The biblical counseling movement is ever-growing, and yet, not everyone who goes by the title of “biblical counselor” adheres to the same ideals and beliefs. There are those who claim to be biblical counselors but still turn to outside sources, additional therapies, and specialized training they feel is necessary to be able to adequately address what may come into the counseling room.
However, is this man-centered wisdom really necessary to be able to counsel well? Should those who rely on it have the title of a biblical counselor? We are addressing these questions and more. Helping me do this is my guest, Joshua Greiner.
Joshua is shepherding as the Lead Pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Michigan, and is an ACBC-Certified Counselor and a Fellow. He has been a voice in the biblical counseling movement for a long time.
In this episode, Joshua shares a definition of a true biblical counselor, what role other therapies or specializations have in biblical counseling, questions you should be asking of your local biblical counselors, and much more.
Listen in!
Resources:
- (BLOG) Cure of Souls (and the Modern Psychotherapies)
- (BOOK) Lies My Therapist Told Me: Why Christians Should Aim for More Than Just Treating Symptoms
- Berean Baptist Church
- Learn more about our 5-Project Biblical Counseling Blueprint Model™
- Explore the rest of our website – bcmnational.org
Key Takeaways
- Stand firm on the sufficiency of Scripture. While there may still be value to be found in training and specialized therapy, we need to be cautious that the primary source we turn to is Scripture. Many “Integrationists” and other groups would fall in the camp of those who are adding to Scripture and do not hold fast to the sufficiency of Scripture alone.
- Don’t accept everything at face value. We cannot assume that everyone with the title of biblical counselor aligns with the true definition of a biblical counselor. It’s important to ask good questions and inquire if a person holds any national certifications to ensure the standard and beliefs to which they maintain.
- It’s important to take the time to work out our faith. As pastors, leaders, and shepherds, we are called to work out our faith and hold fast to our convictions. We should question our beliefs and standards for how we conduct our counseling in order to not fall victim to incorrect thinking.
Meet Joshua
Joshua Greiner is the Lead Pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Michigan, an ACBC-Certified Counselor, and a Fellow. He has been a voice in the biblical counseling movement for a long time. Joshua is married to Shana, and together they have four children.
