A Practical Guide for Effective Biblical Counseling

by Wayne Mack

Who will benefit from this book? Anyone involved in counseling troubled people; anyone who strives to disciple others for Christ; all parents who want to promote effective communication and faith-building conversations with their children; any Christian committed to serving others through the Word of God; anyone who wants to live a life pleasing to the Lord, utilizing the principles set forth in Scripture. If you fall into any of these categories, you will benefit from this book.

This is a guide for biblical counselors on how to effectively help counselees overcome their struggles, practical and spiritual, and become true, faithful disciples of Jesus. My approach to biblical counseling can be broken down into eight essential steps, each rooted in biblical-disciple making principles. I clearly describe each step, how and where it is taught in Scripture, and why it is vital to strengthening discipleship.

Genres: Counselling

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Jennifer Trzeciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a helpful review of Mack’s 8 “I’s” of biblical counseling. It’s an intensely practical reference book and one that I will reach for over and over again.

[John Botkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayne Mack might be on the Mount Rushmore of biblical counseling. He’s been a leader in the field for a long time, teaching pastors, seminarians, and the global church for decades. What we have in this book is a distillation of that experience: eight steps in a basic framework for bringing biblical care and counseling to someone’s life as a sinner or sufferer (or both). This doesn’t say everything there is to say about the biblical counseling. But that’s okay because no one book does. What this book provides is a wonderful introduction for the aspiring counselor or the everyday Christian who wants to others find relief in difficulty, power to overcome sin, hope in God, and maturity in Christ.

[Sharayah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the how-to’s of biblical counseling. There were many times I said, “Hmmm…” (in a good way) ;) I was able to apply one principle in particular to my life that has helped me tremendously in the past week. Overall this book gave me much to think about and apply to my life.

“If we have a proper view of God and of His Word, we will find hope that change is possible. When we have a proper sense of who God is and what He can do, we begin to understand that the reason change is possible is because we serve a good God with unlimited power. He equips us to follow Him. He equips us to obey.” (pg. 137)

[Grace Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was practical, Biblically-based, and extremely helpful. It gave me a new perspective on how I can be intentional in my conversations with my peers and friends and how God can use even a lowly, sinful, flawed instrument like me to perhaps work His change in the hearts of others. It is a wonderful thought! The Eight I's are excellently helpful and I recommend this anyone who wants to help other and counsel themselves.

[Faith Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wayne Mack’s style cuts straight to the point as he always seeks to back up his claims with scriptural references. This book packs so much valuable information about counseling into formats that are easier to remember — like centering around the eight I’s. Not only does it serve as a great resource for pouring into others, but it acts as an excellent personal evaluation for a believer living the Christian life today.

[Patrick Lacson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic book. A must-have for the biblical counselor. However, this version feels outdated and could use more fleshing out. Very biblical and practical but lacking in connecting the dots to the gospel.

[Joshua Chipchase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful and practical, especially on the topics of giving hope and collecting data. A good framework for doing counseling (the 8 "I"s). The ending few chapters seemed a little sparse (and almost incomplete) but overall the book was great.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expansion of Mack's chapters in Introduction to Biblical Counseling. Very good.

[James B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A common issue with counselling books, actually a lot of Christian non-fiction, is that they are too wordy. It's as if they are stretching the book out to 200 pages. Often after pulling myself through a book I thought to myself, "This book could be a lot shorter." Well, this book is what much Christian non-fiction should be! It's concise, clear, and to the point. It's a great introduction to biblical counselling and practical guidelines on the topic in terms of the fundamental methodologies. I will gladly come back again and again in future!