As a new
pastor, there were some things in my job description which were intimidating.
But for me, nothing was more intimidating than the thought of counselling. I
had often given advice to people, and helped them to think biblically about
things, but I had never been–in my estimation–a counselor to anyone. For that
reason, I was glad to hear of a book on counseling from 9Marks and Crossway. I
find my resources from 9Marks, most published by Crossway, to be the most
helpful on church-related issues. The
Pastor and Counseling is no different.
This book
by Jeremy Pierre and Deepak Reju is very helpful to me for two reasons. First,
it lays down a “theology of counseling” that is both informative and inspiring.
Second, it provides a simple yet thorough explanation of what counseling looks
like.
The book is
divided into three sections and also includes some very helpful appendices. The
third section will become more helpful as my pastoring/counseling ministry
develops. The third section deals with developing a culture of counseling in a
church and ideas around the employment of outside resources. For now, sections
One and Two will be a great aid to me in developing as a counselor.
Section One,
and the Introduction, deal with concepts of counseling and section Two
considers the process of counseling.
The first
chapter in section One paints a biblical picture of what pastoring, and
specifically pastoral counseling, looks like: a ministry of laboring and
suffering, of discipling God’s people, of praying, and of teaching God’s
people. Chapter two, still part of section One, delineates the goals of
counseling and speaks to the initial contact with someone who might be coming
to you. Chapter three, the final in this section, relays the methodology of
counseling; the pastor listens, considers, and speaks to people’s heart
response to God, self, others, and their circumstance. This section was informative
through simple explanation and clear illustrations. The increase in my
understanding resulted in a new-found motivation to disciple through
counseling. This topic was becoming less intimidating.
The three
chapters of section Two provide a very practical description of what actual
counseling sessions should look like. Chapter four, the first chapter of
section Two, detailed the initial meeting, highlighting its four goals: 1)
establishing a relational connection, 2) exploring through listening, 3)
displaying hope, and 4) setting expectations. The next chapter concerns itself
with the ongoing process of counseling. Concrete ideas such as getting an update,
checking up on assigned prep work, and further exploration of the issues might
seem obvious to many, but I found the thorough explanation of what the process
looks like beneficial. The last chapter in this section, chapter six, describes
the final meeting and how the pastor concludes the counseling and releases the
member into the regular care of the church. Counseling, once a very intimidating
topic, was becoming increasingly understandable and I, once a very intimidated
pastor, was becoming emboldened to pursue this aspect of my calling.
For those
adept at counseling, this volume might be overly simple. I really cannot speak
to that. For me, new to pastoring and new to counseling, this book is a
valuable resource. I am certain that The Pastor and Counseling would also be
significantly helpful for lay people as well. I recommend this book to pastors
who want to grow in their understanding and practice of counseling and to those
lay people who would like to do the same.
