LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Discuss the statement that Hurried Counseling Often Leads to Failed Counseling
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
10/2022
Hurried Counseling Often Leads to Failed Counseling
I also find that my virtual biblical counseling is less rushed. While I subscribe to short-term
goal-based counseling, we must take adequate time to uncover the deep issues in a person’s
life. When we gain greater understanding, we can offer wisdom from God’s Word and advice
for life application that leads to lasting change. I can schedule counseling over Zoom or
FaceTime and use the extra time that would otherwise go to my commute to wrap a session
well and have extended meaningful prayer with my counselee.
Hospitality is a Key to Showing the Love of Christ
When I meet with a person on a screen, I treat it as an in-person session. I tell the person
what the room is like that I am in, that the door is closed, and the standards of conduct related
to confidentiality are being upheld. I even tell them what is on my desk—my Bible, notes, and a
good cup of pour-over coffee. I ensure the background noise is minimal and all distractions are
removed. I never use a wallpaper background because I want them to feel like they are in the
room with me; nothing is hiding behind a digital veil. I make sure they feel as comfortable and
natural as if they were with me in the office. I have spent considerable time ensuring that my
software, microphone, camera, and lighting are the best they can be.
Hospitality is a key to Christianity and must not be neglected in our in-person or virtual
counseling. The call of an elder, deacon and Christian is to be hospitable (Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter
4:9, Titus 1:8). As biblical counselors, we must uphold this calling by providing a safe and warm
place to meet, whether in person or virtually.
Through excellent virtual biblical counseling, we are providing a selfless and comfortable
way for our counselees to meet us and experience Christ and His truth through our ministry.
Our goal is to show the love of Christ to the counselee. By paying close attention to the
environment we create, virtual meetings are another avenue the Holy Spirit can use to speak,
unhindered, to those we seek to serve.
