Christian counseling, as appealing as the profession may sound, is also one of the most sensitive in the Body of Christ. The Christian counselor happens to be one of the most sought after professional in our society today—due to various reasons.
With the rise in statistics of depression, medical and spiritual challenges, divorce, marriages in need of a urgent fix; the Christian counselor fills the gap and provides solutions to the diverse dangers plaguing the Christian community daily.
How To Be A Christian Counselor
Christian counseling cannot be done by just anyone; since it has to do with coming face-to-face with very deep, personal and very sensitive issues affecting people.
A vocation in Christian counseling is what a person should have a rethink on over and over again before indulgence. Counseling as a whole is not for the faint-hearted; a prospective counselor must be sure counseling is what they are destined for and really want to do.
What Is Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling (also known as biblical counseling and Christian psychology) is a therapy approach that involves the application of psychology, scriptures and biblical teachings to help people better handle life challenges.
Christian counseling is a path that no prospective Christian counselor should barge in blindly. Although what's prevalent in the Church today is that, almost every pastor automatically becomes a Christian counselor. Apparently, no one has the capacity to stop a pastor from doing what they want with their congregation, yet it is advisable that pastors (at least) acquire basic training in guidance and counselling. Being well-versed in scriptures alone is not enough.
How To Become A Christian Counselor
There's more to becoming a professional Christian counselor than just acquiring adequate knowledge and expertise in this field. Many traits are required to become effective in Christian counseling; and they include traits like love and compassion.
For better understanding, let's highlight some key points in becoming a Christian counselor below.
1. Be Saved And Filled With The Holy Spirit
A prospective Christian counselor should first and foremost, be genuinely saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 11:2 KJVAnd the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Wisdom from the Spirit of God is superior to head knowledge. And without genuine salvation, a professing Christian counselor would likely be giving counseling from a worldly standpoint.
2. Be Sure About Your Assignment To Be A Counselor
Christian counseling is not a walk in the park. You must be certain it is what God wants you to do, and also what you want to do. Be 100% sure before going for it.
3. Know God And His Word
A proper and adequate knowledge of God and His Word is one of the most important prerequisites to becoming an effective Christian counselor.
Psalm 119:105 KJVThy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
The Bible is a manual and a compass that instructs and directs all affairs of man. God has answers to every problem of man in His Word. The Christian counselor must know and use God's Word as the basis for counseling.
4. Obtain A Degree In Christian Counselling
A proper and adequate knowledge of the Word is needful, but not enough to give the Christian counselor a sharp cutting edge in their profession. By the help of the Holy Spirit, the Christian counselor should locate and get enrolled in an accredited college that offers a reputable counseling degree program.
5. Identify Your Area Of Specialty
The field of Christian counseling is vast. Sometimes, the prospective counselor will have to narrow down to something more specific, like marriage and family or substance use disorder. That becomes their area of specialisation.
Bible Verses For Counseling
- Proverbs 24:6 KJV For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
- Proverbs 20:18 KJV Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
- Proverbs 15:22 KJV Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
- Proverbs 11:14 KJV Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
- Proverbs 19:20 KJV Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
- Proverbs 12:15 KJV The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Final Thoughts On Becoming A Christian Counselor
The Christian counselor needs to be trained, and they also need to develop a thick skin [yet loving and compassionate]; so that the problems and complaints of their clients don't weigh down and destroy them down.
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God bless you.
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