To my colleagues in ministry,
People stop us in church hallways, on grocery isles, and at ballgames and ask questions. Most of these are not counseling situations, but rather opportunities to offer advice, provide spiritual direction, and build friendship and trust with others. However, there are those times when people-problems require more concentrated efforts. Most ministers do pastoral counseling as part of caring for people. Here are a couple of books that I've read recently that you probably want to read, apply, and add to your personal library:
David G. Benner, Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model, 2d ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003).
Gary R. Collins, The Biblical Basis of Christian Counseling for People Helpers: Relating the Basic Teachings of Scripture to People's Problems (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2001).
Benner's book will help you put together an organized, planned approach to your counseling ministry, rather than just doing it off-the-cuff. Collins' book will go a long way in answering some questions you've had about using the Bible in counseling. Both are great reads. Enjoy them, and blessings.
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