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 →
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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 →
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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 →
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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 →
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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 →
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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 →
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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.
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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 →
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This week’s mini-series on the Grace and Truth blog is a recap of our 2024 BCC Annual Leadership Summit, which was held in December at Country Lake Christian Retreat in Underwood, Indiana, and addressed the topic “Suicide: Hope for the Hopeless.” Our first article, written by Curtis Solomon, is an overview acknowledging the crisis. In other contributions to the series, Rush Witt explores the motivation of those considering suicide, Shauna Van Dyke discusses approaching the intervention, Josh Weidmann considers organizing the postvention, and Garrett Higbee shares about comforting the caregivers. While our Annual Leadership Summit is limited to the BCC Council and a few special guests, this December, we will host our Global Leadership Summit, and you are invited! Learn more and register at bccglobalsummit.org. Continue Reading →
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Pain always involves our bodies. It can be no other way. We feel even intellectual and emotional suffering in the body. This is because we are embodied spirits—we are each made of a body and soul . . . together . . . always. Therefore, when we suffer pain or we are ministering to another Christian amid theirs, it’s helpful for us to remember that the bodies we currently inhabit are temporary. Continue Reading →
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We all have expectations, and we all go through disappointments. What is the Lord up to, and what do we need to learn? Continue Reading →
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Learning to Listen has a singular claim for you to consider. You can’t love without listening. Without knowing the stories of the people you are called to love, you will be unable to help them to navigate those stories and offer them godly wisdom. Continue Reading →
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