Page 3 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

Biblical Counseling
Cathi Schuurmann, M. Ed., M. Counseling
Kelly Larsen, M.Div.
Kris Bjorgen, Ed.D.

Study Section 1: Answering Key Questions about Biblical Counseling

1.1 Connect

Many people are very confused about life in general. The media tells us to live our life for
maximum pleasure and to get even against all those who offend us. Some Philosophers tell
us that there is no truth and no real right and wrong. It all depends on each person’s
perspective and on how each person feels about things. Scientists tell us that life is a mere
accident of millions of years of cosmic mutations and that man is nothing more than an
advanced animal. Everyone seems to be bombarded from every angle about how to live their lives.

As believers in God’s Word, we know that most of those who are seeking to advise people have
instruction that is contrary to His Word. We also know that God’s Word is TRUTH. Any advice a person
may listen to that is contrary to the Bible is FALSE guidance and will lead that person down the wrong
pathway. So, as we begin a course on Biblical Counseling, we are referring to giving others counsel or
guidance in accordance with God’s Word. We must give God’s guidance on how to live our lives. Only
then can we experience fruitful lives. So, let’s learn about how to give Biblical guidance…..

1.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to give a definition of biblical counseling.

2. The student should be able to describe the various human roles play in counseling and
how they are inadequate.

3. The student should be able to state the various ways that human thought has crept into the ideas
that a Christian counselor has about counseling.

1.3 What is Counsel?

Counsel is simply instruction or advice for living (Proverbs 1:1-5; Exod. 18:19)

When people speak of needing “counseling”, they often have in mind those times when
they are suffering from some overwhelming issue or are struggling under the weight of
some besetting sin or crushing emotion, but biblical counsel encompasses much more
than just the “big” issues of life. Proverbs 1:5 says, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a
man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” The context of this statement makes clear that the
subject matter of learning and the wise counsel received is in reference to the ordinary matters of life,
those things that lead to “wise behavior” (v 3) and “prudence” (v 4). The counsel that Moses’ father-in-

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