How important is counseling to the Christian church?

root of his problem. A person with a serious problem that requires counseling must have the indwelling Holy Spirit received in salvation, accompanied by the proper application of appropriate Scripture. Once that is clearly established the counselor must sensitively and patiently direct them to apply Scripture to the root of the problem. The goal of all counseling is to fulfill the two great commands. The first, to Love God fully and consistently and the second, to love our neighbor the way we want to be loved. The most glaring departure of Biblical counseling is to say that “no one can love God or their neighbor until they first learn to love themselves”. The Bible knows no such principle; in fact the love of self is a major part of many counselees root problems.

4-Should counselors counsel free lance or within the ministry of a gospel preaching church? Counseling should be offered within the ministry of a church because discipleship, prayer support, church discipline and use of our spiritual gifts often play a vital part in the change and growth of many counselees.

5-Where can a Christian get training that enables them to counsel according to the Scripture exclusively? Go online and contact the following ministries. Nanc.org. or Faith Baptist Church, Lafayette, Indiana or Fellowship Bible Church, Sewell, New Jersey, or Berean Community Church, Milford, Delaware

The title of this article asked how important is counseling to the Christian church?

It is important because it is what God intended as a ministry of His Word to needy souls. It is not to be mixed with the theories of unsaved men and it is not to be done outside the local church. It is the private application of inspired truth in a confidential and personal way. Preaching is public counseling and counseling is private preaching. Jesus counseled all the time.

Respectfully Rev. John McConaughy B Th, Masters of Divinity.

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