Christian Counselling

Isaiah 61:1-3

1. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to (them) that are bound;

2. To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."

Christian counselling is a healing Ministry.

Jesus is still the Healer of broken hearts. He is still the answer for all situations. No situation is too great when you bring your case to Jesus.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2-3).

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

(James 5:14-15).

Importance of the Word in Christian Counselling

The Christian counsellor must have acute knowledge of the Word to be effective to the counselee. That person must spend time studying and listening to the Holy Spirit for instructions and guidance.

Most definitely, knowledge of the Word will be a great asset to the Christian counsellor enabling that person to select the right passage pertaining to the need of the counselee.

To select a verse at random, may cause more damage than good, and may only give false hope to the counselee, which must be avoided at all costs.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Psalm 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

What is Christian Counselling?

Christian Counselling is a Bible-oriented healing ministry enabled by the Holy Spirit, to help individuals cope with crises which cause life-changing events in their normal way of living. Christian counselling is an important ministry which serves the body of Christ for encouragement, especially during a time of loss and grief. This branch of counselling is different from a pure psychological approach, but maintains some similarities. The reason is that the Christian counsellor, counsels from the Word of God which has never been known to fail. Psalm 119:89

A Christian counselling program at STC helps the individual to face challenging situations which will always occur. While the Christian may feel comfortable serving the Lord, there are people who are hurting, and who need comfort from someone who will help that individual face crises with trust and courage. As a healing ministry, Christian counselling also serves to help the individual to face difficulties in faith knowing that God is able to deal with all types of situations. Doubt and confusion in a time of crisis can become the greatest setback for anyone. This is the time when the counsellor will be called upon for help.

Through the power of the Word, prayer and faith, the counsellor is able to help the counselee with effective answers.

The Power of the Word

“For the word of God (is) quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

A Brief Description of the Counselling Program

The source of knowledge for counselling God's people comes from the Bible with its wisdom and teachings from both the Old and New Testaments. From these sources, students gain understanding concerning how to practically apply the Word which is life and light, and which gives hope especially in the times of crises. They are taught to use the word through the Holy Spirit Who interjects and gives wisdom, knowledge, discernment. and revelation through prayer to arrive at a diagnosis. As a Teacher and Guide, the Holy Spirit identifies and reveals attacks from sources which are not godly or physical in order to help counselees to understand the source of problems and various forms of situations. With His guidance and direction, students use the information to apply the correct response to the situation.

The Holy Spirit's also influence counsellors to them make decisions from different perspectives so that the counselee is helped in the most meaningful way. The course also helps students to develop learning abilities to assist those who are hurting both in the Christian and secular realms, so that they are able to face and deal with the changing circumstances of life.

A course in Christian counselling is ideal for anyone who is in ministry, such as Sunday School teachers, leaders, especially those called into ministry. Moreover, counselling should be a stable ministry in the church similar to other programs. The reason is that the world is changing, and there are many complications facing not only those who are non-Christians, but also those in the Body of Christ. These are situations which may be personal, or family related. Christian counselling is a necessary and influential ministry for every church, especially in this 21st Century.

It is advisable and better to earn your degree or certificate even though studies take time. If you dedicate yourself to study and set a target day for completion, you will not notice the time span. The course offers both introductory for pastors, and comprehensive training for degrees.

In Times of Crisis

We sometimes meet people who are in distress with concerns which make them fearful and emotionally overwhelmed. Their inability to concentrate on how to help themselves out of crises creates the need for immediate help. Since not everyone is able to manage stress and anxiety, they need someone who will listen attentively, and give some form of help so that they are able to face those immediate situations. The counsellor may not have substantive answers for some things, but he or she can give a word of encouragement to help the concerned individual.

Counselling and the Church

Shekinah Theological College encourages the church to have trained ministers to help their people cope with life's changing circumstances. While some situations may not directly affect us, we have friends, relatives and others who are facing problems and who need our help.

Although counselling requires time, and patience, a course in this important topic teaches each person how to demonstrate genuine concern, and empathy to another person facing crisis. Moreover, counselling requires an individual who is equipped with sharp listening and critical thinking skills to reflect and interpret what the individual is saying. When someone is facing a crisis the individual needs someone who will listen attentively, ask pertinent questions without censuring, and when needed, make suggestions or referrals.

Verse for the Day

Christian counsellors

should make it a habit to start each day with the

Word of God, as preparation to help those who are in need of their help.

The Counsellor

When a counselee calls or visits a counsellor, that person expects to meet with someone who is warm and kind with a willingness and patience to listen, and not judge. Keep in mind that first impression is greatly effective and extremely lasting. Counselling requires time, patience, showing genuine concern, empathy, and so much more.

In your encouragement to the counselee remind him or her that God is able to mend the broken heart. He will strengthen those who are weak and helpless, and through His word, they can find comfort and healing.

If you are hurting and need to talk with someone, call or leave a detailed message with a good time to reach you, we will return your call.

Call us at
770.347.9812, Voice

678.964.4096, Text and voice

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