Seeking counselling help doesn’t mean we no longer believe in Christ and the healing power of God. Many Christians interpret seeking help from external sources as “not having enough faith.” However, equipping ourselves and the church with knowledge is an act of grace for the relief of those needing emotional support. Knowledge can save lives. Hosea 4:6. In context the verse is about getting to know God and what God want for our lives. However God’s wisdom can be applied to every area of lives.
We thrive with social interaction. Being connected as opposed to being isolated is what makes us grow socially and spiritually. When we carry one another’s burdens we are connecting on so many levels that growth is inevitable. Being made in three parts consisting of a mind, body and spirit, our maker knew what he was doing. We need to take care of ourselves holistically to fully thrive in his love, to form all levels of relationships, and to be healthy on all three counts.
Many different problems can present to church leadership and pastoral care that counselling training can help with. Here are some just to name a few:
- Sibling Rivalry & Family Feuds
- Emotional problems
- Typical problems growing families face
- Sex related problems and more
- Mental Health Issues such as Depression and Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder,
The training helps to recognise and address different issues. For some of these the congregation might need to see a trained professional. The church can learn to provide that level of support within their local community.
Below Brandon Cox explains..
“So, you need counselling. Professionally? During certain seasons of life, yes! But even more, you need friends. You need a church body, a small group of fellow believers, who can link arms with you to help you heal.”
“And you need to be counselling others. This doesn’t mean offering unsolicited criticism in the name of prophetic insight. It means that regardless of your level of training, if you know Jesus and you read His Word regularly, you are equipped to encourage, to exhort and even to correct in gentle ways those who are hurting around you.”
“Church leaders, if you don’t already, it’s time now to encourage people to counsel and to seek counselling. Yes, preaching is primary to your responsibility to shepherd the flock, but a half hour on Sunday of speaking as one to the masses will never afford you enough opportunity to dive into the specific issues and problems that individuals face on a daily basis. You need to empower and release people to go be the church for one another.”
Article by Brandon Cox – “Releasing people to get counselling, and to counsel.”
Seeking the support of a counsellor or equipping ourselves with a bible based counselling education does not make us less of a Christian or worse, faithless. On the contrary, equipping ourselves with knowledge is connecting. Admitting we need help and then seeking it is the start of our healing journey towards emotional healing and maturity.
Desire without knowledge is not good – how much more will hasty feet miss the way! Proverbs 19:2 (Bible Hub)
Sandra Ciminelli
Cred. Dip. Couns. (Christian)
Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
Enrolment Season - opens approximately 2 months prior to our courses commencing. Enrol online here during our enrolment season.
We also offer two modes of study:
A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.