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The Church as a Culture of Care: Finding Hope in Biblical Community
We all know people in our world are struggling ―eating disorders, addictions, depression, sexual issues, marital problems―the list goes on and on. Can the church help or is that an outdated concept that no longer fits modern problems? In The Church as a Culture of Care, biblical counselor Dale Johnson explains that the church is still the primary place where those who struggle can receive lasting hope and healing.
Pastors and lay leaders in the church often feel inadequate to address certain needs and are unsure of how to help. This book is designed to help erase the stigma of “mental health issues” in the church and to present the church as the primary haven for answers to deep-seated human problems. Readers will learn that God has designed every function of the church to be an integral part of soul care. God has provided the church with the necessary resources for us to care well for one another. Prayer, the Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and Christian community are God’s provisions to lead all of us to Christ―even those with the deepest struggles.
Counselors, ministers, and lay leaders will be empowered to have confidence in God’s purpose for the church, the power of his Spirit, and the sufficiency of his Word for soul care.
Pastors and lay leaders in the church often feel inadequate to address certain needs and are unsure of how to help. This book is designed to help erase the stigma of “mental health issues” in the church and to present the church as the primary haven for answers to deep-seated human problems. Readers will learn that God has designed every function of the church to be an integral part of soul care. God has provided the church with the necessary resources for us to care well for one another. Prayer, the Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and Christian community are God’s provisions to lead all of us to Christ―even those with the deepest struggles.
Counselors, ministers, and lay leaders will be empowered to have confidence in God’s purpose for the church, the power of his Spirit, and the sufficiency of his Word for soul care.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2021
30 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 18, 2021
Excellent, easy-to-read, and practical book about how the church is called to take care of its people. The church is to be the center of binding up the broken-hearted and providing the illumination of lasting, life-changing peace: the gospel of Jesus Christ brought by the sufficiency of Scripture and the power of the Spirit.
Especially recommend for my guy friends who are pastors/in ministry, and for women to know how to encourage these men in their roles of leadership!
5/5 🌟
Especially recommend for my guy friends who are pastors/in ministry, and for women to know how to encourage these men in their roles of leadership!
5/5 🌟
April 11, 2023
Johnson tackles the abiding misconception of our generation--that only a professional counselor can really help deal with significant personal problems.
A great book that lays out a vision for the role of pastors in particular and the local church as a whole in caring for people in need.
A great book that lays out a vision for the role of pastors in particular and the local church as a whole in caring for people in need.
November 23, 2021
In "Diary of a Country Priest" by Georges Bernanos, the story unfolds as the young, idealistic priest meets grace that impacts and confronts both priest and parishioner. Very much like Chaucer's medieval parson, who cared for his flock at great cost to himself. This pastoral sense is what lies behind a new 168-page softback by T. Dale Johnson Jr., Executive Director of The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and the Director of Counseling Programs and Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The whole premise of the volume is soul-care should be reclaimed by church leaders, and how the congregation can be the healthy environment for such soul-care.
In a nutshell, the book is primarily focused on pastors and ministers returning to the biblical role of "prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). The ministry of the word includes preaching and bible teaching, but also formal and informal counseling. Most specifically and singularly, biblical counseling (nouthetic counseling). Sometimes it feels like the author is "guilting" pastors for not stepping up to their counseling task. At other times it seems like a diatribe against modern professional counseling and psychotherapy. But if one can move past those, it was, in many ways, an encouraging read and a good reminder. I recommend the book.
In a nutshell, the book is primarily focused on pastors and ministers returning to the biblical role of "prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). The ministry of the word includes preaching and bible teaching, but also formal and informal counseling. Most specifically and singularly, biblical counseling (nouthetic counseling). Sometimes it feels like the author is "guilting" pastors for not stepping up to their counseling task. At other times it seems like a diatribe against modern professional counseling and psychotherapy. But if one can move past those, it was, in many ways, an encouraging read and a good reminder. I recommend the book.
December 23, 2021
I agree with the core tenants of the sufficiency of Scripture and the church’s responsibility / ability to care for people’s souls. I even share the concern that Jay Adams and many others have outlined - that the church gave up too much ground to psychology in the first half of the twentieth century. However, I have become increasingly concerned with the biblical counseling movement’s view which claims that the secular has nothing good to offer. This book interweaves this perspective from the biblical counseling movement, and thus it was troubling to me. Clearly there are parts to the secular that are useless to the Christian, but there are also aspects of it that are very helpful as well. Although the minutiae of what part of secular is helpful and what part isn’t is a difficult conversation, the troubling part to this book is that it overwhelmingly and perhaps exclusively values the insights of the biblical counseling movement. This orients people in God’s church against any data / studies that the secular might have to offer.
Also, I was shocked at the brevity of the “case study” at the beginning of chapter one. It was one paragraph. Then, I was shocked again at the swift application of Johnson’s premise to the case study in paragraph two. No effort was put into probing the complexities of the human brokenness of the people in the case study.
I don’t want to be this negative on this book, but it is just where I am at. It has plenty of good content, but the concerns I shared above really overrode it’s good aspects.
Also, I was shocked at the brevity of the “case study” at the beginning of chapter one. It was one paragraph. Then, I was shocked again at the swift application of Johnson’s premise to the case study in paragraph two. No effort was put into probing the complexities of the human brokenness of the people in the case study.
I don’t want to be this negative on this book, but it is just where I am at. It has plenty of good content, but the concerns I shared above really overrode it’s good aspects.
August 15, 2025
Johnson offers a bird’s eye view of how the church was meant to engage in its mission of the care of souls and how Christ as our Great Shepherd demonstrates what that care ought to look like.
February 20, 2022
I had several hopes for this book as a foundation for how to create, establish and maintaining a culture of care.
First, at the foundation, I did appreciate the call to restore care of the needs of people to the church. I liked the call to keeping Scripture and the role of the Holy Spirit as central to care for people. We do often quickly turn to alternatives to help others.
I also appreciated the call to elders as the primary caretakers for the flock. In some settings, there are 2 types of elders. 1) Business and Direction of the Church 2) Care for the Flock. However, I don’t see this as helpful to start separating the roles.
As for concerns, I felt that the author was overly dogmatic (kept repeating over and over) the push to avoid any secular or non-biblical approaches or remedies for issues that people face. Granted, that there are dangers of secular teaching, but there is equal danger to avoid/ignore/bash the findings of the secular world. Not a lot of room for conversation from other points of view. The book was not very inviting or favorable to non-Christians.
Looking across the Christian books, we have books on parenting, marriage, finance, work and self-image. Since these are human authors, how do we handle the advice given.
Secondly, no mention of the character of the counselor or using wisdom that can be used to take in other points of view. In the church, we should also consider the “type” of person that can be used to provide help. Yes, everyone can speak the gospel to others, but not all are called to provide additional help to others.
Lastly, there as not a lot of ideas or tips on how to create a culture of care. Churches that hold a high of scripture, push people into groups in order that care be given can still be missing the mark as to what real care looks like. The tone, atmosphere and attitude of the church can play a significant role in how the church does or doesn’t care. We can have check all the boxes of the right things to be doing and still people are lacking care.
First, at the foundation, I did appreciate the call to restore care of the needs of people to the church. I liked the call to keeping Scripture and the role of the Holy Spirit as central to care for people. We do often quickly turn to alternatives to help others.
I also appreciated the call to elders as the primary caretakers for the flock. In some settings, there are 2 types of elders. 1) Business and Direction of the Church 2) Care for the Flock. However, I don’t see this as helpful to start separating the roles.
As for concerns, I felt that the author was overly dogmatic (kept repeating over and over) the push to avoid any secular or non-biblical approaches or remedies for issues that people face. Granted, that there are dangers of secular teaching, but there is equal danger to avoid/ignore/bash the findings of the secular world. Not a lot of room for conversation from other points of view. The book was not very inviting or favorable to non-Christians.
Looking across the Christian books, we have books on parenting, marriage, finance, work and self-image. Since these are human authors, how do we handle the advice given.
Secondly, no mention of the character of the counselor or using wisdom that can be used to take in other points of view. In the church, we should also consider the “type” of person that can be used to provide help. Yes, everyone can speak the gospel to others, but not all are called to provide additional help to others.
Lastly, there as not a lot of ideas or tips on how to create a culture of care. Churches that hold a high of scripture, push people into groups in order that care be given can still be missing the mark as to what real care looks like. The tone, atmosphere and attitude of the church can play a significant role in how the church does or doesn’t care. We can have check all the boxes of the right things to be doing and still people are lacking care.
August 15, 2022
Aiming at the heart with a Van Tilian arrow!
December 13, 2021
In the book, The Church as a Culture of Care, T. Dale Johnson Jr. seeks to reclaim the church as a culture of care. First, he acknowledges that the church has abdicated the pastoral role of soul care to secular psychology. Psychiatry and mental health experts separated the roles of mental health and spiritual matters, but this line was grey at best. Modern Christians have a spectrum of options of soul care from the secular to integrationist to biblical counselors and pastor soul care. Johnson seeks to challenge the assumption that the bible and soul care is an antiquated or too simplistic to address modern problems. Johnson right points out that the Bible offers a completely different approach and goal. We as Christians, especially church leaders, need to reclaim "the church as God's agent to care for the souls of the people.
Johnson argues that ruling authorities are right and good for a well-ordered society but should not be responsible for the care of souls. Just because the government has sanctioned, through licensing and regulation, licensed professional counselors and therapists do not mean they are best qualified to deal with the complex spiritual issues of soul care. The Bible is clear that the church is primarily given this role and responsibility. One of the primary ways we see this is through the various "one another" passages within the New Testament. As Christians we believe that the world's problems are rooted in sin and the solution is found in the life and work of Christ. Our goal is Christlikeness, the better Adam, "true man."
The book profoundly points out that in all of the so-called modern advances in psychiatry and categorizing disfunctions within the DSM-V, they failed to define what normal is. There is no goal, no direction, no purpose. One can avoid all forms of dysfunction yet still be discontent and dissatisfied with this world. "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law" (Proverbs 29:18). Furthermore, disfunctions found in the DSM-V have a major disadvantage in the world of science since there are no biological tests and rely on subjective judgements. This places psychiatry more in the realm of scientism than as a science. "Scientism, the use of scientific language to propagate philosophy or theory" (Page 47).
Another danger Johnson rightly warns of is the tendency towards eclecticism. With all of the various counseling models and schools of thought, it may be tempting to see Biblical Counseling as just another tool in my tool belt. Care that is built on worldly systems will only achieve the world's end (page 51). Embedded in every counseling methodology is a goal or idea of the "good life." Every counselor who offers any counsel (admonition, guiding, approval, etc.) is operating out of a worldview that influences their counsel. There are no amoral counseling systems or theories.
The chapter on Shepherding is important but could have been more concise and to the point. It was meant to be the climax of the book and the foundation of the claim for soul care for the church, but it fell a little flat for me. There was nothing wrong with the substance or what was argued, I think it was just the style and specific wording.
The book does a great job exposing and advocating for the need for biblical soul care in the church. It could be stronger on the how-to build a culture of soul care in the church. This section is limited to the final chapters. Early in the book, there is mention of a series of books that will be released which may go into more application on the how-to do soul care within the church. I hope this is the intent and look forward to these future books!
I really loved this book. It stirred in me the conviction and desire for biblical soul care within the church. This book is directed towards pastors and church leaders, especially chapter 6, but is helpful for anyone desiring to know more about soul care. My hope would be that secular counselors and psychologist might read this to better understand Biblical Counseling. We might all disagree on the methodology but we all desire to help others navigate the complex world we find ourselves in. This book provides a great apologetic for the necessity of soul care within the Christian church.
Johnson argues that ruling authorities are right and good for a well-ordered society but should not be responsible for the care of souls. Just because the government has sanctioned, through licensing and regulation, licensed professional counselors and therapists do not mean they are best qualified to deal with the complex spiritual issues of soul care. The Bible is clear that the church is primarily given this role and responsibility. One of the primary ways we see this is through the various "one another" passages within the New Testament. As Christians we believe that the world's problems are rooted in sin and the solution is found in the life and work of Christ. Our goal is Christlikeness, the better Adam, "true man."
The book profoundly points out that in all of the so-called modern advances in psychiatry and categorizing disfunctions within the DSM-V, they failed to define what normal is. There is no goal, no direction, no purpose. One can avoid all forms of dysfunction yet still be discontent and dissatisfied with this world. "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is one who keeps the Law" (Proverbs 29:18). Furthermore, disfunctions found in the DSM-V have a major disadvantage in the world of science since there are no biological tests and rely on subjective judgements. This places psychiatry more in the realm of scientism than as a science. "Scientism, the use of scientific language to propagate philosophy or theory" (Page 47).
Another danger Johnson rightly warns of is the tendency towards eclecticism. With all of the various counseling models and schools of thought, it may be tempting to see Biblical Counseling as just another tool in my tool belt. Care that is built on worldly systems will only achieve the world's end (page 51). Embedded in every counseling methodology is a goal or idea of the "good life." Every counselor who offers any counsel (admonition, guiding, approval, etc.) is operating out of a worldview that influences their counsel. There are no amoral counseling systems or theories.
The chapter on Shepherding is important but could have been more concise and to the point. It was meant to be the climax of the book and the foundation of the claim for soul care for the church, but it fell a little flat for me. There was nothing wrong with the substance or what was argued, I think it was just the style and specific wording.
The book does a great job exposing and advocating for the need for biblical soul care in the church. It could be stronger on the how-to build a culture of soul care in the church. This section is limited to the final chapters. Early in the book, there is mention of a series of books that will be released which may go into more application on the how-to do soul care within the church. I hope this is the intent and look forward to these future books!
I really loved this book. It stirred in me the conviction and desire for biblical soul care within the church. This book is directed towards pastors and church leaders, especially chapter 6, but is helpful for anyone desiring to know more about soul care. My hope would be that secular counselors and psychologist might read this to better understand Biblical Counseling. We might all disagree on the methodology but we all desire to help others navigate the complex world we find ourselves in. This book provides a great apologetic for the necessity of soul care within the Christian church.
December 21, 2021
Johnson believes the church is to be the place for soul care for Christians. “God has provided the church with the necessary resources and designs for us to care well for one another with the Word of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, as we are led by Christ.” (138/2981) The church is positioned and equipped to best understand human problems and minister to the problems of life. (Well, maybe not exactly, as I note below.)
He defines and explores biblical counseling including oversight of God's church, the authority and sufficiency of God's Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit. He notes, “Pastors are called and responsible to care for the souls of God's flock.” (529/2981) “...Scripture places the responsibility for the care of souls on pastors.” (1071/2981) But then he adds, “...God places that duty square upon the shoulders of the elders of his church.” (1084/2981) But wait. The elders have the “particular purpose” to equip the saints for soul care. “Saints are to be equipped to serve the church by ministering the word of God for the care of souls.” (2245/2981) A question that comes to mind is who trains the elders to equip the saints to adequately provide soul care? What does that equipping look like?
I found some of the book a bit puzzling. For example, Johnson says, “Every believer is a counselor.” (2499/2981) He clarifies in saying he does “not mean every believer is called or qualified to do formal counseling with individuals struggling with very difficult forms of sin and suffering.” (2499/2981) He further clarifies the “every believer is a counselor” as in our gestures, our attention, attitudes, behavior, and words. (2499/2981) Yet, he says, God intends that the Word dwell in us so richly “that we are able to counsel one another from his wisdom.” (2499/2981) I am confused. Are lay people, with the sufficiency of the Word, able to counsel one another, or, are we not qualified for “formal” counseling? Johnson suggests a church shouldn't have a formal counseling ministry anyway, unless closely guarded. (2544/2981)
Formal counseling, Johnson says, is like having a specialist called in by a general medical practitioner for a more intense look at an acute issue. (2544/2981) Ah, are we talking about someone specifically trained to counsel? Does that mean God hasn't really provided the church with the necessary resources and designs for soul care as Johnson said earlier? Is it, “God has given us exactly what we need to care appropriately in the moment,” or do we really need trained counselors? (2647/2981) Where do they get trained? Johnson is an associate professor of biblical counseling at a major seminary so perhaps that is the kind of institution where such training needs to happen.
I really like the idea that God has provided for adequate soul care within the church. I was dismayed to find that Johnson added the need for “formal” counseling. I liked the idea of the sufficiency of Scripture with the leading of the Holy Spirit when it comes to soul care. But it sounds like, for tough issues, that really does not apply. “Formal” counseling, I am assuming, by someone trained (and not by the church elders) in biblical counseling techniques is needed.
Johnson notes that this is merely the first in several books on biblical counseling. I look forward to them as I was left with many unanswered questions in reading this one. I could recommend this book be read by church boards as discussion questions are provided. However, I think the book might leave them with knowing what is supposed to be true but with no idea how to get there.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
He defines and explores biblical counseling including oversight of God's church, the authority and sufficiency of God's Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit. He notes, “Pastors are called and responsible to care for the souls of God's flock.” (529/2981) “...Scripture places the responsibility for the care of souls on pastors.” (1071/2981) But then he adds, “...God places that duty square upon the shoulders of the elders of his church.” (1084/2981) But wait. The elders have the “particular purpose” to equip the saints for soul care. “Saints are to be equipped to serve the church by ministering the word of God for the care of souls.” (2245/2981) A question that comes to mind is who trains the elders to equip the saints to adequately provide soul care? What does that equipping look like?
I found some of the book a bit puzzling. For example, Johnson says, “Every believer is a counselor.” (2499/2981) He clarifies in saying he does “not mean every believer is called or qualified to do formal counseling with individuals struggling with very difficult forms of sin and suffering.” (2499/2981) He further clarifies the “every believer is a counselor” as in our gestures, our attention, attitudes, behavior, and words. (2499/2981) Yet, he says, God intends that the Word dwell in us so richly “that we are able to counsel one another from his wisdom.” (2499/2981) I am confused. Are lay people, with the sufficiency of the Word, able to counsel one another, or, are we not qualified for “formal” counseling? Johnson suggests a church shouldn't have a formal counseling ministry anyway, unless closely guarded. (2544/2981)
Formal counseling, Johnson says, is like having a specialist called in by a general medical practitioner for a more intense look at an acute issue. (2544/2981) Ah, are we talking about someone specifically trained to counsel? Does that mean God hasn't really provided the church with the necessary resources and designs for soul care as Johnson said earlier? Is it, “God has given us exactly what we need to care appropriately in the moment,” or do we really need trained counselors? (2647/2981) Where do they get trained? Johnson is an associate professor of biblical counseling at a major seminary so perhaps that is the kind of institution where such training needs to happen.
I really like the idea that God has provided for adequate soul care within the church. I was dismayed to find that Johnson added the need for “formal” counseling. I liked the idea of the sufficiency of Scripture with the leading of the Holy Spirit when it comes to soul care. But it sounds like, for tough issues, that really does not apply. “Formal” counseling, I am assuming, by someone trained (and not by the church elders) in biblical counseling techniques is needed.
Johnson notes that this is merely the first in several books on biblical counseling. I look forward to them as I was left with many unanswered questions in reading this one. I could recommend this book be read by church boards as discussion questions are provided. However, I think the book might leave them with knowing what is supposed to be true but with no idea how to get there.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 19, 2021
Great book. Plopped in some ideas about Biblical Counseling that weren't developed well. Book was super helpful to provide insight into how the Church should look as a deeply biblical community, but added practical comments on how to do this. Hopefully this is a gift to the church to bring discipleship back into the culture. Started off strong, didn't feel like the momentum stayed, but good resource and encouraging book.
December 3, 2022
Having taken a class with Dr. Johnson and looking forward to another one soon, I have much respect for the wisdom and teaching of this man. This book was intentionally simple, and does repeat itself quite a bit. However, it is a helpful primer in understanding the role of the church in soul care. Not the most riveting or mind-blowing book I’ve ever read, but certainly one I would recommend to the right people.
February 10, 2023
This book was helpful. My complaint: more than half the book was devoted to giving a defense of biblical counseling (which was helpful and I understand is necessary). But only last few chapters were actually about creating a culture of care. Why not write two books and give each the screen time they deserve?
May 22, 2023
This is an excellent book. It is simple to read but says a lot.
The most helpful (I think) and controversial part is the ongoing tension between Biblical Counselling vs Christian Counselling/Psychology. This short book obviously isn't going to solve these differences nor going into depth about specifics - but Johnson clearly states his position and the reasoning behind it.
The most helpful (I think) and controversial part is the ongoing tension between Biblical Counselling vs Christian Counselling/Psychology. This short book obviously isn't going to solve these differences nor going into depth about specifics - but Johnson clearly states his position and the reasoning behind it.
March 1, 2022
Agreed with the author's argument that the church should be a place of caring for people. I hope the author follows up this book with another one that helps church leaders develop the church into a culture of care. Steps in that direction would have greatly improved this current book.
April 28, 2022
Really Valuable
The church needs to be doing the one another’s. Dale write a great book on the important topic. It’s been a treat having him teach on this topic during Sunday school at church lately.
The church needs to be doing the one another’s. Dale write a great book on the important topic. It’s been a treat having him teach on this topic during Sunday school at church lately.
April 11, 2023
A brief yet helpful call for the church to step up as the primary means of care for the souls of people. I especially appreciated the acknowledgment of ways the church has failed combined with the practical tools and expectations laid out.
November 6, 2025
Found this to be such a helpful resource for understanding the role of the Church in caring for one another and for occasions of more intensive care for one another (Biblical Counseling). A shorter book good for getting the broad picture for how a church should operate in the context of soul care.
November 7, 2025
The care of souls is the responsibility of the Church, and God has given us exactly what we need to do it! There is nothing more hope-filled and restorative to believers in their sin and suffering than true, biblical counsel from God’s Word, by the Spirit, in the context of the local church! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
abandoned
June 9, 2022Read several chapters in conjunction with church class. Not going to finish.
February 3, 2023
I really wanted it to be more practical and less theoretical.
February 21, 2023
Some good, basic principles laid down but it was too theoretical. If the author had included many more examples than the sparse ones he supplied, it might've been a much better book.
November 23, 2021
Johnson has written this book for church leaders and elders, seeking to re-establish the church as the central place of soul care. He challenges the perception that secular psychology has outdated the church, but proposes that God has equipped people for every function of the care of souls, placing Jesus at the centre of restoration.
Most of the book is devoted to expounding a biblical vision for soul care. God made the church to care for people, Christ is the head of the church as well as our good shepherd, that those in leadership are meant to care, and to equip the saints to care for each other.
Chapter 3 (when the church doesn’t care) was one of the strongest, and one those in church leadership would do well to ponder. Johnson outlines how we have embraced secular psychology, abdicated discipleship, and we hesitate to obey and apply God’s word. Chapter 8 (counselling in the local church) was also very helpful, with the distinction between preventative and intensive soul care. Preventative care should be a normal part of the one-anothering life of the church, and intensive care is that which requires immediate attention through formal counselling or intensive discipleship.
This is a helpful offering to assist church leaders consider why biblical soul care and counselling is an essential part of the the role of the church. I felt it was more wordy that it needed to be, and yet still didn’t get specifically practical, in terms of how a church or a pastor might go about making change. Having said that, he has laid excellent groundwork for churches to think through their own culture of care, what they may be missing, and the reasons for that. Numerous people would benefit if these principles were put in place in more churches.
A more detailed review can be found at: https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.co...
Most of the book is devoted to expounding a biblical vision for soul care. God made the church to care for people, Christ is the head of the church as well as our good shepherd, that those in leadership are meant to care, and to equip the saints to care for each other.
Chapter 3 (when the church doesn’t care) was one of the strongest, and one those in church leadership would do well to ponder. Johnson outlines how we have embraced secular psychology, abdicated discipleship, and we hesitate to obey and apply God’s word. Chapter 8 (counselling in the local church) was also very helpful, with the distinction between preventative and intensive soul care. Preventative care should be a normal part of the one-anothering life of the church, and intensive care is that which requires immediate attention through formal counselling or intensive discipleship.
This is a helpful offering to assist church leaders consider why biblical soul care and counselling is an essential part of the the role of the church. I felt it was more wordy that it needed to be, and yet still didn’t get specifically practical, in terms of how a church or a pastor might go about making change. Having said that, he has laid excellent groundwork for churches to think through their own culture of care, what they may be missing, and the reasons for that. Numerous people would benefit if these principles were put in place in more churches.
A more detailed review can be found at: https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.co...
May 21, 2024
Dale Johnson’s book The Church as a Culture of Care, defines the “church as God’s agent to care for the souls of His people.” Since “counseling is a theological discipline,” he develops a theology of soul care in the church, offers a definition of Biblical Counseling and “the doctrine of jurisdiction,” addresses key scriptures, cultural influences to avoid, the standard of normal, critical elements to church life, the roles of evangelism, discipleship, shepherds, deacons, and all believers in soul care, and notes that practice and doctrine are never separate.
Strengths: Definitions provided; Christ-centered; focus on local church’s role; stresses importance of shepherding and soul care by elders; soul care as stewardship; the sufficiency of Scripture; body life and one another ministry; church discipline; evangelism and discipleship; warns against worldly philosophies, eclecticism, and professionalized pastorate; exhorts to define problems biblically, and encourages true science.
Weaknesses: Minimal; the subtle influence of psychological forces and eclecticism in today’s church could be better developed.
Uses in Biblical Counseling: Exhorts discernment; emphasizes soul care as stewardship; emulates Christ; the aim of all counseling is Christlikeness and His glory; emphasizes evangelism, discipleship, local church body in soul care; sets Christ as the example of normal; exhorts the practice of one another ministry in the local church.
Excellent book and one I highly recommend to you.
Strengths: Definitions provided; Christ-centered; focus on local church’s role; stresses importance of shepherding and soul care by elders; soul care as stewardship; the sufficiency of Scripture; body life and one another ministry; church discipline; evangelism and discipleship; warns against worldly philosophies, eclecticism, and professionalized pastorate; exhorts to define problems biblically, and encourages true science.
Weaknesses: Minimal; the subtle influence of psychological forces and eclecticism in today’s church could be better developed.
Uses in Biblical Counseling: Exhorts discernment; emphasizes soul care as stewardship; emulates Christ; the aim of all counseling is Christlikeness and His glory; emphasizes evangelism, discipleship, local church body in soul care; sets Christ as the example of normal; exhorts the practice of one another ministry in the local church.
Excellent book and one I highly recommend to you.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews