Page 162 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

7. Should the wife work outside the home?
8. Should the husband hold extra part time jobs?
9. Discuss the financial aspect of entertainment and having guests in the home.
10. What insurance do you and should you have?
11. Discuss contentment in living within one’s income.
12. Should you accept finances from in-laws?
13. Should each of you have a separate bank account?
14. Who should handle the finances?
15. Discuss how you view finances. Does one of you have a tight reign?
16. Is one of you more of a spender and who is the saver?
17. Do you believe anyone should help you financially?
18. Are you going to pool all your resources?
19. How generous are you?
20. What is your plan for budgeting?
21. What is your attitude about debt?
22. Are either of you tempted to gamble?
23. Where will you live? (House/apartment/geography)

From their answers, you can probably determine whether they have given thought to how they plan to
manage the resources God gives them. Make sure their plans are realistic and rational. If not, spend
some time helping them to make a plan on how they will live on the funding God provides.

Finally give them this assignment:
Write a personal letter to your future mate. (Maybe you will read this letter to that person
someday.) Tell him (or her) how you are going to improve yourself and what you are committing
yourself to in preparation for your dating and married life together with them. You will want to
include areas like what characteristics you already have and what characteristics you are willing to
work on. Tell that person what kind of a mate you are preparing to be for him (or her). Make some
commitments and promises to him (or her). Be very honest and detailed.

Counseling with those who go through divorce.

Since divorce is so prevalent in most countries, many people have been affected by it. It often involves
the trauma brought to the children in the family. As a counselor, you will find that many people,
especially children, who have been influenced by its negative marks. Consider what they are:

 Loss of Income
 At times drastic.
 A lot of fathers pay little or no child support.
 This is the first loss that a lot of students feel.
 Loss of neighborhood
 Friendships, familiarity, church,
 Loss of church
 Emotional support
 Previously, it was their parents. Now their parents are looking for that support (and
unable to offer it).
 Loss of trust

161