Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral counselling is the application of biblical truth to the needy members of Christ’s church. Like Jesus’ encounter with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, it involves guided listening (v.19 “What things?”), scriptural application (v. 27 “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures…), and a transforming encounter with the Lord (v.31 ”And their eyes were opened and they recognised Him”).

The needs may be varied (personal, marital, family, vocational, financial, etc.) but the goals of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation, through Jesus Christ remain central. It is distinguished from psycho-therapeutic counselling in that it it is based on biblical principles rather than psychological theories. It emphasizes the love of God, the truth the Word and power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives as we open ourselves to His Presence and Will.

Recommended Reading

Oden, Thomas C. Pastoral Counsel. Classical Pastoral Care. Vol 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000.

Oden, Thomas C. Crisis Ministries. Classical Pastoral Care. Vol 4. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2000.

Resources for Further Study

Friedman, Edwin H. Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue. The Guilford Family Therapy Series. New York: Guilford Press, 2011.

Patton, John. Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide. Abingdon Essential Guides. Nashville, TN; Abingdon, 2005.

Vanier, Jean. From Brokenness to Community. New York: Paulist Press, 1992.

Willimon, William H. Worship as Pastoral Care. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1982.

Griefshare is a congregation-based small group ministry that assists people who are going through the grieving process. It may be led by lay or ordained leaders. Their website is: https://www.griefshare.org/