These days, getting counseling or therapy is becoming more and more commonplace. Almost everyone can benefit from meeting with a counselor.
The word “counsel” literally means to give advice. Some people seek counseling for serious issues, like a marriage that’s not going well, severe depression or anxiety, or challenges with parenting. Other people prefer to get some routine counseling, even when nothing specific is going wrong.
Throughout the Bible, Christians are encouraged to seek wise counsel and advice. Proverbs 24:6, for example, tells us that it’s foolish to think that we’re wise enough to handle life alone. Wise people listen to the advice of others. Even if you ultimately choose not to follow someone’s advice, it’s very helpful to get an outside perspective on the challenges you face or the daily patterns of your life.
Peer Counseling
A Christian counselor, at the most basic level, is just a Christian person who listens and may give advice. Any Christian who is willing to talk, empathize, and give feedback can counsel other people. Of course, this person won’t have all the right answers, and sometimes their advice will be flawed. God Himself is the only one who can give perfect advice, and we have access to His guidance through prayer and Bible study.
However, if you’re unsure how to handle a situation, it’s helpful to discuss it with another believer. Pray together, talk about the ins and outs of the problem, and let each other know that you’re there for each other. Galatians 6:2 tells Christians to bear each other’s burdens, and this often means just listening and talking.
Pastoral Counseling
A local church pastor is dedicated to serving other church members with a lot of their time and energy. Many, but not all, are able to guide you to the Scripture. Thus, talking with a biblical pastor can be a great choice when you’re faced with uncertain times or big decisions. Christian pastors have varying degrees of formal training and experience when it comes to counseling. However, most pastors have had a lot of experience speaking with people in need. As part of their pastoral training, they usually learn about God’s Word in depth. This means that your pastor can be an excellent resource when you need another believer to talk to.
At the end of the day, your pastor is growing in Christ, just like you. All of us have equal access to God’s care, guidance and wisdom, using the resources He has given us. However, God often provides pastors to point believers towards His Word and encourage them when they need it most. When you need someone to talk to, visiting your pastor is a great idea. They may pray with you, share some helpful Bible passages or biblical truths, or simply listen and ask questions.
Professional Christian Counseling
Professional Christian counseling can be another great option when you want advice from a Christian perspective. Christian counselors often combine spiritual approaches, like prayer and Bible study, with other cognitive and emotional tools that can help you cope with life’s challenges.
It’s important to choose a professional counselor carefully. Some professional counseling perspectives can conflict with the truths of God’s Word. However, the best Christian counselors make appropriate use of secular research, while remaining faithful to a Christian worldview, too.
If you have insurance, some professional Christian counselors may be covered by your plan. You may also be able to work with a counselor online, so you can enjoy additional privacy and flexibility in scheduling. Christian counselors may have certain areas of specialty, like marriage issues or anxiety, so you can find someone who has experience with the issues you’re facing.
It’s important to remember that you’re not stuck with any counselor you choose to visit. If they aren’t a good fit, you should never feel bad about trying someone else next time.
Supporting Other Believers
Maybe you’re not in need of counseling right now, but you have a heart for people who are struggling. Remember that you can often help other Christians simply by listening and offering spiritual support. If your church has any ministries serving people with specific problems, you might be able to help others by talking with them and praying with them. If not, maybe you could start one!
If you’re not a trained counselor, there should always be a mutual understanding that you are not in a position of authority. You should focus only on pointing others to Christ, rather than giving a diagnosis or telling them exactly how to solve all their problems. However, the church is a place where believers help other believers, and your ministry can start with simply being there for those in need.
Often, shared experiences provide a great basis for Christian fellowship. For example, if you know a believer who is going through separation or divorce, you can come alongside them to provide special support if you’ve experienced this, too. If someone in your church is caring for a child with special needs, you can be a helpful resource if you’ve gone through a similar situation.
Becoming A Professional Christian Counselor
If you think being a professional Christian counselor might interest you, it’s a good idea to seek out Christian organizations that provide training. Check into the type of credentials they offer, and read carefully to discover their doctrinal beliefs and their perspective on counseling.
Many training programs for counselors offer a hands-on approach, where you can gain valuable experience with real clients while earning your degree. If you want to make a career out of counseling, steer clear of programs that don’t require you to do any real-life counseling while you are studying.
Christian counselors are in high demand today. Counseling can be a rewarding career in which you can truly help others during your workday.
Join Our Christian Fellowship!
At Harmony Baptist Church in Galesburg, IL, we believe that Christians should bear each others’ burdens. If you’re in need of Christian fellowship or someone to talk to, we are here for you. Join us on Sunday or get in touch with us about your needs. Our ‘Contact‘ page has all the details!
