Christian Counselling
Isaiah 61:1-3
1. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to (them) that are bound;
2. To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”
Jesus is still the Healer of broken hearts. He is still the answer for all situations. No situation is too great when you bring your case to Jesus.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases; (Psalm 103:2-3).
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:14-15).
The Christian Counselling Program
The source of knowledge for counselling comes from the Bible with its wisdom and teachings from both the Old and New Testaments. From these sources, students gain understanding concerning how to practically apply the Word which is life and light, and which gives hope especially in the times of crises. Students are taught to use the word through the Holy Spirit Who interjects and gives wisdom, knowledge, discernment. and revelation through prayer to arrive at a diagnosis. As a Teacher and Guide, the Holy Spirit identifies and reveals attacks from sources which are not godly or physical in order to help counselees to understand problems and various forms of situations. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction, students use the information to apply the correct response to help the counselee.
Therefore, Christian Counselling is a Bible-oriented healing ministry enabled by the Holy Spirit, to help individuals cope with crises which cause life-changing events in their normal way of living. Christian counselling is an important ministry which serves the body of Christ for encouragement, especially during the time of loss and grief. This branch of counselling is different from a pure psychological approach but maintains some similarities. The reason is that the Christian counsellor, counsels from the Word of God which has never been known to fail. Psalm 119:89.
A Christian counselling program at STC helps the individual to face challenging situations which will always occur. While the Christian may feel comfortable serving the Lord, there are people who are hurting, and who need comfort from someone who will help that individual face challenges with trust and courage. As a healing ministry, Christian counselling also serves to help the individual to face difficulties in faith knowing that God is able to deal with all types of situations. Doubt and confusion in a time of crisis can become the greatest setbacks for anyone. This is the time when the counsellor will be called upon for help.
In Times of Crisis
We sometimes meet people who are in distress with concerns which make them fearful and emotionally overwhelmed. Their inability to concentrate on how to help themselves out of crises creates the need for immediate help.
Since not everyone is able to manage stress and anxiety, they need someone who will listen attentively, and give some form of help so that they are able to face those immediate situations.
The counsellor may not have substantive answers for some things, but he or she can give a word of encouragement to help the concerned individual.
Shekinah Theological College [STC] 