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The Gospel for Disordered Lives: An Introduction to Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling
The gospel of Jesus Christ—the heartbeat of the Bible—brings life-changing hope and power to real people with real problems. Inspired by that conviction, The Gospel for Disordered Lives provides an introductory guide to the theory and practice of Christ-centered biblical counseling. Intended to serve as a foundational textbook for students in Christian colleges, universities, seminaries, and graduate schools, the book also provides a useful overview that working counselors can reference in their ministry contexts.
560 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2021
142 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Robert D. Jones
44 books8 followersRobert D. Jones' great great grandparents crossed the plains in a covered wagon on the Immigrant Trail. Coming from pioneer stock, as they say, he was born in Roosevelt, Utah, a town in dispute as Indian ground. At thirteen, his father put him on a bus for a 400 mile journey to work on a cattle ranch for the summer. Working horseback in the shadow of an Indian burial ground near the Medicine Lodge River, the romance and saga of the West was etched into his mind never to leave.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 21, 2023
This resource is exceptional! Probably my favorite book I’ve read this year.
It’s a great introduction to biblical counseling. The book is biblical, clear, concise, thorough, practical and hopeful. The authors not only explain to you what biblical counseling is; they also grab you by the hand and walk you through the process from unpacking the first meeting, providing tips on how to assign growth assignments to how to conclude a counseling case. The resource has a strong emphasis of seeing life through the lens of Scripture and giving counselees their greatest need, Christ Jesus.
I love the concluding section because it deals with particular issues that counselees may come to you for counseling: anger, grief, addictions, porn, same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, etc.
It’s a textbook on biblical counseling. I highly recommend it
It’s a great introduction to biblical counseling. The book is biblical, clear, concise, thorough, practical and hopeful. The authors not only explain to you what biblical counseling is; they also grab you by the hand and walk you through the process from unpacking the first meeting, providing tips on how to assign growth assignments to how to conclude a counseling case. The resource has a strong emphasis of seeing life through the lens of Scripture and giving counselees their greatest need, Christ Jesus.
I love the concluding section because it deals with particular issues that counselees may come to you for counseling: anger, grief, addictions, porn, same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, etc.
It’s a textbook on biblical counseling. I highly recommend it
April 10, 2024
This provides a basic introduction to the philosophy behind Biblical Counseling and step-by-step instructions for the counseling process. There is also a large topical section that walks through a lot of specific things that can come up.
May 9, 2022
An excellent resource; it has already been helpful in counseling. The footnotes were an additional surplus of references to more helpful material on specific topics.
November 26, 2023
Sometimes I don’t know what to think of these introductory books. It can almost feel like a systematic theology but for counseling. Great resource and Dr. Jones is my pastor so I get to see this play out in our church.
June 1, 2023
Overly cumbersome and I just couldn’t help but feel they were trying to accomplish too much here. However, the quality of what was discussed was helpful if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all things counseling related.
July 12, 2024
Read 4 of 5 parts for class so it counts for me. This book is a must have resource for all Christians committed to biblical counseling and wanting to do ministry, or just for Christians wanting to serve the church to the best of their ability. So practical. So wise. Will use this book forever to learn, refresh myself, and seek guidance! Praise the Lord for this resource, truly.
August 4, 2023
Super practical (though lengthy) text that walks through the entire Biblical Counseling process and a wide variety of counseling issues that I’m sure I’ll be reaching for again and again. Thankful to have this resource.
July 17, 2024
A good survey, but nothing too deep or groundbreaking. Helpful as a quick reference.
March 6, 2025
This book offers a very practical breakdown of how to counsel someone from a biblical perspective. It’s a boots-on-the-ground, get-you-counseling-immediately, kind of book and I found it extremely helpful in the actually counseling part of Biblical counseling.
October 20, 2021
This is one of the best books of 2021 for me. I so appreciate the careful thinking of the authors and the way they meticulously define their terms. This is, I believe, a seminole work for biblical counseling. It is broad where it needs to be broad and nuanced and narrow where it should be. It clearly defines what biblical counseling is, which is very needed as many people think they're practicing biblical counseling.
Each chapter has theological foundations and practical counseling applications. It is rich in methodology and also full of resource recommendations.
Each chapter has theological foundations and practical counseling applications. It is rich in methodology and also full of resource recommendations.
November 26, 2023
Its strength was its tone- careful, measured, warm, and allowing for nuance. I think it is meant to be a primer, so it did not cover exhaustively, but it gave a good start on how to approach and think through various issues.
July 5, 2024
Great Textbook for Biblical counseling! Explains what it is and how it is done well! Lots of chapters on specific issues seen in counseling that are helpful as well! And easy to read!
January 16, 2022
This book really does give a great overview of Biblical Counseling. I will for sure be referring back to it in the future!
November 15, 2023
Theologically sound and practical guide to the theory and practice of biblical counseling, explaining how to counsel on a wide variety of issues. It deliberately doesn't go very deep into any particular topic, but the footnotes recommend many additional resources.
It's written by 3 counseling professors to be an intro textbook. The primary audience is bachelor's- and master's-level students preparing for formal counseling. The secondary audience is counseling practitioners of all kinds doing formal counseling, and all Christians doing informal counseling, discipling, and mentoring. The authors say their approach is in sync with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.
Notes
What Is Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling?
Biblical counseling is an "explicitly Christ-centered, Bible-driven approach to counseling."
Reduce risk of lawsuits by declaring that church-based counseling is part of normal evangelistic and discipleship ministries, not intended to be state-licensed, professional, psychological counseling.
The Significance of God, Christ, and the Spirit
If you treat people angrily and harshly at home, but not elsewhere, it shows you're more concerned with what others think of you then about what God thinks of you. Let knowledge of God's presence restrain you (Pro 15:3).
It's sin to go against one's conscience, even if action isn't inherently sinful, and you should feel guilty if you do (Rom 14:14, 23). This is confused guilt, not false guilt.
Have counselee create 4-quadrant analysis with sins of commission and sins of omission on X-axis, words and actions on Y-axis.
Battling Satan and His Demon
Believers can't be demon-possessed because Holy Spirit who lives in them is stronger than Satan (1 Jn 4:4).
We generally can't tell if a temptation is from world, flesh, or Devil.
Temptations from Satan may be more sudden (1 Chr 21:1; Eph 6:16), frightening (Eph 6:16), loathsome (Ex 4:3; 2 Sam 14) than temptations from world or flesh.
Interacting with Alternative Counseling Models
How to interact with other forms of counseling and psychologized counselees
1. Master what Bible says about subject.
2. Accurately understand other counseling approach.
3. Evaluate other approach with Bible.
4. Explain other approach from biblical perspective.
Problems with DSM
• Diagnosis isn't done with objective medical tests (e.g., blood test, CT scan, MRI).
• There've been 7 versions since 1952, with many major differences.
• Some categories seem more behavioral than medical.
• It assumes people are physical bodies without souls.
Uses for DSM
• Discover questions to ask counselee who's been given DSM diagnosis.
• Consider other risk factors and think of additional questions.
• Gain insights from others with counseling experience.
• Use diagnostic codes for insurance reimbursement (if doing state-licensed counseling).
An Overview of the Change Process
6-Box Model
1. Listen to counselee to learn about situation, especially difficulty, suffering.
2. Listen to counselee to learn about disordered behavior that needs to change.
3. Listen to counselee to learn about sinful beliefs and motives producing disordered behavior.
4. Discern what biblical truth(s) will help counselee change.
5. Based on Bible, envision godly beliefs and motives to cultivate in counselee; affirm those that are present.
6. Note what godly behaviors counselee should or does exhibit.
Key movements in change process: believe, repent, obey.
To aid belief, help counselee focus on God's past and present provisions, promises about future
• Past provisions: election, redemption, forgiveness, justification, adoption, initial sanctification (Rom 8:28-39; Eph 1:3-14; 1 Jn 4:7-16).
• Present provisions: continual forgiveness, love, mercy (1 Jn 1:7; 2:1-2; Ps 51; Heb 7:25), continual wisdom and strength (Lk 11:13; Eph 6:10; 2 Tim 4:17; Phil 2:12-13; 4:13; 2 Pet 1:3-4). See also Heb 4:16.
• Future promises: perfect heart, free of flesh (1 Jn 3:2), perfect body (Phil 3:20-21; 1 Cor 15:50-58), perfect eternal home (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:3-5), see Jesus face-to-face (Jn 17:24; 1 Jn 3:2; Rev 22:4). See also Isa 41:8-10.
Jas 3:13 - 4:12 includes components of 6-box model.
Eph 4:17-32 shows how to put off sin and put on righteousness.
Preparing to Counsel and Leading a First Session
Session 1 goals
1. Welcome counselee.
2. Gather info about counselee's struggles, relationship with Christ.
3. Present Christ and the hope He offers.
4. Explain counseling process, purpose, tentative plan.
5. Invite counselee to commit to counseling and assignments.
If counselee has multiple issues, as them to choose 1 to focus on.
The Counseling Process, Step One: Enter Their World
Counseling process
1. Enter: enter counselee's "world" by listening to them tell about their life.
2. Understand: understand person's felt and true needs.
3. Bring God's Word to comfort them in suffering (if applicable) and confront them for sin (if applicable). Address heart (motive) and behavior.
Cultivate Christlike compassion, humility, gentleness to better enter counselees' "worlds."
Don't be self-righteously judgmental; humbly tell counselee that except for God's grace, you'd be in same position as them, and you need same Savior and Bible they do.
The Counseling Process, Step Two: Understand Their Needs
Work to view counselee's life as they do. Convey to them that you understand them. Lead them to biblical self-understanding.
Don't dispense Bible passages without understanding counselee's situation; situations are unique.
Move from understanding a counselee's situation to understanding their behavior to understanding their heart (motives).
Heart searching questions
• Where do you see God in this situation?
• How do you think God looks at you?
• What were you hoping to accomplish?
• What was going on in your mind?
• If you could change your situation, how would you?
• What do you want to happen in this situation?
• What are your biggest concerns about this situation?
• What do you think is at the root of your behavior?
The Counseling Process, Step Three: Bring Them Christ and His Answers
Counseling passage criteria
• Addresses counselee's struggle.
• Presents specific, relevant, Christ-centered truth.
• Invites change, and calls counselee to respond.
How to bring passage to counselee
1. Ask, "May I share something from God's Word that I think would help?"
2. Invite counselee to turn to passage.
3. Briefly explain context, then ask counselee to read aloud, or follow as you read.
4. Ask, "How might this passage apply to you?"
5. If counselee is confused or unresponsive, summarize meaning of passage and ask a question or suggest how it applies.
6. Lead counselee to tell how passage applies.
7. Ask counselee to commit to change based on passage.
Focus on 1 passage per session, to not dilute focus. Save other passages for homework or future sessions.
Implement action plan
1. Walk counselee through their boxes in 6-box model.
2. Reinforce counselee's grasp of their identity in Christ, its implications for growth (sanctification), God's grace. Consider passages like Lk 12:32; Rom 6:1-14; Gal 3:1-14, 21-29; 4:1-7; Eph 1-2; Phil 2:1-4; 4:11-13; Col 3:1-17; 2 Tim 4:17; 2 Pet 1:3-9; Jude 1:1.
3. Deepen their grasp of Bible and its applications by bringing additional passages in subsequent sessions.
4. Determine specific steps of needed change (boxes 2, 3, 5, 6).
5. Give appropriate growth assignments.
6. Stress need for counselee to pray.
7. Discuss with counselee how to invite other mature believers to help them.
8. Collaborate with counselee's pastor(s) (get counselee's consent).
9. Deal with remaining or new issues.
Giving Hope to Those We Counsel
Show counselee they can't hope in their own strength, wishful thinking, or ungodly counsel, but only in Christ.
Hope-giving verses: Ps 46:1, 7; Mt 11:28; Rom 15:13; 1 Cor 10:13-14; Phil 4:13; 2 Tim 3:16; 4:17; Heb 4:16; 2 Pet 1:3-4
God's purposes in trials
• Deepen our relationship with Him.
• Experience some of Christ's sufferings.
• Expose our remaining sin.
• Draw us closer to other Christians.
• Show Christ's work in us (Mt 5:13-16).
• Give us experience we can use to comfort others.
Concluding a Counseling Case
Counselees may struggle with particular sins until death, but those sins should become gradually less intense, less frequent, more quickly resolved in godly way.
Counseling Non-Christians
When counseling unbelievers, incorporate evangelism into counseling by using counselee's difficulties as opportunities to present Jesus as solution.
Anger, Resentment, and Bitterness
Righteous anger
• Responds to actual sin, not inconveniences or violation of preferences
• Focuses on God and His Kingdom, rights, concerns; not on self
• Is expressed in godly, self-controlled ways
Changing sinful anger
1. Recognize source
2. Repent of motive, behavior
3. Refocus on God & His grace, provisions, promises
4. Replace anger with Christlike motives, behavior
Fighting bitterness
• Consider extent of God's love & your massive debt He forgave
• Recognize you're not judge; God is
• Recognize you're capable of same sins that hurt you
Worry, Anxiety, and Fear
Fighting worry, anxiety, fear
• Think about God's character, promises: for His people (Rom 8:31); loving (1 Jn 4:11); gracious, compassionate (Ex 34:6-7); faithful, giving strength (1 Cor 10:13); listening, giving peace (1 Pet 5:7; Phil 4:4-9); knows & meets our needs (Mt 6:25-34
• Trust God's sovereignty (Col 1; Rom 8:28-29; Job 2:10)
• Repent of wrong standards (Jas 4:1-2)
• Be courageous, productive (Mt 6:34)
Fear of People, Social Anxiety, and Human Rejection
Verses about fearing God instead of people: Pro 29:25; Ps 56:11; 62:8-9; Mt 10:28; Heb 11:25-27; 13:6; 1 Cor 4:3-5
Sadness and Depression
Counseling the sad, depressed
• Listen, encourage
• Reiterate gospel (Christ's work, God's grace)
• Explore underlying motives. Ask, "What are you thinking? What does that reveal about your desires?" and, "What do you want to happen or change?" Ask them to evaluate their thoughts according to Bible
• Remind them of their purpose as a Christian
• Assess for suicidal thoughts
• Help them reduce situational triggers
• Help them work through theological struggles. Encourage them to obey God despite feelings.
• Encourage spiritual disciplines, especially prayer
• Encourage them to meditate on, pray about Psalms (13; 22; 24; 44; 69; 88; 102; 143)
• Encourage them to connect with other believers
• Encourage them to focus outwardly (on Jesus, other people) by serving others
• Urge them to be physically healthy
• Refer to physician in severe cases
Suicide and Self-Harm
As questions to understand counselee's motives for self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Use Bible to expose lies and wrong desires, and give gospel (1 Cor 10:13-14; 2 Cor 4:7-18; Heb 4:12-16; Lam 3:22-23; Ps 46:1-2; 73:26; Jn 10:1-18).
3 themes to explore
• God's presence, compassion, mercy, forgiveness
• God's sovereign control
• God's care and concern
Verses: Phil 4:19; 2 Pet 1:4; Isa 41:10; Jn 14:27; Heb 13:14; Rev 21:4
Addictions and Enslaving Sins
Logging problem patterns
1. Situation, triggers
2. Behavior
3. Beliefs, motives
4. Results
Grief
Counseling grieving
• Empathize
• Gently challenge false beliefs, sin
• Encourage them to help others (2 Cor 1:3-4)
• Explore theology of suffering
• Encourage them to be connected to church members
Trauma and Abuse
Counseling trauma, abuse
• Empathize
• Show how to respond (Ps 27; 47; 55-57; 69; Acts; Rom 12:12-21; 1 Pet; Gen 37; Lk 23:34, 46; Mt 27:46; 2 Cor 1:8-10)
• Give eternal perspective (2 Pet 3:12-13; Rev 21:4; 2 Cor 4; 12:1-10)
• Tell that Jesus knows our suffering, and is with us (Heb 4:14-16)
• Gently deal with temptations, desires, struggles
• Encourage reading Ps 10:17-18; 3-5; 55-57; Job
• Teach godly responses to past or present events
Pornography and Masturbation
Masturbation is sinful because it distorts God's design for sex as between husband and wife (Heb 13:4; 1 Thess 4:3-5). Sex is for mutual benefit (1 Cor 7:2-5), but masturbation is pleasing self alone.
Counseling porn use
• Help them seek greater joy of God; have them meditate on God's love, blessings
• Challenge them to repent
• Help them be transparent, accountable
• Help them reduce access to porn
• Guide them to hate the sin
• Teach God's design for sex (Gen 2:24; Heb 13:4; 1 Thess 4:3-5; 1 Cor 7:2-5)
Same-Sex Attraction and Gender Dysphoria
Same-sex attraction may never change in this life.
Guidance and Decision-Making
If you're obeying God's revealed will, then do whatever you want (Ps 37:4).
Problems with concept of God's will for each individual
• Bible only teaches God's sovereign (decretive) will and revealed will, not an "individual" will.
• It doesn't distinguish between major and minor decisions.
• It says we need something beyond Spirit working through Bible; denies Scripture's sufficiency.
Don't try to read "open" and "closed" "doors"; this is fallible interpretation. Sometimes it's wise to avoid "open doors" (2 Cor 2:12-13).
Decision-making
1. Commit yourself to God, pray; aim to please God, not be self-centered
2. Study Bible
3. Gather info, explore options, examine your motives
4. Seek godly counsel
5. Decide, act
6. Trust God for results
If you're unsure about a decision, don't act until your conscience allows (Rom 14:22-23).
Physical Diseases, Injuries, and Disabilities
Counseling those suffering physical problems
• Understand nature and impact of physical problem
• Show compassion; grieve with them over limitations, losses
• Assure them godly people suffer, and it's not necessarily God's judgment
• Encourage them to pray for healing and grace to endure
• Encourage them to seek medical care to steward their body
• Give Christ-centered hope, not temporal, earthly hope
• Help them embrace God's sovereign, wise, loving purposes in using physical suffering to make them more like Christ
• Help them live as a Christian without making suffering central
• Help them demonstrate fruit of Spirit in every relationship
We should try to be healthy because our bodies are how we serve God.
Conclusion
Biblical counseling orgs
• Biblical Counseling Coalition (BCC)
• Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
• Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
• International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC)
• Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC)
It's written by 3 counseling professors to be an intro textbook. The primary audience is bachelor's- and master's-level students preparing for formal counseling. The secondary audience is counseling practitioners of all kinds doing formal counseling, and all Christians doing informal counseling, discipling, and mentoring. The authors say their approach is in sync with the Biblical Counseling Coalition.
Notes
What Is Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling?
Biblical counseling is an "explicitly Christ-centered, Bible-driven approach to counseling."
[Biblical counseling is] the Christlike, caring, person-to-person ministry of God's Word to people struggling with personal and interpersonal problems to help them know and follow Jesus Christ in heart and behavior amid their struggles.Who Can and Should Do Biblical Counseling?
Reduce risk of lawsuits by declaring that church-based counseling is part of normal evangelistic and discipleship ministries, not intended to be state-licensed, professional, psychological counseling.
The Significance of God, Christ, and the Spirit
If you treat people angrily and harshly at home, but not elsewhere, it shows you're more concerned with what others think of you then about what God thinks of you. Let knowledge of God's presence restrain you (Pro 15:3).
We can't imagine how any counseling approach that doesn't stress the presence and power of the triune God can please him, truly show love to counselees, and bring about his life-changing work in their lives. Our view of God, his Son, and his Spirit definitely influences how we develop a model of care.Understanding Guilt, Repentance, and Forgiveness
It's sin to go against one's conscience, even if action isn't inherently sinful, and you should feel guilty if you do (Rom 14:14, 23). This is confused guilt, not false guilt.
Have counselee create 4-quadrant analysis with sins of commission and sins of omission on X-axis, words and actions on Y-axis.
Battling Satan and His Demon
Believers can't be demon-possessed because Holy Spirit who lives in them is stronger than Satan (1 Jn 4:4).
We generally can't tell if a temptation is from world, flesh, or Devil.
Temptations from Satan may be more sudden (1 Chr 21:1; Eph 6:16), frightening (Eph 6:16), loathsome (Ex 4:3; 2 Sam 14) than temptations from world or flesh.
Interacting with Alternative Counseling Models
How to interact with other forms of counseling and psychologized counselees
1. Master what Bible says about subject.
2. Accurately understand other counseling approach.
3. Evaluate other approach with Bible.
4. Explain other approach from biblical perspective.
Problems with DSM
• Diagnosis isn't done with objective medical tests (e.g., blood test, CT scan, MRI).
• There've been 7 versions since 1952, with many major differences.
• Some categories seem more behavioral than medical.
• It assumes people are physical bodies without souls.
Uses for DSM
• Discover questions to ask counselee who's been given DSM diagnosis.
• Consider other risk factors and think of additional questions.
• Gain insights from others with counseling experience.
• Use diagnostic codes for insurance reimbursement (if doing state-licensed counseling).
An Overview of the Change Process
6-Box Model
1. Listen to counselee to learn about situation, especially difficulty, suffering.
2. Listen to counselee to learn about disordered behavior that needs to change.
3. Listen to counselee to learn about sinful beliefs and motives producing disordered behavior.
4. Discern what biblical truth(s) will help counselee change.
5. Based on Bible, envision godly beliefs and motives to cultivate in counselee; affirm those that are present.
6. Note what godly behaviors counselee should or does exhibit.
Key movements in change process: believe, repent, obey.
To aid belief, help counselee focus on God's past and present provisions, promises about future
• Past provisions: election, redemption, forgiveness, justification, adoption, initial sanctification (Rom 8:28-39; Eph 1:3-14; 1 Jn 4:7-16).
• Present provisions: continual forgiveness, love, mercy (1 Jn 1:7; 2:1-2; Ps 51; Heb 7:25), continual wisdom and strength (Lk 11:13; Eph 6:10; 2 Tim 4:17; Phil 2:12-13; 4:13; 2 Pet 1:3-4). See also Heb 4:16.
• Future promises: perfect heart, free of flesh (1 Jn 3:2), perfect body (Phil 3:20-21; 1 Cor 15:50-58), perfect eternal home (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:3-5), see Jesus face-to-face (Jn 17:24; 1 Jn 3:2; Rev 22:4). See also Isa 41:8-10.
Jas 3:13 - 4:12 includes components of 6-box model.
Eph 4:17-32 shows how to put off sin and put on righteousness.
Preparing to Counsel and Leading a First Session
Session 1 goals
1. Welcome counselee.
2. Gather info about counselee's struggles, relationship with Christ.
3. Present Christ and the hope He offers.
4. Explain counseling process, purpose, tentative plan.
5. Invite counselee to commit to counseling and assignments.
If counselee has multiple issues, as them to choose 1 to focus on.
The Counseling Process, Step One: Enter Their World
Counseling process
1. Enter: enter counselee's "world" by listening to them tell about their life.
2. Understand: understand person's felt and true needs.
3. Bring God's Word to comfort them in suffering (if applicable) and confront them for sin (if applicable). Address heart (motive) and behavior.
Cultivate Christlike compassion, humility, gentleness to better enter counselees' "worlds."
Don't be self-righteously judgmental; humbly tell counselee that except for God's grace, you'd be in same position as them, and you need same Savior and Bible they do.
The Counseling Process, Step Two: Understand Their Needs
Work to view counselee's life as they do. Convey to them that you understand them. Lead them to biblical self-understanding.
Don't dispense Bible passages without understanding counselee's situation; situations are unique.
Move from understanding a counselee's situation to understanding their behavior to understanding their heart (motives).
Heart searching questions
• Where do you see God in this situation?
• How do you think God looks at you?
• What were you hoping to accomplish?
• What was going on in your mind?
• If you could change your situation, how would you?
• What do you want to happen in this situation?
• What are your biggest concerns about this situation?
• What do you think is at the root of your behavior?
The Counseling Process, Step Three: Bring Them Christ and His Answers
Counseling passage criteria
• Addresses counselee's struggle.
• Presents specific, relevant, Christ-centered truth.
• Invites change, and calls counselee to respond.
How to bring passage to counselee
1. Ask, "May I share something from God's Word that I think would help?"
2. Invite counselee to turn to passage.
3. Briefly explain context, then ask counselee to read aloud, or follow as you read.
4. Ask, "How might this passage apply to you?"
5. If counselee is confused or unresponsive, summarize meaning of passage and ask a question or suggest how it applies.
6. Lead counselee to tell how passage applies.
7. Ask counselee to commit to change based on passage.
Focus on 1 passage per session, to not dilute focus. Save other passages for homework or future sessions.
Implement action plan
1. Walk counselee through their boxes in 6-box model.
2. Reinforce counselee's grasp of their identity in Christ, its implications for growth (sanctification), God's grace. Consider passages like Lk 12:32; Rom 6:1-14; Gal 3:1-14, 21-29; 4:1-7; Eph 1-2; Phil 2:1-4; 4:11-13; Col 3:1-17; 2 Tim 4:17; 2 Pet 1:3-9; Jude 1:1.
3. Deepen their grasp of Bible and its applications by bringing additional passages in subsequent sessions.
4. Determine specific steps of needed change (boxes 2, 3, 5, 6).
5. Give appropriate growth assignments.
6. Stress need for counselee to pray.
7. Discuss with counselee how to invite other mature believers to help them.
8. Collaborate with counselee's pastor(s) (get counselee's consent).
9. Deal with remaining or new issues.
Giving Hope to Those We Counsel
Show counselee they can't hope in their own strength, wishful thinking, or ungodly counsel, but only in Christ.
Hope-giving verses: Ps 46:1, 7; Mt 11:28; Rom 15:13; 1 Cor 10:13-14; Phil 4:13; 2 Tim 3:16; 4:17; Heb 4:16; 2 Pet 1:3-4
God's purposes in trials
• Deepen our relationship with Him.
• Experience some of Christ's sufferings.
• Expose our remaining sin.
• Draw us closer to other Christians.
• Show Christ's work in us (Mt 5:13-16).
• Give us experience we can use to comfort others.
Concluding a Counseling Case
Counselees may struggle with particular sins until death, but those sins should become gradually less intense, less frequent, more quickly resolved in godly way.
Counseling Non-Christians
When counseling unbelievers, incorporate evangelism into counseling by using counselee's difficulties as opportunities to present Jesus as solution.
Anger, Resentment, and Bitterness
Righteous anger
• Responds to actual sin, not inconveniences or violation of preferences
• Focuses on God and His Kingdom, rights, concerns; not on self
• Is expressed in godly, self-controlled ways
Changing sinful anger
1. Recognize source
2. Repent of motive, behavior
3. Refocus on God & His grace, provisions, promises
4. Replace anger with Christlike motives, behavior
Fighting bitterness
• Consider extent of God's love & your massive debt He forgave
• Recognize you're not judge; God is
• Recognize you're capable of same sins that hurt you
Worry, Anxiety, and Fear
Fighting worry, anxiety, fear
• Think about God's character, promises: for His people (Rom 8:31); loving (1 Jn 4:11); gracious, compassionate (Ex 34:6-7); faithful, giving strength (1 Cor 10:13); listening, giving peace (1 Pet 5:7; Phil 4:4-9); knows & meets our needs (Mt 6:25-34
• Trust God's sovereignty (Col 1; Rom 8:28-29; Job 2:10)
• Repent of wrong standards (Jas 4:1-2)
• Be courageous, productive (Mt 6:34)
Fear of People, Social Anxiety, and Human Rejection
Verses about fearing God instead of people: Pro 29:25; Ps 56:11; 62:8-9; Mt 10:28; Heb 11:25-27; 13:6; 1 Cor 4:3-5
Sadness and Depression
Counseling the sad, depressed
• Listen, encourage
• Reiterate gospel (Christ's work, God's grace)
• Explore underlying motives. Ask, "What are you thinking? What does that reveal about your desires?" and, "What do you want to happen or change?" Ask them to evaluate their thoughts according to Bible
• Remind them of their purpose as a Christian
• Assess for suicidal thoughts
• Help them reduce situational triggers
• Help them work through theological struggles. Encourage them to obey God despite feelings.
• Encourage spiritual disciplines, especially prayer
• Encourage them to meditate on, pray about Psalms (13; 22; 24; 44; 69; 88; 102; 143)
• Encourage them to connect with other believers
• Encourage them to focus outwardly (on Jesus, other people) by serving others
• Urge them to be physically healthy
• Refer to physician in severe cases
Suicide and Self-Harm
As questions to understand counselee's motives for self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Use Bible to expose lies and wrong desires, and give gospel (1 Cor 10:13-14; 2 Cor 4:7-18; Heb 4:12-16; Lam 3:22-23; Ps 46:1-2; 73:26; Jn 10:1-18).
3 themes to explore
• God's presence, compassion, mercy, forgiveness
• God's sovereign control
• God's care and concern
Verses: Phil 4:19; 2 Pet 1:4; Isa 41:10; Jn 14:27; Heb 13:14; Rev 21:4
Addictions and Enslaving Sins
Logging problem patterns
1. Situation, triggers
2. Behavior
3. Beliefs, motives
4. Results
Grief
Counseling grieving
• Empathize
• Gently challenge false beliefs, sin
• Encourage them to help others (2 Cor 1:3-4)
• Explore theology of suffering
• Encourage them to be connected to church members
Trauma and Abuse
Counseling trauma, abuse
• Empathize
• Show how to respond (Ps 27; 47; 55-57; 69; Acts; Rom 12:12-21; 1 Pet; Gen 37; Lk 23:34, 46; Mt 27:46; 2 Cor 1:8-10)
• Give eternal perspective (2 Pet 3:12-13; Rev 21:4; 2 Cor 4; 12:1-10)
• Tell that Jesus knows our suffering, and is with us (Heb 4:14-16)
• Gently deal with temptations, desires, struggles
• Encourage reading Ps 10:17-18; 3-5; 55-57; Job
• Teach godly responses to past or present events
Pornography and Masturbation
Masturbation is sinful because it distorts God's design for sex as between husband and wife (Heb 13:4; 1 Thess 4:3-5). Sex is for mutual benefit (1 Cor 7:2-5), but masturbation is pleasing self alone.
Counseling porn use
• Help them seek greater joy of God; have them meditate on God's love, blessings
• Challenge them to repent
• Help them be transparent, accountable
• Help them reduce access to porn
• Guide them to hate the sin
• Teach God's design for sex (Gen 2:24; Heb 13:4; 1 Thess 4:3-5; 1 Cor 7:2-5)
Same-Sex Attraction and Gender Dysphoria
Same-sex attraction may never change in this life.
Guidance and Decision-Making
If you're obeying God's revealed will, then do whatever you want (Ps 37:4).
Problems with concept of God's will for each individual
• Bible only teaches God's sovereign (decretive) will and revealed will, not an "individual" will.
• It doesn't distinguish between major and minor decisions.
• It says we need something beyond Spirit working through Bible; denies Scripture's sufficiency.
Don't try to read "open" and "closed" "doors"; this is fallible interpretation. Sometimes it's wise to avoid "open doors" (2 Cor 2:12-13).
Decision-making
1. Commit yourself to God, pray; aim to please God, not be self-centered
2. Study Bible
3. Gather info, explore options, examine your motives
4. Seek godly counsel
5. Decide, act
6. Trust God for results
If you're unsure about a decision, don't act until your conscience allows (Rom 14:22-23).
Physical Diseases, Injuries, and Disabilities
Counseling those suffering physical problems
• Understand nature and impact of physical problem
• Show compassion; grieve with them over limitations, losses
• Assure them godly people suffer, and it's not necessarily God's judgment
• Encourage them to pray for healing and grace to endure
• Encourage them to seek medical care to steward their body
• Give Christ-centered hope, not temporal, earthly hope
• Help them embrace God's sovereign, wise, loving purposes in using physical suffering to make them more like Christ
• Help them live as a Christian without making suffering central
• Help them demonstrate fruit of Spirit in every relationship
We should try to be healthy because our bodies are how we serve God.
Conclusion
Biblical counseling orgs
• Biblical Counseling Coalition (BCC)
• Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
• Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
• International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC)
• Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC)
April 6, 2022
The Gospel for Disordered Lives by Robert D. Jones, Kristin L. Kellen, and Rob Green is an introductory guide to the theory and practice of Christ-centered biblical counseling. It is a comprehensive guide for understanding the theology behind biblical counseling. It is faithful to Scripture and a trustworthy depiction of Biblical Counseling.
"[Biblical Counseling] is the Christlike, caring, person-to-person ministry of God's to people struggling with personal and interpersonal problems to help them know and follow Jesus Christ in heart and behavior amid their struggles.
The book covers most, if not all topics necessary to understand in biblical counseling. While the book is very comprehensive, much more could be said in each chapter. Each chapter was intentionally kept brief but contains footnotes and references for a fuller discussion on each topic.
"Biblical Counselors argue that the Bible is the source of authoritative knowledge that drives and exhibits active functional control over our model. This means that biblical counseling is a system of care that emerges from the Bible."
It may be confusing looking at the various counseling methodologies and descriptors that counselors use to describe their counseling. This book accurately defines what I believe to be faithful biblical counseling and also, the type of counseling I believe is the most beneficial and faithful form of counseling. The book rightly points out the conflicts and impracticability with integrating secular counseling methodologies with a Christian perspective. Many of theses methodologies come with their own worldview and presuppositions (authoritative knowledge) that are diametrically opposed to a Christian worldview. More importantly than the method of counseling, the content is equally important. The Christian message (the gospel) must be central to any counseling system that claims to be Christian. This is highlight by the book's double emphasis of Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling.
"If an approach claims to take the best of all the resources available to help people and yet does not bring the gospel, then we wonder if they are taking the best from the Bible."
"When systems of thought and practice claim to prescribe a cure for the human condition, they compete with Christ (Col 2:1-15)."
The book is written as a textbook to be used in an introduction to biblical counseling for colleges, seminaries and biblical counseling training centers. This makes the book perfect for Counselors, Pastors, Church leaders, and Christians who want to understand the theology, purpose, and application of biblical counseling. Part Four: Common Individual Problems and Procedures will also continue to serve as a quick reference for specific topics that are common problems covered in counseling, such as anger, addictions, eating disorders, fear of people, trauma, and several others. I found Chapter 14 particularly helpful and insightful even after counseling for several years. The Gospel for Disordered Lives will undoubtedly be formative in your life and increase your faith and hope in God in a fallen and broken world. If it is not on your bookshelf now, put one on order today.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
"[Biblical Counseling] is the Christlike, caring, person-to-person ministry of God's to people struggling with personal and interpersonal problems to help them know and follow Jesus Christ in heart and behavior amid their struggles.
The book covers most, if not all topics necessary to understand in biblical counseling. While the book is very comprehensive, much more could be said in each chapter. Each chapter was intentionally kept brief but contains footnotes and references for a fuller discussion on each topic.
"Biblical Counselors argue that the Bible is the source of authoritative knowledge that drives and exhibits active functional control over our model. This means that biblical counseling is a system of care that emerges from the Bible."
It may be confusing looking at the various counseling methodologies and descriptors that counselors use to describe their counseling. This book accurately defines what I believe to be faithful biblical counseling and also, the type of counseling I believe is the most beneficial and faithful form of counseling. The book rightly points out the conflicts and impracticability with integrating secular counseling methodologies with a Christian perspective. Many of theses methodologies come with their own worldview and presuppositions (authoritative knowledge) that are diametrically opposed to a Christian worldview. More importantly than the method of counseling, the content is equally important. The Christian message (the gospel) must be central to any counseling system that claims to be Christian. This is highlight by the book's double emphasis of Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling.
"If an approach claims to take the best of all the resources available to help people and yet does not bring the gospel, then we wonder if they are taking the best from the Bible."
"When systems of thought and practice claim to prescribe a cure for the human condition, they compete with Christ (Col 2:1-15)."
The book is written as a textbook to be used in an introduction to biblical counseling for colleges, seminaries and biblical counseling training centers. This makes the book perfect for Counselors, Pastors, Church leaders, and Christians who want to understand the theology, purpose, and application of biblical counseling. Part Four: Common Individual Problems and Procedures will also continue to serve as a quick reference for specific topics that are common problems covered in counseling, such as anger, addictions, eating disorders, fear of people, trauma, and several others. I found Chapter 14 particularly helpful and insightful even after counseling for several years. The Gospel for Disordered Lives will undoubtedly be formative in your life and increase your faith and hope in God in a fallen and broken world. If it is not on your bookshelf now, put one on order today.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
February 21, 2024
I'm torn over how to capture my thoughts on Jones, Kellen, and Green's "The Gospel for Disordered Lives." On the one hand, I'm so grateful to these three authors in putting together a book with such a comprehensive vision. On the other hand, I was left wanting and felt like the ride was a bit bumpy.
The overview of "The Gospel for Disordered Lives" takes the reader through (Part One) an overview of biblical counseling to (Part Two) the theological foundations for biblical counseling to (Part Three) the process and methods of biblical counseling to (Part Four) common individual problems and procedures to finally (Part Five) counseling specific age groups.
The book is less for practitioners than it is as an introductory textbook for those new to the field. As a practitioner, perhaps my critiques are a bit unfair. While the book certainly is wide in its scope, I found it wanting in navigating the theological and practical nuances of most of the content. Specifically, I felt as though the book didn't sufficiently deal with shame and trauma. Its handling of guilt and repentance was excellent (chapter 7 on this subject was one of my favorite chapters--and chapter 8 on battling Satan was also very well done).
While it was wise to include three authors on such an auspicious project, the book never quite gels and feels more like a compendium of articles than a cohesive whole.
In short, while there is much to commend in "The Gospel for Disordered Lives" it didn't live up to my (admittedly high) expectations. On the other hand, I know of no other more comprehensive approach to the subject and so would commend it for that reason alone.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
The overview of "The Gospel for Disordered Lives" takes the reader through (Part One) an overview of biblical counseling to (Part Two) the theological foundations for biblical counseling to (Part Three) the process and methods of biblical counseling to (Part Four) common individual problems and procedures to finally (Part Five) counseling specific age groups.
The book is less for practitioners than it is as an introductory textbook for those new to the field. As a practitioner, perhaps my critiques are a bit unfair. While the book certainly is wide in its scope, I found it wanting in navigating the theological and practical nuances of most of the content. Specifically, I felt as though the book didn't sufficiently deal with shame and trauma. Its handling of guilt and repentance was excellent (chapter 7 on this subject was one of my favorite chapters--and chapter 8 on battling Satan was also very well done).
While it was wise to include three authors on such an auspicious project, the book never quite gels and feels more like a compendium of articles than a cohesive whole.
In short, while there is much to commend in "The Gospel for Disordered Lives" it didn't live up to my (admittedly high) expectations. On the other hand, I know of no other more comprehensive approach to the subject and so would commend it for that reason alone.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
December 26, 2024
Great introduction to biblical counseling. Addresses theoretical/epistemological foundations for counseling and covers a comprehensive set of practical issues that arise in counseling. Provides recommended growth assignments, references other great resources to reference, and notes challenges that arise in particular cases. Good as both a reference resource and as a foundational resource for someone to read through.
September 25, 2023
Overall, great resource. I had small disagreements here and there and I didn't always support works/authors that were referenced or quoted. But I would definitely recommend this as an overview of biblical counseling topics and will come back to specific chapters when I encounter issues in my life or the lives of those close to me.
March 18, 2024
Enter their world. Understand their need. Bring them to Jesus.
Excellent resource. A concise but deep introduction to Biblical Counseling that is both relevant and scriptural. The authors hit major sin and counseling issues through a biblical, gospel lens and speak to the needs of people with compassion and grace. I know I will reference this book often.
Excellent resource. A concise but deep introduction to Biblical Counseling that is both relevant and scriptural. The authors hit major sin and counseling issues through a biblical, gospel lens and speak to the needs of people with compassion and grace. I know I will reference this book often.
December 17, 2024
Great overview of biblical counseling, its basis in theology, and its specific application to situations that are common to mankind. While the writing style varies somewhat from chapter to chapter as three different writers are primary in the book, it is still easy to follow.
February 22, 2025
This book is incredibly in-depth and technical for a layman who is trying to get a lens on biblical counseling. Very encouraged to see the depth of knowledge that exists in regard to God’s redeeming grace for his children specifically within the lens of counseling.
April 22, 2025
Solid book on Biblical Counseling. Repetitive by design and full of solid wisdom. There were a few chapters that made me want to scream, though (the chapter on God’s will was especially frustrating, contradictory, and unhelpful). Overall good stuff.
February 8, 2026
Wonderful introduction to biblical counseling & overview of various issues and topics! I read this for the class my church is doing through IRBC. I found it helpful & will most likely reference it in the future!
October 7, 2022
Incredible resource for beginners like me. I expect this to be referenced often
November 8, 2022
An excellent biblical counseling resource. All the chapters were so concise and helpful. Will definitely refer back to it in the future.
May 1, 2023
Excellent resource!
October 3, 2023
Thorough reference that will be picked up in the future to help in times of counseling others in ministry in the church.
April 3, 2024
Amazing resource to help think through how we counsel friends suffering from mental health hardship! Love Part IV speaking to specific disorders and our main goal with these friends!
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April 13, 2024Read parts of this book for SBTS Counseling course taught by Jeremy Pierre.
September 7, 2024
Must have for any laymen or pastor who leads people
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