Why We Offer Biblical Counseling

"Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies;
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:11

Everyone is a counselor.
We engage in counseling every time we answer a question about life, offer words of comfort or encouragement or suggestion, or help someone think through a decision. Whether we call it giving advice, counseling, discipleship, or something else, the crucial question is, Is your counseling consistent with Scripture, biblically wise, and practically effective? This class will help lay the foundation of how to understand and address common problems from a biblical perspective.
 
Everyone needs counsel as they live out the Christian life in a fallen world.
We all go through seasons—short and long—when we need wisdom spoken into our lives. This class is taught in such a way as to benefit every Christian who wants to know how to better go through the challenges of life themselves.
 
Everyone is called to counsel.
Not everyone is called to serve in a formal ministry of counseling, but all of us as believers are urged to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) How do you know which situation you are confronting when you seek to help someone? Do you know how to begin admonishing, encouraging, or helping? In growing in your understanding of how God’s Word is sufficient to address all our problems in life, you will be better equipped to disciple others in daily interactions.

God calls some to serve in a ministry of counseling.
 The Holy Spirit grants to each believer unique gifts for the benefit of the body (1 Corinthians 12:7). Some have received gifts and passions that enable them to minister effectively as counselors in the local church. This course is a significant step in equipping those who have the desire to make biblical counseling a focal point of their ministry, and pursue additional training such as certification through ACBC. It is also the minimum required training for all lay counselors at OBC.