Since the beginning of the biblical counseling movement in 1970, biblical counselors have argued that counseling is a ministry of the Word, just like preaching or missions. As a ministry, counseling must be defined according to sound biblical theology rather than secular principles of psychology. For over four decades, biblical theology has been at the core of the biblical counseling movement. Leaders in biblical counseling have emphasized a commitment to teaching doctrine in their counseling courses out of the conviction that good theology leads to good counseling…and bad theology leads to bad counseling. A Theology of Biblical Counseling is a landmark new book that covers the history of the biblical counseling movement, the core convictions that underlie sound counseling, and practical wisdom for counseling today. Dr. Heath Lambert shows how biblical counseling is rooted in the Scriptures while illustrating the real challenges counselors face today through true stories from the counseling room. A substantive textbook written in accessible language, it is an ideal resource for use in training biblical counselors at colleges, seminaries, and training institutes. In each chapter, doctrine comes to life in real ministry to real people, dramatically demonstrating how theology intersects with the lives of actual counselees.
Like sanctification itself, learning to be a skilled biblical counselor is progressive and takes time. Beginning counselors often struggle in similar ways as they learn the art of ministering the Scriptures to others. This booklet provides instruction and guidance for growth in the common mistakes of beginning biblical counselors such as fumbling the first session, lacking proper preparation, and mishandling homework.
This book provides a forum for five major perspectives on the interface of Christianity and psychology to display their distinctions in a counseling context. Experts in each approach show how to assess, conceptualize, counsel and offer aftercare to a hypothetical client with a variety of complex issues.
Seasoned counselors and professors Ron Hawkins and Tim Clinton offer a comprehensive guide that empowers Christian counselors by clarifying their task: to help people take possession of their souls...through the power of the Spirit; under the authority of the Word; in a supportive community of accountability...that they may be like Christ. The authors address head-on today's enticing new imitations of true peace and tantalizing opportunities for people in pain to anesthetize themselves. But they also highlight the foundation of hope: God loves, he empowers, and he refuses to abandon his passion for connection with his children. Case studies illustrate how to help people take possession of the thinking self, the feeling self, the decision-making self, the physical self, and the relational self. This comprehensive plan for effective intervention is perfect for lay counselors, students, and professionals looking for ways to integrate their faith and practice.
Beginning in the late 1960s, a biblical counseling movement sought to reclaim counseling for the church and provide a Christian alternative to mainstream psychiatry and psychotherapy. The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context is an informative and thought-provoking account of that movement. David Powlison's historical account ...
This ground-breaking exploration of the biblical counseling movement's development since Jay Adams shows how shifts in methodology and style are producing a new generation of increasingly well-balanced counselors.
How People Grow reveals why all growth is spiritual growth and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible. Our desire to grow runs deep. Yet the issues in our lives and relationships that we wish would change often stay the same, even with our best efforts at spiritual growth. What does it take to experience increasing strength and depth in our spiritual walk, our marriages and family lives and friendships, our personal development--in everything life is about? And how can we help others move into growth that is profound and lasting? Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens. You'll discover: What the essential processes are that make people grow. How those processes fit into a biblical understanding of spiritual growth and theology. How spiritual growth and real-life issues are one and the same. What the responsibilities are of pastors, counselors, and others who assist people in growing What your own responsibilities are in your personal growth. Shining focused light on the great doctrines and themes of Christianity, How People Grow helps you understand the Bible in a way that will help you head with confidence down the high road of growth in Christ. Workbook also available.