Is there value in pastoral counseling?

TL;DR

There is certainly value in pastoral counseling so long as the pastor is properly exegeting Scripture and is correctly applying its teachings. At the same time, we must use discernment on what kind of counselor would be best for our counseling needs.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

If a pastor’s counseling is truly in accordance with God’s Word, it can be a valuable spiritual tool in a person’s life. The book of Proverbs has much to say on the topic of advice (Proverbs 12:15; 13:10; 19:20). One way to attain wisdom is through listening to good advice. Pastoral counseling can be an avenue for this so long as the pastor properly uses God’s Word in their study applications (2 Timothy 2:15) and instructional discipleship (2 Timothy 3:16-17). An important Proverb to remember is 15:22, which says: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” If we “plan” to have victory over a sin issue, or “plan” to have a healthy marriage, etc. we are wise to seek out the counsel of others, and sometimes the best person is a pastor who applies Scripture to our unique situation, gives us instructional discipleship, prays for our specific needs (James 5:16), and keeps us accountable to spiritual growth (1 John 1:9). Still, we must be discerning in what wisdom we seek and heed.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Proverbs 12:15, 13:10 and 19:20 make it clear that it is the wise who listen to good advice. As believers, God often grants us individuals such as pastors who can give us solid advice so long as it aligns with God’s Holy Word. Proverbs 15:22 is especially applicable for couples and premarital counseling. It is wise to seek biblical counseling from a trusted pastor so that the foundation of a planned marriage is rooted on godly principles. Moreover, it is an opportunity for sin issues to be brought to the light, prayed over, and counseled through before the couple starts life together as a marital unit.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Pastoral counseling can include biblical study in the area of our specific problems (2 Timothy 2:15). For example, if we come to a pastor with concerns about a sin issue, we can meet over multiple sessions and cover a discussion of biblical concepts about the issue as part of the counseling.

A pastor's counsel can be valuable when he properly performs exegesis and correctly applies instructions from God's Word to our unique situation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While there may be certain issues that require additional assistance by another type of counseling, a pastor can offer the biblical principles that apply to assist in godly change.

A pastor can pray for the specifics of their counselees’ issues (James 5:16). Praying aloud during a counseling session is sometimes unique to pastoral counseling and allows those involved to intercede for God's assistance and solution to problems.

Pastoral counseling can include accountability toward change (1 John 1:9). For instance, if a person is seeking help to stop gossiping, they can then look for the contexts in which this is taking place, offer suggestions for change, and meet together in the future to evaluate progress.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Pastoral counseling can help people in many ways. To be clear, pastoral counseling is not the same as professional counseling with a licensed therapist. Instead, a pastoral counseling session is generally focused on the biblical principles related to a person's situation and intended to offer spiritual support that includes prayer and accountability for change.

While pastoral counseling can offer tremendous help to individuals and couples, there are also inherent weaknesses. First, most pastors are burdened with far more work than can be accomplished in a given day or week, leaving inadequate time for regular counseling. As a result, pastoral counseling typically offers more limited availability than professional counseling. Further, some counseling situations are beyond what a pastor should be expected to or can handle, such as cases involving addiction issues or mental health complications. While spiritual or pastoral counseling is absolutely helpful, it is important to take care of all aspects of a counseling need and not expect pastors to be handle it all.

UNDERSTAND

Pastoral counseling is valuable when Scripture is faithfully applied.

Wise biblical guidance and accountability support personal and spiritual growth.

Pastors have limits, so discernment is needed to understand what kind of and how much counseling they can provide.

REFLECT

Where do you turn when you have counseling needs, and how have you considered your pastor?

Where in your life could you benefit from pastoral accountability or prayerful guidance?

How do you discern when pastoral counseling is sufficient or when professional help might also be needed?

ENGAGE

How can we encourage others to seek pastoral counseling while understanding its limitations?

What biblical principles should guide us in evaluating the advice and counsel we receive from spiritual leaders?

How can we balance pastoral counsel with other forms of wisdom and support?