2
Short Essay: Counselor Characteristics
Christian counseling is an important practice that involves working with others with deep
rooted issues and offering practical help and assistance, all while pointing to the hope and
salvation of the Lord and His Truth. The Christian counseling practice is based on the firm
foundation of scripture, looking to God as the ultimate healer, provider, and counselor. This
world we live in is fallen and broken, and the root of all our pain, suffering, trials, and
tribulations is our own sinfulness that separates us from God, our Creator (Christian Standard
Bible, 2017, Isaiah 59:2). It is no wonder why there are certain conditions or skills that
counselors must attain in order to correctly and properly facilitate the real and true healing
process through redemption through Jesus Christ.
Qualities of Effective Counselors
Some of the core characteristics for Christian counselors are resulting factors of their
personal qualities, their spiritual gift(s), the professional training they received, their
commitment to the gospel, and their own biblical worldview (Clinton et al., 2005). The
personalities of counselors tend to revolve around the qualities of compassion, understanding,
maturity (spiritual and emotional), intentionality, intimacy, and having a sense of calmness in
their manner. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians, “Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.
There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same
God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for
the common good…” (Christian Standard Bible, 2017, 1 Cor. 12:4-7). The Lord has blessed His
people with personal gifts that aid in the proclamation of His eternal truth and kingdom, and
counselors do not fall short of these good things. While some have the specific gift and calling
on their life to become a counselor, all of God’s followers have the ability and are equipped to
3
build true, genuine, and meaningful relationships with others in order to help them (Clinton et
al., 2005). It is crucial that from these specific characteristics, there is an output or overflow of
spiritual maturity and emotional health. Without these, a counselor’s ministry will be ineffective,
causing more harm for their clientele.
Christian counselors should also implement the qualities or conditions of genuineness,
warmth, positive regard, and a healthy balance of support and challenge (Clinton et al., 2005).
While genuineness, warmth, and positive regard are fairly self-explanatory, it is important to note
that counselors must know when it is best to offer support and encouragement for their clients
and when to call out or challenge their clients’ sinfulness and wrongful choices, especially when
they are the root of the issues addressed within the counseling setting. Along with these core
characteristics of Christian counselors, there are core skills that they should have the ability to
implement into their practice. These skills come from 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 which says, “And
we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the
weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always
pursue what is good for one another and for all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in
everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (Christian Standard Bible, 2017). In
fact, Clinton et al. (2005) describe these verses as being the biblical declaration of Christian
counseling. The core skills for Christian counselors include urging, warning, encouraging,
helping, and being patient (Clinton et al., 2005). There are other skills that are important for
counselors to possess, which includes active listening, paying close attention to counselees,
having appropriate responses based on what counselees speak about, asking appropriate
questions to further conversation, and creating practical courses of action. These core
characteristics, conditions, and skills are so important to implement into one’s counseling
4
practice, allowing them to be successful in their ministry of helping others who are desperate for
it, and offering them a peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Christian Standard Bible, 2017,
Philippians 4:7).
Personal Characteristics
In my own life, I have seen the faithfulness and goodness of God. I have been blessed to
have the opportunity to grow in the knowledge of the Holy Spirit, maturing into the godly
woman He has created me to be, and pursuing my calling as a Christian counselor. One of the
biggest qualities or characteristics that I can recognize is my ability to empathize with others,
having an understanding of what they are feeling and being with them through that. Another
quality that will play to my strengths as a counselor is this overwhelming desire to be of help to
others, to be a beacon of light in this dark and wicked world, to point others to the feet of Jesus
so that they may find peace, hope, joy, and salvation. I know counseling will not be a simple or
easy job to take on—just pursuing my education has proved that—but I know this is something
God has called me to do, and I trust that He will equip and provide me with the things I need to
do it, to bring glory, honor, and praise to His holy name.
5
References
Christian Standard Bible. (2017). Holman Bible Publishers.
Clinton, T., Hart, A., & Ohlschlager, G. (2005). Caring for People God’s Way: Personal and
Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma. Thomas Nelson, Inc.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781418525545
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
