Effective Biblical Counseling: A Model for Helping Caring Christians Become Capable Counselors

by Larry Crabb

In Effective Biblical Counseling, Gold Medallion Award-winning author Dr. Larry Crabb presents a model of counseling that can be gracefully integrated into the functioning of the local church. He asserts that counseling is simply a relationship between people who care and that its goal is to free people to better worship and serve God. This book will show you how to help people achieve obedience and character growth in their lives, and establish a sense of personal worth and security along the way. Dr. Crabb says, "I believe that God has ordained the local church to be his primary instrument to tend to his people's aches and pains. In writing this book I have tried to be of practical help to Christians who want to be more effective in ministering to their suffering brothers and sisters."

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Psychology, Nonfiction, Theology, School, Christian Living

212 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Lawrence J. Crabb Jr.

Larry Crabb is a well-known Christian psychologist, conference and seminar speaker, Bible teacher, and author of more than 25 books—including his most recent, When God’s Ways Make No Sense and two Gold Medallion award-winners Inside Out and Understanding People. He is also the founder/director of NewWay Ministries & most recently his "legacy ministry", LargerStory.com. In addition to various other speaking and teaching opportunities, Crabb offers a week-long School of Spiritual Direction held each year here at The Cove and the Glen Eyrie in CO. He currently is scholar-in-residence at Colorado Christian University. Larry and his wife of 50 years, Rachael, reside near Charlotte, N.C.

Reviews

[William Cheung · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first biblical counselling book! Crabb does a good job in explaining what biblical counselling is, as well as addressing concerns regarding therapy/psychology. Crabb provides a counselling framework and uses real-life examples to show how it can be applied. I think laypeople with no previous training/education would greatly benefit from this book, as it teaches you how to better care for other brothers and sisters.

[Matthew Tam]

Insightful, yet verbose. Crabb offers with clarity some concepts in his book (e.g. significance & security, motivation, and a 7-step counseling model). One can tell the book is slightly dated, however the problems he lays out are still present with today's society in slightly different forms.

[Jason Kolar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1977, I would say this is "classic" material and a small introductory to Biblical Counseling. I love his vision of what counseling ought to be in the church. Though professional counseling is important in our society, God gave us the body of Christ to build us up and grow. We shouldn't back down from our calling to counsel one another to look more like Christ.

His approach to modern counseling ("Spoiling the Egyptian" as he would say it) seems like a great model, though I didn't like the immediate application. He seemed to take Maslow's Hierarchy and make that the foundation of his counseling method. I would have loved for him to take more time backing that approach up from a biblical lens. Does the Bible say we are filled with needs or ungodly desires as the basis for our sin? Does the Bible articulate significance and security as the two foundational sins? Maybe. I'd love to hear his thoughts.

But, with that complaint I will say by the end of the book, I really appreciated his approach and found it very helpful... Now can someone please reprint this book with actually good illustrations?

[Tirza Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“By cutting God off (what a staggering concept of freedom—mere humans can cut God off from their lives), you cut off the only source of true significance and security.” Dr. Crabb gives a vision for the church being the one ministering to those struggling in the body of Christ. We are all called to truly love and accept the hurting, although on different levels. He also gives practical examples of how to counsel and how to relate to secular psychology with a biblical perspective. Definitely recommend.

[Austin Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Security and significance, the two core things human beings need. The book does a good job of bringing out how to effectively make people feel secure and significant.

[Anthony Russo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right in the first paragraph of the Introduction, Crabb had my interest. Crabb writes:

My purpose in writing this volume is to think through a model of counseling which can be gracefully integrated into the functioning of the local church. In my view, any approach to counseling which is truly biblical will work most effectively when carried out in the context of the local body of believers.

His "Spoiling the Egyptians" approach (I won't explain where the name comes from) basically is to take the best of secular psychology and use those ideas with accepted biblical truths. Personally, what I see happening next is a Christianization of Maslow's Hierarchy.

Crabb's dislike of Adam's nouthetic approach is obvious. His irritation is not well concealed. Later in the book, however, he does give some genuinely kind nods Adams' direction, which came as a pleasant surprise.

The charts and diagrams were my least favorite part of the book. They're dated looking and make his theories look contrived.

So, three stars it is.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly respect Dr Crabb's insight, knowledge and wisdom, so reading this early work (1977) added to my own understanding. It wasn't an easy read, as he was still more of a clinical psychologist at that point. There was a lot of justification over why the layperson needs to step up as preliminary counselor. It seems to me that's a well-established fact by now--at least, I hope so.

pp.13-14, "Effective (Christian) body life however produces its own problems. When Christians begin to experience the thrill of true acceptance and begin to taste the possibilities of deep fellowship both with the Lord and each other, it often happens that long and deeply hidden problems begin to surface."

His later books address particular issues, but this one lays an excellent basic framework for the renewing of our minds, and suggests the actions to facilitate the growth that yields maturity.

[Ryan Jankowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Crabb's second book written in '77. It is consistent with his current writings. I really enjoyed it and think it would be of benefit to most.

[Timmy Cham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book thoroughly absorbing; I ended up writing a dozen-page review of it...
Here's a link to the Review of Effective Biblical Counseling, by Larry Crabb> full review
Here's the review's introduction:

Crabb’s Model of Christian Psychology
By: Tim Chambers (email: teddycham97@gmail.com)
September 2020

(A) Introduction: If the Bible is a reliable source of truth, then this would carry some intriguing consequences for our understanding of human psychology. As a sample, consider the following verses:

· Jeremiah 17:9-10: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

· 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

· Ephesians 4:22-24: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

· Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

· Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

· Romans 7:22-23: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my member.”.

· John 8:34: “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”

What functional model of human psychology could validate such verses? This essay sketches and examines one such model, proposed by Christian counselor Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., (Crabb 1977). Along the way, we’ll see how Crabb’s model offers psychological accounts of the above verses. We then conclude this essay with some questions and closing remarks.

Full review here:
Review of Effective Biblical Counseling, by Larry Crabb

[Donn Vaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout this book, Larry Crabb mostly focuses on a Level three biblical Counseling scenario. It is not until the last chapter that the author fluently identifies the three tiers of Counseling. The only danger I can see of having this identifier at the end instead of the beginning is if a level one counselor began to read this book and did not finish it and were to incorporate the level three content with their level one experience, it could be a deterrent for those seeking consoling because the individual will not be trained nor experienced enough for this level. In turn, the counselee may walk away before they can be referred to a level two or level three counselor. Larry Crabb explains to his audience that a level three counselor should have at least six months to a year of experience, which would also consist of class work.

As a Counseling book for the local church, that author sets up a good guide along with scenarios to help envision a church model. Not just in counseling people but also to take people from where they are, at the moment, and slowly elevate them from individual self-reliant cultural Christians to God-seeking Christians who are slowly being mentored onto the righteous path of Christ.

With all this being said, I am glad I sat down and read this book, for I walked away with a few more spiritual nuggets to assist me in caring for those all around me. As Larry Crabb stated, "counseling is simply a relationship between people who care, and its goal is to free people to better worship and serve God."

[Vincent Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larry Crabb Jr.'s book, Effective Biblical Counseling, is an oldie but a goodie. In the book, he attempts to talk about three levels of counseling that can be offered in a church setting to Christians who are struggling. His feeling, as presented in the book, is that the majority of therapeutic needs that Christians have should be administered through the church body that they are a part of.

His framework differs from the framework of Jay Adams, where most of therapeutic modalities revolve around identifying sinful behaviors and thoughts and badgering the client into confessing and resolving those. Instead, Crabb believes in "spoiling the Egyptians," taking useful techniques from the field of psychology and using them in a Biblical framework to help people achieve inner peace. Before using any technique, he believes that it needs to be submitted to the lens of Scripture to see if it is consistent before it is used.

Just because a technique is helpful to patients doesn't mean that it is Christ honoring.

Crabb does believe that past harms and events influence present emotions and behaviors and that before you can make a break with a sinful thought pattern, you need to understand what emptiness that thought pattern is meeting for you. The challenge, of course, is that many people focus on the behaviors rather than the thinking that underlie them and the end result is that the behaviors don't change.

Over and over through the book, Crabb talks about Scripture, what it says and how we need to be careful not to give others who are struggling emotionally an opening to sin.

I think he is careful to admit that we need to be gentle in our approach and take adequate time for people to come to their own understanding of their struggles.

I do think that Crabb, in an effort to be Scriptural, is pretty quick to discourage people from leaving unsafe situations. He never mentions abuse, but discusses telling a woman whose alcoholic husband collapses on the couch drunk every evening that God expects her to stay with her husband. At the least, I would explore the question of safety with such a woman before giving her "the word of the Lord." Maybe this is simply due to the fact that the book was written in the 1970s, but it feels like there is not adequate encouragement to identify the safety (or lack thereof) for the person being counseled.

I know that he is attempting to be Scripture focused, but I fear that he is actually making victims feel guilty for leaving situations where they or their children are endangered. Submission is a Biblical principle, but we would do well to remember that there is a need to protect the least of these from those who would prey on them.

I still recommend this book, but wish there was an updated version. I think for a more nuts and bolts book, I would recommend Mark McMinn's "Theology, Psychology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling," a book that I really connected with.

[Justin Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Larry Crabb’s book on developing a community that is capable of offering valuable counsel to its members was both helpful and practical. Gentlemen, this book can benefit you in at least the following ways... 1️⃣Understand how speaking the truth in love to others can benefit from secular insights without corrupting the purity of Scripture 2️⃣How to examine why you think the way you think, and if you truly believe what you say you believe3️⃣How to move OVER and UP into your purpose and then how to help others do the same.

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www.gentlemanspurpose.com

[Brandon Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For almost 50 years this work has been the gold standard for many Bible colleges and their counseling curriculum. After reading it I can see why. Crabb is very Christ centered and Gospel oriented. To be honest, I’ve read after many theologians that weren’t as sound as he is. I love the way that this book is written to potential counselors, both professional and lay, but also to those who are in need of counseling. I will take many of the principles in this book and use them for the rest of my life. This book is a must read for pastors, counselors and lay people are wishing to counsel others from a biblical perspective. I think it just made its way into my top five all-time.

[Esther* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written a few decades ago, this is a good starting point for anyone wanting to begin their journey of counselling from a Christian perspective. It begins with an overview of where the clashes of humanist psychology and Christian theology lie, and different approaches that it is possible to take in reconciling the two.

It raises lots of important questions which should not be ignored by those wanting to pursue this topic, and I think it offers a lot of interesting ideas on how to move forward in a healthy way. Some of the case studies given were frustrating though as they seemed to be led by a particular theological viewpoint, thus projecting a specific agenda on to the client.

[austin tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a priceless resource for Christian Counselor

The book has a great book with some very helpful insights. I love how the author brings psychology under the lenses of the Bible and not the Bible under the lenses of psychology. This book is both clinical and extremely practical

[Jacob Sabin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has a lot of helpful tips for a Christian counselor. His model is to take methods of psychology which work and integrate them using Christian values, principles, etc. It was certainly not the most engaging counseling, psychology book I ever read. I do not know if I would ever re read it or not, but it can be helpful, maybe even more so to someone who has no knowledge of this subject.

[Tina Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what it claims to be: a great tool for lay counseling. I thought he did a great job explaining theories in light if a biblical context without getting too bogged down. Lots of real-life scenarios to help you grasp the process.

[Allan Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to an important theme. Thoroughly biblically grounded and pastorally warm. Highly recommended.

[Jonathan Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Would definitely read again!

[Zach Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn’t say I agree with everything, but overall Crabb makes an excellent contribution to biblical counseling with this classic.

[Benton Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books for understanding biblical counseling.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every believer desiring to live in community and fellowship with the local body.

[Ryan Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for a graduate-level class. Extremely useful and a crucial book for anyone going into professional counseling.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t actually read this one. Will keep for reference later if needed
A classic text on biblical counseling-includes the goal of counseling Christianity and psychology. What you need to know about people in order to affectively counsel. What do people need to live affectively. Why do we do we do. Personality structure. Basic strategy. How problems develop. What do you try to change.
Also includes a model for counseling and developing a counseling program in the local church

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naturally, there is some friction in enjoying the book since it is so dated. I noticed a lot of other people commenting on that as well. However, I would like to say that this book was incredibly helpful **introducing** me to the meaning of counseling and its practice. In a very 1970's way, the book gives the teleology of biblical counseling and some tools in order to materialize that teleology.

Now, of course, the language of the book is tailored for the lay-counselor so it would be unfair to judge the book in any other regard than that. Any complaint that the book is too simple or plain is not so much a complaint about the work itself but the poor ability of the reader to choose the suitable book.

I would point any evangelical Christian wanting to sharpen their understanding of lay-counseling to this book as an introduction.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crabb's book covers the basics of Christian counseling for laypeople and pastors. Crabb's writing is accessible, concise and practical. Crabb is fairly balanced in his overall view of psychology and the balance between medication and counseling. However, because of his audience this book focuses on counseling techniques and practices which non-professional counselors would find helpful. Crabb's approach to counseling, as advertised in the title, emphasizes heavily the role of the Bible, prayer, the Church (community of faith), and the Holy Spirit in the healing process and Christian maturity as the ultimate goal.

[Bill Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been written in 1977 and still being used today as an accurate resource for Christian/biblical counseling, it is safe to assume the content of the book is fantastic. I wholeheartedly concur, if your focus is Christian/biblical counseling. I do not see how his theory/technique of "Spoiling the Egyptians" can be successfully implemented in a non-Christian counseling environment or with a non-Christian client, particularly if the client has expressed their disinterest in integrating theology or spirituality as part of the sessions. This was read as part of the required textbooks for a graduate level course in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Liberty University.

[Shera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crabb creats a very biblical theoretical framework for the person. The book however is very geared toward church ministries and the Christian counselor. Some of his thoughts could be hard to be used in secular settings. However, it always helps to read something so rich and text that identifies what man is, how we operate, etc. If you are a Christian counselor it is great to read this book and to see how Crabb creates "the peron" as children of Christ.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books' central idea is that one's thinking must be changed in order to have any impact on one's inputs of significance and security. Dr. Crabb explains that he believes there are four approaches to integration. He advocates for the last view of "Spoiling the Egyptians." This is a viewpoint of taking from the field of psychology that which will be helpful, but not in conflict of a Christian worldview.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any Christian who is pursuing counseling. It is even great for any Christina to read, just for insight into how to help others. It is not simply a book written for learned counsellors and professionals, but also to make layman counsellors within the Body as well. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn how to help their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to be all He has called them to be. Plan to read more of his work.