Nouthetic counseling — What is it?

TL;DR:

Nouthetic counseling is a Bible-based, Christ-centered approach to counseling, focused on applying Scripture to life’s problems. Rooted in the Greek word noutheteo (admonish), it emphasizes biblical instruction, the power of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual growth through obedience to God’s Word.

what does the bible say?

The word nouthetic is from the Greek word for "admonish" and is found in Romans 15:14 as the phrase "instruct one another": "I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another." Christians have used this method to help, counsel, and correct one another for centuries before modern counseling grew out of secular psychology about 100 years ago. In the 1960s, some pastors, led by Dr. Jay Adams, identified the danger of Christians (and others) trusting in ungodly wisdom in secular counseling and began to develop, or return to, biblical counseling in pastoral ministry. Nouthetic counseling is Bible-based, Christ-centered, and church-oriented locally. Practitioners believe the Bible is God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17) and provides what is needed in all situations (2 Peter 1:3–4). The Bible teaches that believers are to counsel and admonish one another using God’s Word (Romans 15:14; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). Scripture provides wisdom for addressing life’s challenges and equips Christians to live in a way that glorifies God (2 Peter 1:3–4). Nouthetic counseling builds on these principles, rejecting secular wisdom and relying on the transformative power of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to bring about change in the heart and behavior of those seeking help (Romans 8:28–29).

from the old testament

Proverbs 3:5–6 highlights the need to rely on God’s wisdom, rather than human reasoning in addressing life’s challenges.
Psalm 19:7 tells us that God’s Word is sufficient for spiritual restoration and guidance.
God’s Word has the power to accomplish His purposes, including in the context of counseling (Isaiah 55:11).

from the new testament

Romans 15:14 provides the foundation for nouthetic counseling, as believers are called to admonish and counsel one another.
Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Scripture is sufficient for guiding believers in every area of life.
Colossians 2:8 warns against mixing worldly philosophies with biblical counseling.

implications for today

Nouthetic counseling emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture and the need for believers to rely on God’s Word, rather than secular psychology, for guidance and change. This approach encourages spiritual growth through obedience to biblical principles and the power of the Holy Spirit. As it continues to gain traction in seminaries and churches, nouthetic counseling challenges Christians to reject worldly wisdom in favor of God’s eternal truth. By staying rooted in Scripture, believers can offer effective counsel that addresses the heart and promotes lasting transformation.

understand

Nouthetic counseling is a Bible-based, Christ-centered approach that emphasizes applying Scripture to life's challenges.
Nouthetic counseling teaches that Scripture is sufficient for counseling.
Nouthetic counseling focuses on spiritual growth, transformation through obedience to God's Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

reflect

How can you apply God's wisdom in Scripture to address challenges you are facing in your life today, and how do you know when you need counsel for these challenges?
How are you trusting in God's Word for guidance, rather than relying on secular wisdom?
How can you grow spiritually by being obedient to God’s Word in your daily life?

engage

How can we ensure that we are counseling one another based on the truth of Scripture, rather than the influence of worldly philosophies?
What are the differences between secular counseling and biblical, or nouthetic, counseling?
How can the power of the Holy Spirit play a role in the counseling process, both for the counselor and the person seeking help?