Master's International School of Divinity Biblical Counseling Insights

BIBLICAL COUNSELING INSIGHTS

Master's International School of Divinity is committed to the belief that God's Word is totally adequate to meet the deepest spiritual needs of individuals everywhere, in every generation, in every culture. We understand the Scriptures to be totally sufficient as a handbook for the human heart, soul, and mind. Consequently, we believe that Biblical Counseling is superior to all other methodologies. Furthermore, we believe that one of the most critical needs of the church today is men and women of God properly trained in the ministry of Biblical Counseling.

Therefore, we have partnered together with a world leader in the promotion of Biblical Counseling, the International Association of Biblical Counselors, to make available at the undergraduate through doctoral levels, a complete degree program which also includes all of the course and practicum requirements of Certification by IABC.

Whether you are seeking to earn your Associate, Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree in Biblical Counseling, we believe that the dual Degree/Certification Track is the most logical and efficient path to earning both your degree and qualifying to become Certified as a Biblical counselor! Because, more than ever before, the Church of Jesus Christ needs men and women called and trained to bring the hope and healing that is possible only through the power of God and His Holy Word.

Now, please take a few moments and read the Biblical Counseling Insights presented below.

CONFUSED CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
Dr. Ed Bulkley, President
International Association of Biblical Counselors

There is growing confusion in today's Christian community about the best way to help people overcome their personal problems of living. Some believe that Christians should submit only to biblical counseling, while others passionately support psychological counseling so long as it is integrated with the Scriptures.

Fully persuaded that psychological training is necessary to counsel effectively, most pastors today refer their parishioners to psychologists and psychiatrists for treatment of serious emotional and behavioral disorders. Christian publishing houses pour out an endless stream of books written by psychologists to help believers solve their problems of living. These experts appear on Christian radio and television, and produce film series to communicate their belief that pastors and churches can help parishioners with minor problems, but serious disorders must be entrusted to "professional counselors."

Denver Seminary, Talbot Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Liberty University, Moody Bible Institute, Columbia School of the Bible, and a host of other Christian schools are convinced that psychology and the Bible must be integrated in counseling if the church is to remain relevant to our contemporary culture. Dallas Seminary employed one of the nation's best known Christian psychiatrists on its teaching faculty. Colorado Christian University offers a counseling degree built on the theories of a prominent Christian psychologist.

Is Psychology Needed Today? How did the apostle Paul counsel people in his day? Paul himself answers that in Colossians 1:28, "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." He then warns us in Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Am I misreading Paul? Is he in error to suggest that we can find all wisdom in Christ? Do we, then, need the insights of psychology to provide for the deepest needs of Christians? Is modern life truly more complex than it was in the days of Paul? Those who believe we desperately need the insights of psychology seem to think so.

Is All "Truth" True? A professor of counseling psychology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is committed to the concept of integrating secular psychology with biblical counseling. He argues that psychological "truths" fall under the category of general revelation and that new insights can be accepted if they are true and do not contradict the Bible. He offers this example: I think all Christians would agree that when you bury negative feelings, you bury them alive, and that can cause ulcers, even heart attacks. This process is undeniably true, but you can't find it specifically in the Bible. If it's true, then we embrace it and use it; if it isn't true, then we don't. 1) One could argue with the professor whether "this process is undeniably true" and what it means to "bury negative feelings." But a greater problem is how one determines whether a psychological discovery is "true." He implies that the Bible is as silent about the human condition as it is about modern technologies: It isn't a textbook on how to tune up our automobiles, or on physics, chemistry, or psychology. It does contain statements that relate to geology, anthropology, and psychology that must be integrated into those disciplines, but the Bible's primary purpose is to tell us how to be right with God, not what to do when someone has a nervous breakdown. 2) Are we to assume, then, that there is no connection between one's standing with God and a nervous breakdown? Is the Bible really silent on the issues of psychological health? Are mental/ emotional problems the same as tuning one's car or mixing chemicals? Integrationists see a categorical difference between psychological and spiritual problems and how to solve those problems. They say that the medical doctor should treat the body, the psychologist or psychiatrist should treat the mind, and the pastor should deal with the spirit.

Those who insist that we must use psychology along with biblical counseling argue that "even though the Bible is all true, it does not follow that all truth is in the Bible." They give examples: In mathematics, medicine, physics, geography, marine biology and a host of other areas, there is much truth that is not mentioned in the Bible. God in his wisdom has allowed human beings to discover truths about the universe that are not discussed in Scripture. 3) While it is true that the Bible does not list mathematical formulae, modern medical procedure, every physical law, every geographic location or every species of marine life, one must remember than none of those areas deal with essential spiritual truths.

Some critics of psychology seem to argue ... that God has not allowed human beings to discover any truths about interpersonal relations, mental health, counseling techniques, mental disorders, personal decision making or any other issues related to stress management and daily living. Such a view maintains that God has allowed human beings to discover truth in almost every field of human study except psychology. 4) The problem is that many integrationists seem unable to discern the significant difference between the physical sciences and the so-called "social sciences." Does the Bible Deal with Every Problem Known to Man? The question remains, is psychology necessary today? Integrationists seem to think so because "some human problems are not mentioned in the Scriptures." They believe that The Bible was not written as a self-help, question and answer book covering every possible human problem. It does not claim to be a textbook of counseling techniques or personal problem solving. 5) No, the Bible claims to be far more--the very word of God that "is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work," (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

Of course, the Bible does not tell a student which specific college to choose, nor does it name the precise person a Christian is to marry. God does not remove from the individual the privilege and responsibility to use his mind, experience, common sense, and the advice of godly counselors to make important decisions. But those kinds of decisions involve specific applications of biblical truths, not universal principles. Contrary to integrationist reasoning, the Bible does present the principles that, if followed, will provide the answers for every human problem.

The Bible provides the principles necessary to deal with eating disorders, non-biogenic depressions, AIDS, scholastic failure, child abuse, bitter memories, anxiety, and a host of other modern problems. Thus, integrationists are grossly mistaken when they say that "many, perhaps most, of the problems people bring to modern counselors are never discussed in the Bible.

Dr. Ed Bulkley, President
International Association of Biblical Counselors

WHY COUNSELING BELONGS IN THE CHURCH
Alden Laird, Executive Vice President
International Association of Biblical Counselors

Why People Seek A Neutral Counselor.

Many years ago a young married couple visited our church and asked to see me following the worship service. After we exchanged the usual pleasantries, they, with some difficulty, began to share the reason they had visited our church.

The husband had a serious long-term problem with pornography and wanted to know if I would counsel them. Upon inquiry, I learned that they were in a fine Bible-believing church, liked their pastor, and appreciated the caring body of believers at their fellowship. They had not shared this problem with their pastor and indicated they would be too embarrassed for anyone in the church to counsel with them.

I could repeat scores of similar conversations and experiences with those who seek an "outside counselor." This illustrates a very popular theory in the church today which proposes that a dispute or personal problem is best served by a neutral counselor outside the local church.

When is Outside Counseling Appropriate?

On the surface this might appear to be a wise perspective. Proponents point to several so-called advantages including neutrality, confidentiality, and greater transparency in the counseling sessions.

I want to be fair and not rule out the possibility of a "neutral" Biblical counselor in certain situations. What should two Christian businessmen do if their companies have a dispute, they attend different churches, their pastors do not agree, and they cannot resolve the matter? Yes, there is a place for what is known as Christian mediation and conflict resolution, utilizing the resources of a neutral, objective Biblical counselor or arbitration board.

The Apostle Paul admonished the believers at Corinth to avoid taking another believer "before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints" (I Corinthians 6:1-8). Certainly, it is far better to seek a "third party," godly Biblical counselor or counselors for assistance in certain cases. But, in the far majority of cases, the principle is this: God has ordained the local church and its spiritual leaders to assist with the personal problems and disputes that may arise among believers.

Where Should Counseling Take Place?

Our counseling staff here at Return To The Word have given a great deal of thought as to where counseling should take place. With years of responses from thousands of callers across the country, we have seen over and over again the problem that exists when counseling goes outside the local church. This is why we consistently refer people back to their local church and their pastor. It is not only our experience that counselees find the best help when they go back to own local church, it is first and foremost the plan laid out for us in the Scriptures.

Biblical Authority - First of all is the matter of authority. The Bible clearly teaches that the local church is given the right and responsibility to not only govern its own affairs, but also the authority to judge matters within the church (I Corinthians 6:12,13). Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18), and yet He also delegates leadership and grants authority (within certain boundaries) to pastors and spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:7,17; I Thessalonians 5:12,13).

As an example, I would seriously question why a man would ask his wife to submit to his leadership if he himself has not first demonstrated his willingness and faithfulness to the leadership of those God has placed over him. Therefore, the value of local church counsel is that it provides the spiritual leaders an opportunity to evaluate if everyone involved in the dispute or conflict has first demonstrated submission to their rightful leaders.

Accountability - Second is the issue of accountability. When counseling goes outside the local church, any advantage of neutrality and/or confidentiality must be weighed against the far greater liability of having virtually no mechanism to hold each person accountable.

How could an outside counselor, for example, take a counselee through the Matthew 18 (church discipline) process if he or she continued to live in rebellion to God's Word? Without the church, the counselor's role is reduced to that of being a mediator or consultant.

That is why so many in a marital dispute are turning to the courts; the church has either failed or not been allowed to exercise its God-given role of authority over such matters. Why is it that, even for many Christians, people want a "Church Wedding" but in the end, they seek only a civil (court) dissolution of the marriage instead of seeking Godly counsel? -Continuity- Third is the issue of continuity. How can an outside counselor continue to follow up and provide long-term counseling from a distance? From my perspective this presents the same problem as people who rely only on their television or radio pastor. Therefore, at Return to the Word, we consistently recommend our callers to seek counsel from their own pastor. The pastor and leaders of the church are the ones who are charged with the responsibility to shepherd their flock (I Peter 5:1,2) and stay abreast of their spiritual condition (Proverbs 27:23). This is why in my beginning illustration I urged that couple to go back to their local church and their pastor and ask for help.

Do we really believe that a local church is a family of believers under divinely appointed leadership? Sometimes we don't act like it, especially when a problem develops. Unfortunately, many have not received the help and care they need because it is rare for "outside counseling" to provide the long-term assistance that believers need to correct a problem and mature in the faith.

Why the Local Church?

Ken Sande, Executive Director of the Institute for Christian Conciliation, who himself regularly conciliates business, family, employment, and church disputes, says in his well-written book, The Peacemaker - A Biblical Guide To Resolving Personal Conflict: "Some of the best conciliators are people who are personally acquainted with you or your opponent, or better yet, who know both of you quite well...this potential for bias should be more than offset by their commitment before God to do what is just and right. In fact, my experience has shown that someone who knows you well will have the freedom to be honest and frank, and that is exactly what you need in a conciliator." Sande takes a strong position for seeking resolution first from the local church. Are there times when churches refuse to get involved? Yes, it is often a sad fact of our day.

What is Really Needed?

I wish there was never a time to have to recommend "third party" counseling Ñ to refer people "to a Biblical counselor in your area," but many churches and pastors have dropped the ball and leave many with no alternative. Even so, I believe every Christian ought to first appeal and challenge their church and leaders to assume their biblical role of shepherding, counseling, and discipling their own flock.

We have had a growing number of pastors who have accepted our counseling requirement that we will not counsel a member from another church unless they bring their pastor or another spiritual leader with them. What marvelous results God has graciously given in many of these situations as pastors and leaders see that we, as Christians, have the all-sufficient Word of God as our resource, and that Biblical counseling does not require "professional" training to help people change their lives.

The requirements for being a Biblical counselor are a thorough knowledge of God's Word, the resulting practical sense and a consistent and godly lifestyle (I Timothy 4:11-16). Let's get back to God's Book and God's ways!

Alden Laird, Executive Vice President
International Association of Biblical Counselors

THE DO’S & DON’TS OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING
Presented by The International Association of Biblical Counseling

Here is an outline of some of the "Do's and Don'ts" of Biblical Counseling. If you will follow these suggestions, you may spare yourself a great deal of trouble and heart-ache. Examine the principles carefully and apply them to your counseling ministry as you compare and validate them with the Word of God.

DO A PERSONAL INVENTORY:

1. DO counsel others when you are living an obedient, spirit-filled life with a working knowledge of the Scriptures and are able to assist others in their personal growth. (Ephesians 5:18; Romans15:14)

2. DON'T neglect the basics" (meditating on God's Word, prayer, witnessing, and fellowship in a Bible-believing local church) in your own life. (Ephesians 6:10-20; Hebrews 10:19-25)

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION:

1. DO require and carefully review the Counseling Information Form prior to the first session so as to discern the proper personnel and materials that may be necessary. (Ecclesiastes 8:5,6)

2. DON'T be too hasty to draw premature conclusions. (Proverbs 14:15; 18:17)

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP:

1. DO carefully discern the counselee's spiritual leadership and authority structure: e.g., Husband - I Corinthians 11:1-3, Parents - Ephesians 6:1, and Local Church Leaders - Hebrews 13:7,17.

2. DON'T assume someone else's role and responsibility unless there is mutual consent on the part of all individuals involved or lack of interest. (Philemon 12-14)

INITIAL SESSION:

1. DO listen carefully to the counselee's explanation of the problem. (James 1:19)

2. DON'T fail to offer hope when the Biblical principles are applied. (Romans 8:28)

3. DO explain the nature of genuine Biblical counseling and your commitment to the truths of God's Word. (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:3- 11)

4. DON'T neglect to explain your requirement that the counselee complete all weekly home-work assignments. (James 1:21-25)

SALVATION:

1. DO inquire early in the counseling process as to whether the counselee is a true believer. Always be prepared to share the simple plan of salvation. (II Corinthians 13:5)

2. DON'T take for granted anyone's salvation, nor presume that a non-believer can discern spiritual truth. (I Corinthians 2:12-14)

ROOT ISSUES:

1. DO assist the counselee to discern the root problem(s) (sins) as compared to the surface issues (which are normally the presenting problems). (Hebrews 12:15)

2. DON'T focus on surface issues that blur the counselee's vision of root problems. (II Corinthians 10:7)

SELF-CONFRONTATION AND REPENTANCE:

1. DO expect the counselee to first take the log out of his (or her) own eye" before insisting that anyone else make changes. (Matthew 7:1-5; Acts 24:16)

2. DON'T presume that sorrow or remorse for past failures and sins is sufficient. Gently lead the counselee through the steps of repentance and appropriate restitution. (II Corinthians 7:8-13)

FORGIVENESS:

1. DO emphasis the various aspects of forgiveness (e.g. vertical and horizontal forgiveness); that God requires of us to forgive all who have erred against us. (Colossians 3:13)

2. DON'T minimize the sins of unforgiveness, hatred, and bitterness. (Matthew 18:21-35)

PUTTING OFF, PUTTING ON:

1. DO instruct and train the counselee in the principles that relate to "putting off the old self.. .and putting on the new self." (Ephesians 4:17-24; Philippians 4:8)

2. DON'T neglect the instruction to the counselee with regard to discipleship, accountability, and fellowship from the local church. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. DO demonstrate the fruit of the spirit" in all your conversation and demeanor. (Galatians 5:22-26)

2. DON'T counsel a member of the opposite sex alone. (I Thessalonians 5:22)

3. DO seek Godly counsel from others on difficult matters. (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6)

4. DON'T pledge total confidentiality, as to do so could potentially bring harm to the counselee or others. (Ecclesiastes 5:5; Proverbs 17:15)

5. Do remember the wonderful balance of always "speaking the truth in love." (Ephesians. 4:15)

NOTE: These "Do's and Don'ts" are by no means an exhaustive list. There is no substitute for the daily intake and application of God's Word. In so doing the counselor will not only rely upon the Holy Spirit, but will also continue to plumb the depths of the Bible. Ultimately, we want to say like the Apostle Paul, "For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God" (Acts 20:27).

"Confused Christian Counseling", "Why Counseling Belongs in The Local Church", and "Do's and Don'ts" of Biblical Counseling are presented by The International Association of Biblical Counseling (IABC) and are reprinted herein with permission. Dr. Ed Bulkley serves as president for IABC, and their web site is: http://www.iabc.net

For more information:

Undergraduate Department of Biblical Counseling
Graduate Department of Biblical Counseling
IABC Degree/Certification Program