The Qualifications of a Biblical Counselor: Who should “do” biblical counseling?

Should you?

Why?

In a world that offers a multitude of diversity of counselors, we must ask the question, “What does it take, according to the Scriptures, to be ‘qualified’ to counsel people?”

Romans 15:14

The Apostle Paul tells us that a biblical counselor is one who possesses…

1) Salvation

a. The term brethren is a Pauline favorite for fellow believers.

2) Goodness

a. Of the three Greek words for “goodness” the Holy Spirit uses here the one that means upright or moral goodness.

i. Galatians 5:22

ii. Ephesians 5:9

iii. 2 Thessalonians 1:11

3) Filled with knowledge

a. Of what? Of whom? Obviously Paul’s implied intent here is Christ and/or His Word.

i. Philippians 3:10

ii. Colossians 3:10

iii. 2 Timothy 1:12; 3:15-17

Galatians 6:1- Marks of a spiritual man/woman.

Fruitful in the spirit (5:22-23)

Walking in the Spirit (5:25)

Spirit of meekness (6:1)

Cautious of sin (6:1)

Takes sin seriously (6:1, 3)

A desire to help others (6:2)

Knowledgeable in the Word of God (6:6)

Maturity in handling your own life (6:4, 5)

Other Passages

Colossians 3:16, 17

Be a Word-filled counselor

2 Timothy 3:15-17

Be a spiritually-equipped counselor…this goes back to being saved, compassionate and knowledgeable

Matthew 7:1-5

Be a clear-conscience counselor

Proverbs 1:5, 6

Be a wise (learning) counselor…anyone who is living and walking in wisdom is a learner

Isaiah 40:13, 14

Be a directive counselor…what I mean by directive is that there is a purpose behind it and you are directing them to a specific truth or change

Conclusion

The encouragement.

Anyone can become qualified.

The challenge.

Every believer should be qualified to counsel.

Resources:

Competent to Counsel, Jay Adams

The Christian Counselor’s Manual, Jay Adams

How People Change, Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, Paul David Tripp

Counseling: How to counsel biblically, John MacArthur

Speaking Truth in Love: Counsel in community, David Powlison

Seeing with New Eyes: Counseling and the human condition through the lens of Scripture, David Powlison

Blame It on the Brain?, Edward Welch

The Journal of Biblical Counseling