Page 457 | Plains Baptist Church Lincoln

Basic Principles in Counseling

"Biblical Counseling 101"

Material borrowed from The Minirth Guide for Christian Counselors

Definition of Christian Counseling: the ministry of one individual seeking to help another person recognize, understand, and solve his or her own problems in accordance to the Word of God. [Minirth Guide for Christian Counselors]

Christian Counseling: is a ministry in which the goal is spiritual growth that honors the Lord; it is, therefore, and aspect of the sanctification process. [Adams, Jay E. Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling.]

Why is Biblical Counseling so Unique?

Biblical Counseling sets the Bible as the final authority.

• Christians do not have to depend totally on their own conscience to direct their behavior.

• The Bible not only gives insights into human behavior, but it also puts everything into perspective.

Biblical Counseling depends on the enabling indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to conquer man's problems.

• Man does have a role to play in the process. (Submit to God's will)

• Through God's power, man need no longer be a slave to his weak ·will, his past environment, or social situations.

• The Holy Spirit will indwell. (II Cor. 3:16-17)

• The Holy Spirit will empower. (Eph. 3:16)

• The Holy Spirit will teach. Gohn 14:26)

• The Holy Spirit will free from sin and death. (Rom. 8:2)

Biblical Counseling is based on God's love. - I John 5:1-2 (the Christian counselor should have a Christ-like love for others and hope to help them grow in Christ as they solve their problems.)

Biblical Counseling has universal application. (It applies to all people regardless of genetic, social, educational, or cultural backgrounds. (Matt 11:28 / John 6:37)

Four Biblical Principles Essential to Christian Counseling

1. Man without Christ is lost - everyone must begin with the thorough knowledge of the nature of man. Fundamental to understanding the nature of man is to realize that man without Christ is completely lost.

2. Man without Christ is incomplete - He lacks the deepest comfort and most powerful resource in the universe for solving problems - Jesus Christ.

3. Man is depraved - He is not basically good. (Rom. 3:9-20)

* Man in himself has neither the capability nor the goodness necessary to solve his own problems and overcome the evil within him. Ger. 17:9)

4. Man is under attack

• Satan desires that non-believers stay in spiritual darkness Gohn 3:19-22)

• He also prowls about seeking to destroy the mental health of Christians (Eph. 6:11-16/I Pet. 5:8-9)

• He can deceive, enticing people to pay attention to false doctrines (I Tim. 4: 1-3)

• He can tempt to sin (I Cor. 7:5)

Effective Counseling with Teenagers

Counseling is not always the easiest thing to do. The teen may not readily open up to you. He or she may not "want" to be counseled, or the teen may not let you get close to him or her. Many times you have to "win the right to be heard." In any case, the following are simple principles to use in counseling:

Try hard to understand the teen's problems. Try to look at the problem through his or her eyes. Be a good listener.
Be particularly understanding in parent or teen problems. Don't automatically associate yourself with the parent. On the other hand, do not undermine the parent, either!
Make every attempt to win the trust and confidence of the youth. Let the camper know you are truly excited to be with him or her this week. Be available. Your attitude communicates.
NEVER make a promise you cannot keep.
Once the camper has placed confidence in you, go to someone who can help with (Team Leader, Program Director or Camp Director).
When he or she tries to "shock" you, never express shock or surprise.
Be able to laugh WITH the camper. Never laugh AT him or her. Never laugh at shady things.
Show your interest in the camper's interests. Keep posted on current things in the world of teenagers.
Don't dress like an oddball.
Never ridicule the camper's extremes: Be patient with idiosyncrasies.
In dealing with the camper, you can share how you approached the problem as a teen (if the issue in question was a problem when you were a teen). However, don't play up the role of how terrible you were as a teen. It's best not to tell all of the "wild pranks" you pulled. The camper may want to do them too ... or go one step further.
Try to get the camper to talk. Don't think that you're the only one with something to offer. Counseling includes listening as well as talking. Sometimes other people can help.
When the camper comes to you with "someone else's problem," remember that it may be the camper's problem that he or she is trying to conceal. Always look for the hidden problem.
Always have an answer with Scriptural basis.
When and if the camper is disciplined, the rule should be firmness with love.
Treat the camper as a young adult. Never call him or her "kid," "boy," or "girl."
Always be alert for opportunities to guide the camper down the right road. Counseling a teen is both a privilege and an opportunity.
Remember that many teens need to be received and accepted, but Scripture needs to be presented for true long-term change.

Plains Baptist Church Lincoln

2902 Randolph Street
Lincoln, NE 68506

Links:

pbclincoln.org

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