LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
How to be Pastoral counsellor
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
How to be Pastoral counsellor
Pastoral counselling can only be beneficial if the pastor is trained to be a counselor; and
few are trained properly. Taking a few courses in seminary does not qualify as proper training.
Being completely well-versed in the Bible also is not a qualification. Learning how to counsel
others takes years of study and years of hands-on experience. Christian based counselors would
agree, I'm sure. Marital relations can be worked on by pastors because the Bible is clear on
what is expected in a marital relationship. Suicidal and behavioral problems need a professional
trained in the field to diagnose and treat such maladies. It could very well be a physical rather
than a spiritual problem
A pastor would be well-served if they recognized these differences and seek professionals
to help him/her. The Bible can help in many situations but I have found that a diseased mind
needs much more than biblical solutions in most cases. Every case is different. I just pray that
pastors realize their limitations and point their congregation in the right direction when the
need is present. Another important aspect of pastoral counseling is that God does speak
through those that belong to him. (John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and
they follow me") Just as the bible was given to man thru man but from God. It is the word of
God as he wants us to hear him. So a pastor is a valuable instrument carrying gods word when
our will deafens our ears.
I like to believe I know the bible well, but many times I go to my pastor for counseling. Just
as I was born with sin, the temptation of those sins can become strong. (1 Corinthians 10:13) no
temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let
you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of
escape, that you may be able to endure it". So in essence God is working through man to help
man, again.
Wonderful question. In my opinion, secular counseling removes our true identity which our
Heavenly Fathers intended us to follow, obey, and live by as close as we all who have come to
the cross to carry our cross can be.
If we participate in a service where the pastor is well educated by a reputable and truly
spiritual guided Bible seminary or college, the pastor will know what steps are necessary to find
the core issues. One session does not fix any situation. Siding with one party vs. The other is a
negative indication the pastor may not understand the problem or will solve the issue, leaving
one side alone, which may or may not be innocent. My personal experience with Christian
counseling is difficult to be open with; many times I was left more troubled, wondering if the
pastor was viewing the issue from a biblical or earthly perspective.
This being mentioned, biblically I believe anyone who knows they are sinners should feel
convicted to repent. When we fall for sin, there ought to be some indication of an action which
takes place for that individual to have reacted too initiating temptation to oppress, suppress, or
depress the follower of Jesus. God speaks through the bible and the sermon on the mount I
believe are our emotions to feel Gods encouragement, comfort, and peace, knowing this time is
only a segment we are passing through.
Pastoral counseling is a personal admission to conviction, knowing God is with you by
seeking His wisdom. It's up to the pastor to recognize his congregation is in need of his
convictions for their healing. Our Heavenly Fathers called the pastors for convicting knowledge,
they on many occasions fell, only to arise and spread the pastors experience coming to Christ. I
feel we all fall and raise back up stronger than before, God has a purpose for these events, to
know His love and powers which exceed beyond this life.
