Is a Biblical Counseling Course for Me?
Greetings Beloved,
There are a number of reasons everyone should take at least one course in biblical counseling, for example:
1. You are commanded by God to counsel: Galatians 6:1
Galatians 6:1
Brothers [and of course, “sister”], if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual [this means everyone who “has the Spirit, i.e., all Christians] should restore [the ESV is incorrect here; the call to restore is a command, not a suggestion. The word “should” should be stricken from the translation] him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2. You are competent to counsel: Romans 15:14
Romans 15:14
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct [“able to instruct” could just as accurately be translated, “competent to counsel”] one another.
3. You are already counseling yourself (and others, e.g., children) everyday. The question is not whether you are a counselor, but what kind of counselor are you?
…those three reasons should be enough…and they are…but oh, there is more…
The best reason for you to be equipped to counsel well in the counseling ministry you already have is this…
You will grow in conformity to Jesus and in capacity to enjoy Jesus!
When Peter sought to exhort Pastors/Elders to faithful ministry (and counseling is an essential aspect of pastoral ministry), he did so with this promise of reward:
1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Don’t you want that…?
Don’t you want THE unfading crown of glory?
BTW: that clause “crown of glory” conveys one of two ideas…
1. Glory’s Crown
2. The Crown that is Glorious
..and yes, often the answer is “yes; it is both”.
Here, I think the emphasis in on the former…Glory’s Crown. If you join God in great work of seeing another grow in maturity (see Col 1:28-29), then you will receive Glory’s Crown!
Beloved, Glory’s Crown must be Jesus Himself.
If you would have more of Jesus…
If Jesus is your Treasure…
Then come, learn to pastorally counsel others, and in doing so…
You will grow in “glory vision” that you may better behold THE Glorious One!
Our winter courses are starting January 8 and Jan 18. See our full calendar here, and sign up here.
10,000 Blessings in THE Glorious One,
Jim