it, we are told that if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven. How come? That the …
The post Forgiveness After Forgiveness? appeared first on Institute for Nouthetic Studies | Biblical Counseling.
If weakness is a gift, what kind of gift is it? Schumacher defines weakness as “the inability to act or produce an effect. In short, a weak person is one who cannot do things or make things happen. That’s us—weak.” (p. 15). Continue Reading →
Read More
God is worthy of our constant thanksgiving. Living with a grateful heart enables us to fulfill our destiny of “glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.” David gives us several compelling reasons to thank God in Psalm 138. Continue Reading →
Read More
Our guests, Executive Director Cody Montgomery, and Director of Content and Equipping Danny Falcone, join us for this episode to share how Frontlines Ministries is equipping churches to care for the souls of missionaries. Continue Reading →
Read More
Attending the recent Biblical Counseling Coalition Summit last year was a profound experience, uniting leaders from around the world to address the critical issue of suicide from a biblical perspective. The personal testimonies shared by speakers who had faced suicidal feelings or lost loved ones or counselees to suicide added a deeply personal dimension to our discussions. Amidst the gravity of the topic, the Summit illuminated the unwavering hope found in Christ, a hope that serves as our soul anchor in times of despair (Heb. 6:19). Continue Reading →
Read More
Editors Note: This article is written by Theron St. John as part of our series on finding hope in the midst of depression. In this series, our counselors are helping people understand the reality of depression and how God sustains and helps those who are depressed. View the Series Page here. “These were supposed to be the best years of my life.” John, … Read More
The post Help for the Depressed College Student appeared first on Biblical Counseling Center.
When ministering to those affected by suicide, biblical counselors must provide more than comfort—they must provide Christ Himself. Using the C.H.R.I.S.T. framework, this article offers a biblical approach to postvention care that fosters healing and hope. Continue Reading →
Read More
As a counselor, you will share some of the deepest and darkest moments with others. For me, those moments are walking with women who struggle with suicidal ideation. Some of whom I’ve lost. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the US for all ages. This statistic alerts us that the people who could be considering suicide are in our church, homes, families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. We must be prepared to provide care to someone who is threatening suicide or engaging in suicidal behavior. By looking at the narrative of Jonah, we’ll discover four godly characteristics we can adopt to aid those who have lost hope for living.
Continue Reading →
Read More
There are those who claim that they are believers because they pray. But all sorts of people pray—to all sorts of gods. I want, therefore, to make it clear that prayer—alone—doesn’t cut it. “How do you know that?” The Book of Proverbs is explicit on the subject (28:9): Anyone who turns his ear away from …
The post Don’t Pray! appeared first on Institute for Nouthetic Studies | Biblical Counseling.
My contribution to the BCC Leadership Summit felt bitter and sweet. I certainly appreciated the opportunity to remind each other of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” But I cannot imagine a more difficult topic than suicide. In this post, I will provide a summary overview of the session I presented, “Entering the Suicidal Person’s World.” Continue Reading →
Read More