Church Discipline at our Local Church | ACBC Exam Question #50

28. Does your church presently practice church discipline? If not, would you be willing to graciously encourage them toward this position?

                Yes, South End Fellowship Baptist Church of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada of which my husband and I have been members of for 10+ years practices church discipline.  They clearly follow Scripture (Matthew 18:15-20, Titus 3:9-11, 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, 1 Corinthians 5, Galatians 6:1).  We met together with our Senior Pastor and his wife casually at our place last week to hear his heart and discuss this important Biblical mandate.  I requested he write a little “blurb” for me to include that reflected our churches doctrine and his personal convictions on this issue.  His response was;

“Church discipline is clearly mandated in scripture. So, to ignore it in a local church setting would not only be unhealthy, but unbiblical. A home without discipline is dysfunctional. A church that is unwilling to discipline is likewise dysfunctional. Someone once said to me, “I would far rather have my mother discipline me than my father. My mother used a spatula. My father used a belt and he was stronger!” I believe church discipline is like the mother disciplining. It is God’s way of softening the blow He Himself could levy if we left it up to Him. Carrying out church discipline is never easy. Some will think you are too soft, others too harsh. But if done properly, it will hopefully yield the fruits of repentance and restoration.”

                It is clearly the heart of South End Fellowship Baptist, the Pastoral staff, and members that restoration as outlined in James 5:19-20 is the goal of church discipline. “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (ESV) 

I am so thankful for our local church, it as an independent identity, our Pastoral staff, deacons and members are very much devoted to upholding Biblical truth in preaching, teaching, worship, outreach, ministry and all the faucets of the church.  If you would like to contact them their contact is information is; 

South End Fellowship Baptist Church

400 2nd Ave SE, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5T1       Phone # (519) 376-1550

Senior Pastor: Mark Lowrie

Associate Pastor: Chad Gordon

Worship Ministry: Tim Chambers

Church Administrator: Fiona Evison

Website: http://www.southendchurch.com/  includes under Contact/Staff pages opportunity to e-mail staff directly.  

Counselors I would Agree with | ACBC Exam Question #49

27. With which Christian counselors - if any - do you agree?  On which points do you agree with them and why?  Be specific and concrete with names and concepts.  Use two or three counselors as examples.

There are more and more truly “Biblical” counselors appearing on the scene, and being Canadian I’m sure many I've never heard of.  I am so encouraged and grateful that this movement is taking off as it is so needed in our culture and around the world.

 I would have to say, Dr. Steve Viars is a counselor I respect and appreciate, and would align with theologically and in practice.  Dr. Steve taught Biblical Counseling as a one week course at the Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, New York when my husband and I were students there in 2002.  This was my first real introduction to Biblical Counseling, it wet my appetite, gave me a foundation to build on, and having attended the Track #1, and #2 of the Counseling Conference at Faith in Indiana, I value his teaching, and highly respect his counseling and the leadership he has given in this growing movement.  The why and how of my counseling principles would be an outflow of his teaching.      

I have personally grown and deeply value Elyse Fitzpatrick as a speaker, writer, and though I have never been personally counselled by her, I respect and would agree with her counsel.  “Idols of the Heart” and “Counsel from the Cross” have been instrumental books in my own walk with God, and very practical as I minister truth in counseling.  I have heard her speak as well, and as an endometriosis patient, her session on “Sex and Sexual Problems in Marriage (Ladies only session)” was tremendously insightful, and we had a great heart to heart chat after that was truly a balm to my heart as a wife seeking to love my husband and honour the Lord.      

Finally, brothers Paul and Tedd Tripp have aiding in shaping and influencing my walk with God, counseling philosophy and practice through live conference  sessions, recorded videos, and books; “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands”, “Age of Opportunity”, “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”, “a Shelter in the time of Storm” and more.  I am thankful for their heart based approach, not behaviour modification, and their grace based counseling. 

I am very grateful for these people listed, and others who are “no names” in terms of the counseling world, but youth leaders, pastors, parents, co-missionaries, and friends who poured truth into my heart and mind through counsel and teaching over the years.  So blessed to part of God’s family and to have the opportunity to learn from godly men and women how to bring hope and help to other hurting souls.  

Counseling and Psychology Terms and Techniques | Biblical Analysis | ACBC Exam Question #48

26. Write a short paragraph on each of the following: healing of the memories, visualization techniques, 12-step and other recovery programs, self-image.  In your answer, define and give a biblical analysis of each concept.  (Do not guess.  Research these concepts)

                “Healing of the memories” refers to a process used by some psychologists and counselors in which they have counselees review/recover past memories and attempt to replace or “heal” them by adding Jesus to their remembrance of an experience, changing how they recall the past.  This psychology practice began in the 1940’s by Agnes Sanford, rooted in Freudian and Jungian theories. In her book “The Healing Light” Agnes Sanford writes; “So He cleansed the thought-vibrations that surround this globe as a purifying plant cleanses our drinking water, taking it in dirty, throwing it up into the sunlight, and sending it forth clean. So He removed the thundercloud of man’s hate and released the clear shinning of God’s love.”¹ Though some of her teaching and system of counseling is biblically based Agnes takes much liberty, and makes many theological mistakes in her approach to the Word, and it’s application to our lives. It is unbiblical and unwise to be involved in this type of process and deeming it “Biblical/Christian” counsel though it has become widely accepted in evangelical circles. “Inner healing is based upon the implication that we clearly need something more than God's love and forgiveness in order to love and forgive others who are perceived to have wronged us in the past.”²  

             “Visualization Techniques” refers to the theory that; “The key to achieving what you want—whether it’s a healthier body or increased confidence—may lie in your ability to visualize it. Here’s how to use mental imagery to become stronger, happier, and more effective.”³ What?  So, basically this practice presents to us that if we can think it, we can make it happen? Oh, really?  So, I’m 5’2” female dealing with chronic pain of endometriosis but if I really want to, I can visualize being a NBA star?  Oh, yeah?  How much $$, and how many sessions will that take?  I’m sorry… but come on!!!  What a pile of rubbish. Even if my goals for visualization techniques were lower, more realistic, let’s say I just wanted to be pain free, and the endometriosis gone, if I focus on it hard enough and will it to happen, it’s going to?  Not according to my doctor’s my test results, and my day-to-day reality.  I believe this to be a hope inducing theory that will produce no result, frustrating and pointless to the counselee, and definitely not Biblical. 

                “A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles (accepted by members as 'spiritual principles,' based on the approved literature) outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.”⁴ At face value many of these programs can appear Biblical

and correct.  However it can easily become legalistic, the worship of a system rather than God, and it is very vague and allows for any view of God in it’s very core statement.  The third step to these programs is; “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”  What basis of truth is used to come to an understanding of God?  This is unclear and up to the individual’s own definition and practice, not defined by Scriptural truth. 

                 “Self-esteem, which is the positive values a person places on his or her sense of worth”⁵ is believed to be vital in a healthy person to live, enjoy relationships, and pursue their goals. Self-image is a very culturally hot topic, and many issues people face are diagnosed to be rooted in incorrect self-image. It is falsely believed and taught that at the core we are all good people.  This is scripturally incorrect (Romans 3:10).  When the focus on counseling is self and valuing your own being and opinion, this excludes God, totally enables idolizing, sin and serving self.  It’s a wrong foundation to build upon and counsel from.   

 In Scripture we read; “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)  Scripture, Jesus Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the process of sanctification of believers ought to be the basis, the practice, the means through which we counsel.  It is important to be discerning, Biblical, and wise in sticking with truth according to God’s standard, and not mans’.      

¹ “The Healing Light”, Agnes Sanford, page 122

² http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/inheal.htm 

³ http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/emotional-health/visualization-techniques-00100000103183/

⁴ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program

⁵ “Psychology”, Ciccarelli, Harrigan, Fritzley, page 501

Ministry of the Word Model | Professional Medical Model | ACBC Exam Question #25

25. What does it mean to minister the Scriptures in counseling? Contrast a “ministry of the word” model and a “professional medical” model.

                Ministering Scripture in counseling means to present Biblical truth and principles to a counselee, recognizing that it is the work of the Spirit to change the individual, and aid them in applying truth to their circumstances.  Depending on the counseling situation this may involve one or all of the following using the Word to accomplish; teaching on sin, seeking to bring counselee to accept Jesus as Saviour if unsaved, repentance, admonish, instill hope, encouragement, accountability, and instructional help implementing Biblical principles into daily living practice (2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Romans 14:19, 15:13-14, 1 Peter 3:15).  In 2 Timothy 2:7 after giving instructions Paul writes to Timothy; “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”  I believe this passage is a good indicator of what we as counselors do; bring them to truth, and what God does; enables insight, and change.  After all, Jesus said of the Spirit; “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)  This is the beauty and freedom of Biblical counseling.  Yes we have a huge responsibility to lead counselees to truth, creatively reach their hearts, helping them connect truth to their circumstances.  But, it is God at work, God’s Word, His Spirit who is the True Counselor (Psalm 32:8), the life changer.  We must remember and counsel under this understanding.

                Professional medical experts function on the physical level of human biological issues.  They do tests, assess symptoms and diagnose problems based on provable physical evidence of their patient.  This person has cancer, that person a broken limb, and so forth.  This is very helpful and necessary to our lives for physical health.  Biblical counselors ought to respect and take into consideration the physical health of their counselees, and work with medical doctors as outlined in my response to question #20.  Psychology though is not measurable or scientific, tested or proven by examination.  It uses secular ethics to treat issues in a person’s life, without recognizing God in any way.        

                Nouthetic counsel using the ministry of the word model is not intended to cure a physical ailment, that is the work of medicine.  Its’ purpose is to lead a person to Christ using the Word to reveal sin, independence, our need for a Saviour, and enable righteous living, thinking and lifestyle based on the principles of the Bible.  Because we have the authoritative powerful Word of God, it is not based on opinion or society’s standard (as psychology is and changes its’ methods and practices frequently).   God uses ordinary, fallible men and women to counsel from His infallible Word His truth and promises that none other can give.  

Demons | Counseling | ACBC Exam Question #46

24. Is there any place in biblical counseling for casting out demons? In your answer, include your position on demonic activity in the post-apostolic era and the biblical methodology of dealing with it.

                I do not feel that casting out demons ought to be part of biblical counseling in the post-apostolic era, no. Casting out of demons during the ministry of Jesus and the apostles (because he gave them this authority) was to prove Christ’s deity and authenticate the His message and that of the apostles.  It was a method used by God for a certain time in history, but because we now have the full cannon of Scripture, and a complete understanding of Christ, and the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer this type of spiritual activity is no longer needed.  Yes, demonic activity is real in our modern world, without question.  Scripture does not deny that.  Of unbelievers the Word says;

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

Believers are warned; “…do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:27), “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (6:11), “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7), “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

                Our role as counselors however is not to involve ourselves with demonic activity, Scripture nowhere commands this.  We are to evangelize the unsaved, and aid our believing counselees in sanctification through the Word of God.  Scriptural directives regarding demons and the devil would include; resisting, fleeing and using the Bible to stand firm on God’s truth.    As ambassadors of truth we need to be wise to; “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)  Keeping counseling sessions based on Scriptural truth is essential, exorcism and casting out demons is not Scripturally based, and need not be practiced to lead someone to the Word, and walking in right relationship with Him. 

                It is impossible for a believer to be indwelt by a demon (1 Corinthians 6:15, 19-20).  “…God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth…” (1 John 1:5b, 6)  It is diametrically opposing to suggest that a believer could possibly be under the power of Satan.  And the goal of counseling an unbeliever ought to be their salvation, exorcism isn’t what they need, the Gospel of Christ is.  

ENDings for the best and worst case senarios | ACBC Counseling Exam Question #45

23. List several reasons for terminating a counseling case. Answer this for cases terminated because of spiritual change (growth) and spiritual hardening (failure to comply).

                Counseling is not meant to be a lifelong process (as discipleship is) in a believer’s life.  Because it’s intention is to intervene when the counselee requires aid of another in their walk with Christ is the hope is that in due time the one-on one counsel will no longer be required as the counselee gains understanding of truth, independence, and a pattern of obedience in their life in the area they came to counsel for.  Occasionally counseling cases must end due to a counselee’s failure to comply, in which case there is no progress being made, or willingness on the part of the counselee.  These situations are unfortunate, but a counselor cannot force a counselee into yielding to Scripture or Biblical change, so it is sometimes best for the process to end until the counselee is willingly responsive.

                When a counseling case has met the intended purpose of using God’s Word to discern thinking and behaviour that God wants to change, for the benefit of the counselee, and the glory of God; helped our counselee become God’s kind of person; becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ then logically you want to send them out to live their lives for the Lord, and serve others.  For example if a counselee came in with the issue of anxiety/worry and over a period of several sessions came to see that worry is sin, that it revealed a heart of disbelief in God’s character, and has with a personal plan using Scripture, prayer, and accountability seen growth and the putting off of worry and replacement with faith and gratitude towards God then this person is ready to finish their counseling sessions at this time.  It does not require the person to have totally eradicated worry from their life, but to have a working plan in place, be practicing repentance when they fail, and seeing progress towards less and less anxiety, and more peace and confidence in the person of Christ in their life.  In Galatians 6 we read that we need to bear one another’s burdens in the body of Christ, and then; “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” (Galatians 6:6)  When our counselee can testify of God’s Word changing them, and show evidence in their lifestyle that is Biblical change in that specific area of sin for which they came, then they can “graduate” from this season when counsel intervention was required. 

                When a counselee is non-compliant to receiving truth from Scripture, refusing to change the sessions have no value in their lives, and the case must be closed until the heart of the counselee changes.  This is hard to do, and difficult for a counselor, but we cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit, or the Word of God in a person’s life. Scripture speaks strongly; “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15)   Wasting time with a counselee bent against the work of God in their lives is futile, it can be best to move on to the next willing person and pray that God changes that individual’s heart.  For example; a counselee may come in and string out a long sob story of parental neglect, and blame their inability to keep down a job on their parents who “didn’t teach them necessary life skills”.  In doing a little research outside the counseling room you as the counselor come to discover that the counselees’ parents are respectable citizens, have done their best by their daughter/son, and they are simply lazy, and unwilling to work hard for a living, giving up easily when things become challenging.  In counseling sessions you seek to help the counselee see their faulty thinking and blame shifting, urging them to take responsibility for their own choices, attitudes, and actions.  This only results in them becoming defensive, angry, and walking out of sessions.  After several attempts you come to conclude that this counselee will not accept Scriptural truth or responsibility, so speaking in love you tell them they are welcome to come back when they are prepared to accept God’s Word about their situation, and welcome the help you are seeking to offer, but until then the sessions are unfruitful. 

                Though Scripture says; “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20) We as counselors cannot force compliance. It brings great comfort to take heart as counselors that it is never our responsibility to change a person.  “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)  God Himself will always continue to work in the lives of Christians.  He after all commits to; “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)  Yielded or not, God will pursue, love and discipline His own.              

Biblical View of Emotions

22. Develop a biblical view of emotions. Use both the Old and New Testaments in your answer.  How can emotions be changed biblically?

Emotions are; “an affective state of consciousness in which joy, sorrow, fear, hate, or the like, is experienced, as distinguished from cognitive and volitional states of consciousness.”¹ Emotions are a God given part of our human make up.  We don’t make them happen, they are causes of our environment, involuntary reactions that occur mentally, some with biological effects also (tears, sweating, increased heart rate, etc.). “We need to think biblically and theologically about emotions. Every emotion itself is not automatically sinful. It is what motivates our feelings and what we do with and how we respond to our immediate felt experiences that are crucial in identifying the nature (health/holiness) of our emotional life.”¹

Here are two passages where emotions are conveyed; “…but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4:5)  “So Ahab came into his house sullen and vexed because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and ate no food…..Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now reign over Israel? Arise, eat bread, and let your heart be joyful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” (1 Kings 21:4,7) 

There are passages referring to people feeling fear (Matthew 10:28), anxiety (Philippians 4:6), wrath/anger (Proverbs 15:18), sadness (Nehemiah 2:2, 1 Samuel 1:8), grief (Genesis 26:35, 2 Samuel 18:33, Job 6:2, 17:7, Psalm 31:9, 119:28) joy (1 Samuel 18:6, 1 Kings 1:40,8:66, 1 Chronicles 15:16, 25,Ezra 3:12-13, Nehemiah 12:43, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 John 1:4, 3 John 1:4), despair (Deut. 28:65, Job 10:1, Psalm 27:3, Psalm 42:6, Ecclesiastes 2:2), hatred (Proverbs 10:12, 13:24), familial love (Genesis 22:2, Genesis 37:4, Proverbs 3:12, 10:12, 13:24) friendship love (1 Samuel 18:1, Proverbs 17:17), and marital love (Genesis 24:67, Genesis 29:18, Hosea 3:1, Song of Solomon 5:1, 7:10, Proverbs 5:19, Ephesians 5:33).  These are just a selection of emotions, and Scriptural references, there are many in the Word of God. 

“God designed your emotions to be gauges, not guides. They’re meant to report to you, not dictate you. The pattern of your emotions (not every caffeine-induced or sleep-deprived one!) will give you a reading on where your hope is because they are wired into what you believe and value — and how much.”² Because our natural man is bent towards sin we should not trust our emotions to dictate our choices, justify our reasoning, or be our bearing on what is right or wrong (Jeremiah 17:9).  Feelings or emotions themselves are not sinful but can easily lead us into sin.  For example; anger can lead to words of wrath or violent acts.  “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26) would indicate that we do have a choice, and can use anger biblically.   If we address the individual/group; speak truth lovingly (Ephesians 4:15) confront them (Matthew 18:15-17), and pursue peace (Romans 14:19, Hebrews 12:14) we are responding biblically with to our emotion of anger.  Elsewhere in Scripture we find commands to bring our thoughts captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), set our minds on eternal/heaven (Colossians 3:2), not be anxious (Philippians 4:6) but think on what is true, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy… and peace will result (Philippians 4:8,9).  Often Scripture prescribes a perspective change which results in a change of emotions; “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2), “Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.” (James 4:9) “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psalm 42:5)  When we view our circumstances in the light of eternity, and with an understanding of His goodness then our we can gain control of our emotions and submit joyfully to His will, plan and purposes in our lives (Romans 8:28,29, James 1:2-4, 12, 2 Corinthians 4:17).  Emotions can be an asset in bringing us to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), revealing our hearts, and a fuel to action.  We get to choose how we deal with emotions and are responsible to God for our actions.       

¹ Bob Kellerman http://www.rpmministries.org/2014/06/the-emotional-life-of-jesus-lets-be-good-bereans-out-there/ ² www.dictionary.com  ³ Jon Bloom http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/your-emotions-are-a-gauge-not-a-guide

Total Restructuring | Homosexuality | ACBC Exam Question #43

 Define “total restructuring”. Describe how it works, using a case regarding homosexuality as the model.

“Total restructuring” refers to complete overhaul in core beliefs, thinking, and thus resulting in actions/lifestyle change according to God’s truth rather than secular standards; stripping a counseling situation back from behaviour to the core doctrine which propels the sinful choices at the foundational level.    

Homosexuality is permissible in our culture today, even glorified to an extent.  Society says, “If it feels good do it”, there is no standard other than your own satisfaction so if an intimate relationship with someone of the same sex fills the bill for you, congrats, you found your thing. Big red flags ought to fly up in our minds, and sirens ringing loudly against these lies.   WRONG!!!  Scripture is clear on this; “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” (Lev. 18:22) “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.  And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,” (Romans 1:26-28)

“Every time you step outside of God's boundaries, you question the wisdom of the One who created and controls it all.”¹  Because gender confusion and sexual freedom philosophies so permeates culture even believers are dooped into accepting and living by these guidelines/principles.  “Traditional views are out, so called ‘progressive’ views are in, and despite the incessant discourse of the champions of sexual liberation, people remain confused – confused about who we are as human beings, what it means to be male and female, and what parameters are for healthy relationships and sexual expression.”² I think it is important to note here that homosexuality is not worse or different than any other sin problem.  If someone came for counseling saying; “I was born a murderer, and not allowing myself to kill is just wrong.  It’s who I am, and how was made” they too would require total restructuring to deal with their sin of murdering, and the foundational beliefs this is built upon (moral code).  

In counseling an individual struggling with homosexual tendencies a total restructuring is necessary to bring them to biblical convictions (doctrine) about the matter, as a foundation on which their thinking, choices, and lifestyle flow from.  First it must be established and agreed with by the counselee that God exists (Romans 1:18-20), is our ultimate authority, and rightfully deserves obedience. (Jeremiah 7:23, Ecclesiastes 12:13)  Then the counselee must see the Bible as the Word of God, His standard for living, and agree to submit their lives to it fully in obedience (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Deuteronomy 32:46-47, Joshua 1:8, Micah 6:8, Psalm 119:105).  Teaching then must be communicated to the counselee about homosexuality, lust and that grace and forgiveness is available (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 18-20, Micah 7:18-19, Romans 6:6,11-14,19, 2 Timothy 2:22, Proverbs 1:10, 2:11-15, 4:25-27).  Repentance must take place for the counselee (1 John 1:9); agreeing with God about their sinful thinking and actions, and commitment to change.  Together a plan needs to be set in place to avoid temptation, how to deal with it when it comes, and regular, personal accountability for the counselee to help them live out of biblical truth, a changed life (Ephesians 4:17-32).  There is hope for homosexuals.  There is grace for every sin (Ephesians 1:7, Titus 3:7).                  

¹ Paul Tripp https://www.facebook.com/pdtripp, June 18, 2014 status post

²“Jubilee: Recovering Biblical Foundations for our Time” (periodical), Jennifer Forbes, page 6

Cooperation with Physician? Psychologist? | ACBC Exam Question #42

20. Would you work cooperatively with a physician? A psychologist? Justify your answers biblically.

                I believe that each counseling case requires its’ own wisdom, and decisions.  It would really depend on the situation/counselee and the medical professional in question in each case.  There would be many questions I would have before working cooperatively with any medical professional.  Are they a believer in Christ?  Will they whole-heartedly support the biblical counsel I am providing?  Or undermine and second guess at every turn?  Can we work collaboratively or are they in opposition to biblical counseling?  Scripture says; “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” (Titus 1:9)  That would be my aim in these scenarios; hold to Scriptural truth and help others to do the same.  If a counselee chooses to side with secular psychology, ignoring/denying or refusing truth we may have to terminate our counseling sessions.     

                Personally I have endometriosis, and have greatly benefitted from advice, medication, surgery, and a psychological review (required after a severe allergic reaction, intense medical intervention, and bouts of psychosis) from physicians and a psychologist.  “They” are not an enemy.  We as people are physical, as well as spiritual.  Body and soul; those two parts of our being overlap, effecting one another.  It can be very beneficial, even necessary to understand what a counselee deals with biologically in order to properly counsel them, empathize, and give them biblical guidance to dealing with the heart issues that may flow out of physical ones.  I would never seek to offer medical advice as I am not a doctor.  Medical professionals are needed to address bodily health concerns, and their input may be beneficial in aiding me understand a counselee better, a disease or ailment they have, and the mental effects proven to develop from said condition.

                Many medical professionals have evolution as their anthropological view, and secular psychology as their preferred method of addressing issues beyond the biological.    Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matt. 12:30).   It is important to note that, and to discern carefully as both counselees and counselors in receiving aid.  I don’t feel we need to “throw the baby out with the bath water” and refuse all medical attention, or completely discredit their practice.  We ought to seek their help in the field they specialize-medicine.  For issues of the heart, God’s truth and biblical counsel ought to be sought and facilitated.  “…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)  We live in this world, in physical bodies, but are called to not be “of the world” (1 John 2:15) in how we conduct ourselves, Whose standards, opinions and counsel we seek.  I hope I have sufficiently answered this question, and am prayerful that God will go before me and grant wisdom (James 1:5) when I am faced with these decisions as a biblical counselor.  I cannot concretely say “Yes” or “No”, but would evaluate each situation according to these principles and Scripture.     

Program for Helping a Couple with Communication | ACBC Exam Question #41

Outline a comprehensive counseling program to help a couple develop good communication patterns.

                “God-honoring communication is an area in which we all struggle.  Work hard at this biblical discipline, and the Lord will help you be forebearing, edifying, and loving.”¹  In working with a couple I would want to have another man there (my husband, a pastor, or another counselor) concentrating on the husband in their counsel, it’s just my preference and conviction about women leading men (1 Timothy 2:11-15).  Here’s an outline of what I would desire to achieve and how in counseling a couple on communication.  Depending on responsiveness, and progress I would adjust the model as required. 

WEEK #1-Pray to begin-asking God for help.  Praise them for admitting and issue and seeking counsel. Listen to their story, take comprehensive notes.  Outline the purpose, direction, and goals of our meetings.  Give hope, and assign them a “Journal of Upsets”-recording any/all confrontation- noting day, time, how long they last, topic/issue/catalyst, and resolution (if any).  Depending on where things are I may ask this to be a collaborated effort, or individually.  Also assigning “Christ and Your Problems” by Jay Adams to be read 3xs by each, highlighting the top 5 phrases that impacted them most for next week.  Ask for commitment to the homework.  Close in prayer, asking them each to pray as well. 

WEEK #2-Open in prayer.  Accountability on homework, reviewing together the disagreements they encountered and if they responded biblically or not, and how this could have been dealt with differently.  Take over the quotes they highlighted in “Christ and Your Problems” and seek to apply them to their situation.  Using GOD/ME responsibility circles illustrate how the wife/husband are responsible before God for their own lives, communication, and interaction with one another.  It is not their role to change the other person (God, Holy Spirit, Word of God does that), we are accountable for how we respond.  Have them read aloud alternating verses James 3:2-12, and discuss together the weight of our words.  Homework-continue “Journal of Upsets” logging, read Ephesians individually 3xs this week, and bring back 5 verses/statements you desire to live out in your marriage.  (I chose the whole book of Ephesians because I believe knowing who you are in Christ (Chapters 1-3) fuels the Imperatives of Chapters 4-6).  I would also ask them to go on a date that week, could be a walk in the park, coffee out, whatever…. And talk about Ephesians together; what they are learning and want to live out from its’ truths.  Close session in prayer-asking them each to pray.       

                                                                                              

WEEKS #3-6 Open in prayer.  Accountability on homework.  In-depth discussion of Scripture reading assigned and how it intersect with their lives personally.  Note and encourage them on improvements in shortened length of conflicts, biblical resolutions, etc.

Discussions:  Week#3- Verbal Communication  Week #4-Non-verbal communication,  both weeks discussing their tendencies, each give input of they would benefit from/prefer (perhaps space to think so they don’t speak and then regret it, eye contact, commitment not to leave the room till resolved, etc.)  (Ephesians 4:1-3, 25-32, 5:21)  Week #5-Conflict Resolution define Biblical reconciliation; confession of specific wrong, and asking of forgiveness.  The other person hears, grants them forgiveness, and commits to not holding it against them or bringing it up in the future.  Note importance of words used, specific actions/words repented of, not generalizations.    (Romans 12:14-21, 2 Corinthians 7:9, Colossians 3:5-19)  Week #6-Role Distinction-Husband servant leader Wife-submission What this looks like in their home, struggles, practical implications (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:21-33, Colossians 3:18-19) Each of these weeks would include homework of; journaling conflicts, a date, and selected Scriptural reading 3xs bringing back applicable verses to them personally. 

WEEK#7/8 depending on progress, etc…  Would be the final meeting reviewing teaching, encouraging them, and suggesting material specific to their needs for further study together.  Perhaps; “Tying the Knot Tighter”-Martha Peace & John Crotts, “Building Marriages God’s Way”-Faith Church, “Marriage Matters”-Winston Smith, “Your Family God’s Way”-Wayne Mack, “A Couple After God’s Own Heart”J+E George.  There are so many good resources.  I would recap for them progress they've made and encourage them to maintain regular dates together, the conflict resolution process we have instilled, and offer that we can always meet again if troubles arise.  Final prayer and “graduation”!         

                ¹ “Tying the Knot Tighter”, Martha Peace & John Crotts, page 90

Sin | ACBC Exam Question #40

Describe how you deal with sin in counseling. Use a case history, in which you were the counselor, to show how you dealt with sin.

                Since the fall of man into sin in the garden of Eden (Gen. 3) the whole earth has been permeated with wrong, and it’s effects in a way that I cannot adequately communicate with words (Jeremiah 17:9, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Ephesians 2:1-3).  The first persons’ sin I need to deal in counseling is myself (Psalm 51:5).  It is vital that I as a counselor know Christ as Saviour (John 3:16-17), and have been personally redeemed by Christ (1 Peter 1:17-21, Galatians 3:13) I must keep short accounts with my Saviour (Hebrews 4:16, James 5:16, Psalm 32:5, 1 John 1:9), repent often and restore my fellowship with God and others (Luke 17:3-4, Acts 3:19).  I am a wicked sin machine (Ephesians 2:1-3), loved by a gracious God who forgives (Ephesians 2:4-7), enables me to stop sinning (Ephesians 4:17-25), change (2 Corinthians 5:17), and Who is helping me recognize my own sinfulness daily, and growing me in sanctification to become more like Him (2 Peter 3:18).  I have to be right with Him vertically, and others horizontally in order to effectively minister truth to counselees.

                In dealing with counselees’ sin I like to ask questions to probe their understanding of their choices, thoughts, and actions to see what their hamartiology practically looks like.  Such as; “What do you think God thinks about that?”  “What does the Bible say about your choice?”  Observation of their words, tone, facial expression and body language will help me pick up on what they believe about sin in general, and the specific one(s) we are dealing with in their heart and life.  At times in counseling I have done a mini-study to define sin to a counselee if needed.  Explaining sin is; anything that we think, say or do that is against God’s standard (the Bible). I use Scriptures, asking them to look up, and read together with me some of the following; Genesis 3, Romans 3:9-23, Romans 6-8, and Romans 14:23 which says; “for whatever is not from faith is sin.”  This encompasses worry, fear, doubt, pride, and so much more.

                Once the counselee comes to the place that they admit what they have done is in fact sin I urge them to confess to God, and when necessary to others; telling Him (and them if to another person(s)) it was wrong, they are sorry, and request forgiveness.  I explain that repentance isn’t regretting you were caught, but sincerely wanting to change the course of their actions/thinking.  At times I have bowed then and there with a counselee and allowed them to pray in repentance to God.  Then I will encourage them from Scripture (1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:8-12, Romans 8:1) that God promises He has forgiven, forgotten, restored them and holds no condemnation over them.  I challenge them they need to address sin seriously, each and every time confessing to God and others.  No, our sin does not remove His favour and grace from us, but it breaks fellowship, is serious, and needs to be taken seriously and dealt with every time we sin (Romans 6).  I seek to be balanced in addressing sin; speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), letting them know I sin too, and that I repented this morning (or whenever was the last time).  A realistic goal in counseling is not necessarily to have the person stop the sin (though this is ideal, and not impossible, we will continue to fail until we reach heaven) but to arm themselves against the temptation with an alternative righteous plan, and an understanding that when and if they do fail to repent, seek reconciliation and claim His grace, and get back up and try again (not spiral down into more and more sin and further from God). 

                As example from my own counseling experience I was working with a girl who worried.  When she came to see from Scripture that worry is a sin (Philippians 4:6-9, Matthew 6:25-34), not an excusable character flaw she inherited.  She prayed aloud to confess this habit, and a specific recent occasion of worry to God, asked Him for forgiveness, and requested help from Him to change her thinking.  Worry is still an ongoing sin struggle in her life, but it has improved.  She still needs to confess often, but is seeing growth, and celebrating God’s grace as He helps her live by faith, not by sight, and to trust Him with her circumstances.                    

Homework Assignment Examples | ACBC Exam Question #39

Give some typical assignments for a person who is depressed. Next, do the same for a person who worries. Finally, do the same for a person who is afraid. Don’t discuss what you would do in giving assignments; rather give actual assignments as you would write them down for the counselee.

                In all three of these classifications (depression, worry, fear) of problems I may assign a “Journal of Upsets” in the first few sessions to gather more data about the causes, frequency, duration, and counselees responses to their problem(s).  I always find this very insightful, and also a springboard to more practical homework assignments for the counselee.  Also, the booklet “Christ and Your Problems” by Jay Adams is a resource I often assign the first week or so to give them hope, and get them thinking about how Christ provides answers and resolutions to their personal situation. 

                A person dealing with depression is desperate for hope.  I may ask them to make a daily practice of listing things they are thankful for, five in the morning, and five before bed.  Write them down daily, and bring them in to the next session.  After listing the blessings on paper I would ask that they pray in gratitude to God for them.  I would require them to do their best at faithfully fulfilling their responsibilities (wife/husband, mother/father, daughter, student, employee, church member, etc) regardless of how they feel.  Focusing on obedience to God, not feelings.  Then weekly ask in accountability how this is going, if they failed how, what did they do to correct that failure? (Repent, ask forgiveness, purpose to change).  This may involve a checklist created together with the counselee that can be a motivator/personal inventory for them to review throughout their days.  Memorizing Philippians 4:8,9 and developing a go-to list of Godly, helpful thinks they can think on will help then curb their thought life to Christ, and the truth.  I may also ask them to do at least two fun things in a week, and come back ready to tell me about it.  This is to instill joy, lightheartedness, and reinvigorate their lives.

                A person who worries would also benefit from memorizing Philippians 4:8,9, or Colossians 3:2, or Matthew 6:25-34.  I may ask them to write it out on a 3X5 card, review the verse during their morning devotions; and pray asking God specifically to help them not to sin by worrying but rather think on truth, His character, and to have faith in their circumstances.  I would ask them to keep the 3X5 card with them throughout the day, and when worry creeps up review the passage, and ask themselves questions that we together have developed to change their thinking.  For example; Is this true?  What am I telling God I believe about Him when I worry about this?  Can I change this?  Will my worrying help in anyway?  Has God ever failed?  Will He now?  Pray, and praise rather than worry and wonder.  A few booklets I like to assign on worry are; “Releasing Worry and Finding Worth as a Woman” by Charles Swindoll, and “Worry: Pursuing a Better Path to Peace” by David Powlison.  I may ask a counselee who worries to set aside time three times during the coming week to interact with a Godly, encouraging Christian about anything that would be mutually beneficial (Ephesians 4:29,30), this would facilitate them getting their thoughts off themselves, and hopefully enable them to see God at work in a larger context beyond their life, and experience. 

                A person trapped in fear needs to assess what God given responsibilities they are neglecting because of their fear.  I may ask them to analyze their lifestyle during the coming week and write down every responsibility they are neglecting due to their fear, and bring it with them the following week.   I could then focus our discussion in the next session on 1 John 4:18 “…perfect love casts out fear….” and 2 Timothy 1:7; “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” One by one addressing each listed neglect from homework assignment; helping them see how love can enable them to stop neglecting their responsibilities, and overcome their fear, enabling righteous obedience to God, and fulfilling their God given roles.  “If you substitute love for fear in your life as well as in your language, you can do what love impels you to do.”¹  Then the next week their homework could be practically doing what we talked about, and tracking weather there was improvement/change in taking on their responsibilities that have been neglected, and why or why not.  I may require a fearful counselee to read Philippians 4:4-9 once daily until our next meeting, and have them answer the following questions;    What commands are there to obey?  What promises/comforts are there to claim?  What are the qualifications listed for what we allow ourselves to dwell on/think about?

¹ “What to Do When Fear Overcomes You”, Jay Adams

Anger | ACBC Exam Question #38

Define anger biblically. Describe at least five ways people deal with anger. Describe both sinful and godly ways of dealing with anger.

                The word anger is derived from the greek terms; “theumos” (anger/wrath, boiling point, explosive), “epitheumia” (anger centered around a desire/lust), and “paragismas” (irritability, exasperation, embitterment). Jay Adams wisely defines anger as; “God given emotion to help me solve problems biblically, and quickly.”¹ Anger can lead to sin, but does not have to.  There is such thing as biblical anger, and biblical ways to respond when feeling angry.

Anger becomes sinful when it is selfishly motivated (Matthew 16:24-25, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 2:23) and when we fail to maintain God’s goals in the matter.  People deal with anger in a variety of ways.  Attacking people verbally or physically is a sinful response (Ephesians 4:26,31, Proverbs 29:11, 14:17).  Dwelling on frustrations with others but refusing to try to resolve the issues biblically is common, and another wrong way to deal with anger.  Ephesians 4:26 is a direct command to deal with anger, not allowing time to pass and bitterness to fester; “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger”.  Revenge is often fuelled by anger, an action in retaliation against someone who has wronged us, this is sin and only compounds the problem, not providing resolution.  Fleeing and attempting to leave the circumstance or person behind is another way that anger is addressed.  For example, an employer may make someone angry, so rather than communicating and dealing with the issues at hand, they simply quit, and move on to other work, hoping to find a better situation.  Though this may seem like a resolution, the individual will face others in the future that make them angry, running away is not a Biblical response to anger, we need to learn to deal with the emotion properly.    

The correct Biblical response to anger would be to evaluate the cause of anger.  Does it simply require repentance privately before God and a change of thinking (Phil 4:8)?  Is confrontation required? Yes, if someone or a group of people has sinned against you (Matthew 18:15-21).  If your anger has caused you to respond sinfully, you need to seek forgiveness from them, as well as confess to God and seek His grace in the matter (1 John 1:9).  God wants us to seek reconciliation in relationships, and His heart for us as believers is to live in unity and peace.  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31, 32)

 ¹ “The Christian Counselor’s Manual”, Jay Adams, page 

Depression Progression | ACBC Exam Question #37

 Describe and diagram how depression develops and is to be alleviated.

Depression is defined as; “debilitating mood, feeling or attitude of hopelessness, which becomes a person’s reason for not handling the most important issues of life.”¹  Depression takes place over a period of time.  The diagram below depicts how this process could take place in a person’s life, and two potential responses to it.  

A life event (miscarriage, negative health diagnosis, ect.), or emotional turmoil (teen child’s rebellion, tragic death of someone close) are triggers which are grounds (cause) for depression to be a possibility in someone’s life.  There are so many possible triggers, I’ve just mentioned a few here.  On the left side of the page is diagramed an unbiblical response to the situation, and on the right a biblical response.  You’ll notice that on the onset of the circumstances (trigger) the responses are the same (overwhelmed, hopeless).  It is natural for difficult challenges that come up in life unexpectedly to catch us off guard, to make us sad, and come unravelled emotionally.  We can however choose how we respond. 

 On the left side of the page we see depicted an unbiblical response.  The person’s feeling continue to be negative and grow in intensity.  They are spiraling downward in a struggle.  With the cross icon there with a question mark I am seeking to convey that Jesus, and Scripture is the hope that will provide answers, relief, and a way out for them.  It is never too late in the process, God’s Word offers hope and help to all.

        The right side of the page is illustrating a biblical response to the same life event/emotional turmoil/trigger situation.  This person hears biblical truth, personally believes it, and finds hope for their circumstances.  This change in perspective enables a turn around, a progression towards contentment, joy, and peace.  As the individual intentionally builds a biblical view of their circumstances into their thinking, and grows in faith they are able to overcome emotionally even if their trigger situation never does.  Scripture is listed on the diagram that would be effective in aiding someone facing depression.

¹ Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries Track 1 conference notes

Significance of Ephesians 4:17-25 in Biblical Counseling | ACBC Exam Question #36

       Explain the significance of Eph. 4:17-25, and similar passages for Biblical counseling.

Ephesians 4:17-25 is a powerful text in Biblical counseling because; it alludes to the difference between secular psychology/counseling, shows that a new life in Christ is required in order to transform a life and it’s purpose for existence, and it also gives us clear guidelines for how lasting change happens.

First we see that without Jesus we can’t be different (vs. 17-19).  Without salvation all attempts at purposeful living are futile.  Unregenerate people are blinded, ignorant, hard-hearted, greedy and hopelessly bound to sin.  Because the counseling offered by unsaved people does not address the sin problem, it can provide coping mechanisms, behavioural modification, and shifting of blame, but it cannot provide real help or hope as it is apart from Christ.  He is the truth (vs. 20), the One who makes all heart-level change possible.     

Secondly, it is clear that faith in Christ must take place before Biblical change can happen.  We must switch Masters before we can effectively change (Romans 6).  Until a person comes to a personal faith in Jesus to forgive their sins, and enable them to righteous living they are just spinning their wheels in the mud of sin, trying to clean themselves up, when what they need first is rescue out of the mud all together.  “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)  We need to have a new life from the root level (heart decision) in order to produce a changed life (purpose, motives, thinking, actions).

Lastly this passage outlines how lasting change can change take place.  It is a total replacement from the old man (pre-salvation, bound to sin) to the new man (made righteous through Christ, able to not sin) (vs. 22-23).   The change begins in the mind (vs. 23). 

“Have you ever cooked rice in a rice cooker? You pour the dry rice and water into the appliance, plug it in, and click the switch to turn on the heat. The water steams and infuses itself within the grains of rice. The rice becomes robust and saturated. This is what happens when we receive counsel. We mentally saturate our heart with either healthy or poisonous water. The counsel produces robustness in our lives corresponding to the quality possessed.”¹

                God is the ultimate Counselor who changes our hearts and lives (Psalm 32:8).  In counseling we have the privilege and responsibility to help our counselees renew their mind by presenting Biblical truth to them about their particular sin problem or circumstances.  When their thinking is in line with Scriptural truth, they will learn how to live out those truths in their actions.  They can say “No!” to sin and apply the Scripture that promises “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Replacing sin with righteous choices (and then habits) is possible like verse 25 gives example of; “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”  Being connected in relationship to Christ, who enables us to deny self and sin, we can choose to live in righteousness, stop sinning, and replace those motives, thinking and behaviour with what is right.  Biblical counseling is leading others through this process, coming along side and aiding them in their sanctification.   

                This passage is a cornerstone for what Biblical counseling is, why it is effective, and the process by which we (through Christ and God’s Word) lead people to genuine change.   

 ¹ http://biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/blogs/2014/05/05/developing-a-biblical-theology-of-emotions/

Language in Counseling | ACBC Exam Question #35

    Define and describe the importance of language in counseling. Give examples.

The words we speak are always important.  They are the outflow of our hearts (Luke 6:45).  And Scripture warns us, “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36)  In counseling we are ministering to people who will put a lot of stock on our words.  What we say will guide their view of God, their situation, themselves, and how they need to respond to their circumstances and change.  We need to take seriously the responsibility we have before God to these people we serve; and be intentional, selective and wise in what and how we speak to our counselees.

“….speaking the truth in love….” (Ephesians 4:15) ought to be our guiding principle.  We need to be sure our advice is rooted in God’s Word, and if we are not 100% positive, tell our counselee that upfront, and commit to finding out what God’s standard is in that area, and get back to them.  We ought not to ever speak “off-the-cuff” when we don’t know for sure, it’s much better to take the time to research a biblical response than to defer to our own opinion or experience. “He who restrains his words has knowledge….” (Proverbs 17:27)

Pointing out sin is vital, but should not be done with a tone of belittling or judgement.  We should never respond with astonishment, being surprised by the depth of a persons’ sin.  Saying things like “I would never think you could do something like that” or “That was stupid!” is inappropriate. Asking questions that lead them to determine their own guilt before God is a wise way to help them determine right from wrong.  For example, if a wife comes to counseling who is entertaining thoughts of adultery with a co-worker, some questions to probe their hearts, and understand their knowledge of it being wrong may include; “What do you think God says about what you just told me?”  “In your perception of this situation at what point did you become guilty of sin?” We can note their comprehension of Biblical truth and standards, and clarify if necessary.   This wife would need to know that entertaining the temptation to lust is the root issue, it is never okay to even think about another man that way (Matthew 5:27-28).     

Our words need to be affirming, and hopeful.  “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)  When the people we counsel are making progress, or have done their homework well, give them praise.  Even when their situation seems dire, assure them of God’s presence, and help them remember His sovereign goodness.  There is always hope when Christ is our anchor (Hebrews 6:19).

Halo Data | ACBC Exam Question #34

      Define "halo data" and give some examples of halo data for depression.

Halo data is observable information gathered nonverbally.  Facial expressions, gestures, volume and tone of voice, use or lack of eye contact, posture, body language, tears, habits of showing up late, willingness to answer questions/avoid them, and so much more can give us cues as to our counselees character, as well as what they are feeling.   There are examples of halo data in Scripture.  Genesis 3:8 says “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”  We can gather from this verse that Adam and Eve knew they were guilty even though they have not yet spoken a word.  Their choice to conceal themselves is halo data which reveals a lot.  We read of Cain in Genesis 4:5, “but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.”  You could read Cain’s facial expression, and perceive his heart response.  There is much to be gleaned by being acutely aware of nonverbal communication expressed.  “Never underestimate the importance of this kind of observation; it can provide as much information as merely concentrating on what the counselee says.”¹ The information we can gather by observing halo data will be useful in helping our counselees change. 

Some examples of typical halo data that can be observed in a counselee who is suffering from depression would include; slumped posture, downcast eyes, lack of a smile, weariness, disheveled physical appearance (unkempt hair, no desire to keep oneself clean or looking presentable), frequent crying, quietness, unwilling to talk, negative reaction to all questions or biblical help (example: “it won’t matter/help”), no enthusiasm or optimism to things that would normally bring them joy (mentioning a loved one, an enjoyed activity, etc.), and overall hopelessness.  Someone dealing with depression may sigh frequently, cross their arms over their chest, and distance themselves from the counselor physically, or turn away to avoid eye contact.  Though these actions are predictable to a person who is depressed we should not assume that depression is a true diagnosis for our counselee based on perceived indicators alone, this type of halo data would also be common for many other issues as well.  Halo data is only one part of data gathering, and a fraction of the whole picture we must be sure to gather all the information carefully to best determine our counselees’ problems and what will help them through.      

¹ “Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically”, John MacArthur, page 145

Complicating Problems | ACBC Exam Question #33

        Define a "complicating problem".  Give a concrete example.

              

           Like when knitting if you don’t follow the pattern properly, but neglect to notice right away, and continue on with a row of stitches; you, have to take out those stitches in order to reach and correct the mistake.

          “Complicating problems can make it nearly impossible to reach principal problems until the complications are cleared away. That is to say, they are of such a nature that, having grown out of principal problems, they have so complicated the original principal problem that it is not longer reachable except through them.”1 

                For example; In Genesis 15-18 We read of Abram and Sarai as they faced the problem of infertility while having the promise of God that their descendants would be numerous, like the stars (vs. 5).  Rather than patiently waiting on God to work this miracle in her barren womb, Sarai creates a complicating problem by suggesting to Abram that he bare a child with Hagar, their Egyptian servant.  Then, when Ishmael is born, Hagar and Sarai are bitter and jealous (vs. 4).  Sarai blames Abram (vs. 5).  Instead of leading, and address the situation biblically, Abram tells Sarai to handle it (vs. 6). Sarai could have seen her fault, and repent of her sin to Abram, Hagar, and most of all, God;  but she is harsh, and this relationship is cut-off as Hagar leaves, to fend for herself (vs. 6).  

The main problem is still Abram and Sarai’s infertility, but it has been complicated by their sin of doubting God, trying to solve the problem through sinful adultery, resulting in sinful jealousy and wrath in Sarai’s heart and actions.  It’s a messy knot because they sinful responded to the principle problem. God had promised a solution, but in their impatience and lack of faith they sinned, and rather than repent sinned some more. 

Just like Abram and Sarai complicated their situation by sin, we have done so in our own lives at times, and will counsel others who have done the same.  It is vital that we take the time when counseling to assess the different types of problems (presentation, performance, preconditioning, and complicating) involved, as there is usually more than one problem happening.  With wisdom, and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can unravel the knots sin creates and aid our counselees with God’s Word to restore their relationships with God, and others.           

           ¹ http://www.nouthetic.org/blog/?p=3484

Preconditioning | ACBC Exam Question #32

         Define the concept of “preconditioning level”. Use a case history, in which you were the counselor, to show the necessity for moving from the performance level to the preconditioning level.

“Preconditioning level” refers to the root level of a problem, where it comes from; motives, beliefs, habits, the thinking out of which performance and presentation problems arise.  “Habit patterns developed over many years must be replaced by new biblical patterns.  Otherwise the client will leave counseling still programmed (preconditioned) to handle life’s next crisis in the usual sinful way.  The debilitating or performance problem is simply one example of the underlying disposition to handle problems in such a manner.  The preconditioning problem is really a kind of computer problem.  The client has programmed himself by his past activity to act in certain ways in response to given stimuli.”¹ 

Because “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5) is not only true for David, but you and I and every human being we battle sin at our very core.  “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) We are bound to sin, and unable to live righteously apart from Christ, but once we are believers we are new from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17) and can reset our preconditioned programming from sinful, and wrong to truth, and God-honouring.  This takes time, intention, discipline and the Holy Spirit to guide and enable righteous living.  Right in the middle of Ephesians 4:17-32 about putting off sin, and putting on righteousness Paul writes; “…in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (vs. 22-24)

A counseling situation in which preconditioning thinking was key in aiding the counselee from performance level issues from my own experience involved a teen who was heavily wrapped up in self harm.  She was a cutter, and it was her physical way of taking blame on herself for wrongs done (low grades, not measuring up to peers standards, etc….).  It became clear that the underlying belief out of which this behaviour flowed was an improper view of God’s love for her.  She firmly believed she was saved by faith in alone in Christ alone, but somehow she had come to believe that she had to perform to maintain her standing with God.  She felt that if she didn’t read the Bible, witness enough to others, and all kinds of other actions then God didn’t love her the same, He’d be disappointed, less than happy with her…. This scale she created always left her less than perfect, feeling undeserving, and thus she had to punish herself, so she thought.  Getting to this root level preconditioning cause was vital in helping her break this thinking process in order to help her stop cutting herself.  Romans 8:38,39, Ephesians 1, and other Scriptural study lead her to comprehend that God’s love was in no way effected by her performance day-to-day.  God loves that teen girl fiercely, not for what she can do for Him, but simply because He can, He chooses to, He loves her, and that will never ever change.  Once she understood this, and it settled into her heart and changed her beliefs about God’s character she no longer felt compelled to harm herself, but could claim the unending love of God for herself.  What a freedom it gave her.  Life changing truth.

¹ “Competent to Counsel”, Jay Adams, page 149

Presentation Level and Performance Level Problems | ACBC Exam Question #31

       Define the concepts of “presentation level” and “performance level”. Use a case history, in which you were the counselor, to show the necessity for moving from the presentation level to the performance level.

“Presentation level” refers to what the counselee presents (by their perception) as the problem(s), the issue that has motivated them to seek counsel.  It is possible that this may in reality be only part of the issue, or an effect of another cause, or a secondary problem-which would need to be lead out with perceptive data gathering.    

“Performance level” is the sinful actions or words causing or resulting from the presented problem.   These outwardly display how a person is responding to God, people, situations, and more.  “Presentation problems necessarily involve the discussion of performance problems, since the former arise from the latter; thus a discussion of the presentation problem may be the first step in digging deeper.”¹ 

The way counselees communicate with us a counselors is an interwoven knot of information in which they present perceived problems, emotions, specific details about their circumstances and more.  It is our responsibility to listen well, unweave the information and get to the heart level (“pre-conditioning level”) issues in order to help them change, not simply their behaviour, but their thinking, and motives to line up with Scripture. 

I personally counseled a college age young woman who conveyed to me that she could not get along with her Mom.  She told me her mother was “demanding, and impossible.”  As I listened empathetically, I took notes, allowing her to speak her heart and mind.  I then asked her; “And, how is that you respond to your Mom?”  “I get angry.” “What does that look like?” I probed.  “I don’t do what she asks, I slam my door,” she confessed sheepishly. Together we took time to look at Scripture, what it has to say about children and parental roles (Ephesians 6:1-4, Colossians 3:18-20).  She was defensive, justifying her behaviour because her Mom and Dad are divorced, and her Mom “isn’t perfect”.  This Mom is a believer, not abusive in anyway, an occasional church attender.  The word commands children obey parents, without condition I explained.    I addressed her bitterness about her parents divorce by explaining we are all sinners; parents, grandparents, kids…. how all sin is an offense to God-some with lasting effects/consequences, and others with less visible result, but all equally wrong and offensive to God (James 2:10).  I used some small booklets targeted at this topic for reading homework over our sessions together (“Life Beyond Your Parent’s Mistakes”-David Powlison, “Forgiveness: Showing Grace When You Have Been Hurt”-Rob Green), and she was also assigned to pray daily for her Mom-writing point form notes on what she was praying for specifically and bring these notes with her to sessions.    

With time, pointed Biblical teaching in our sessions (on grace, communication, dealing with anger, and more), and practical homework assignments she came to understand that God has been gracious in giving her salvation, and her Mom had the same salvation.  They are both sinners, and her own anger is a sinful response towards her Mom.  She needed to repent to God (1 John 1:9), and her Mom, and agree to no longer hold her parents divorce against them (Matthew 6:14,15), but to show grace and forgive as God has done to her (Matthew 6:12).  She did these things, and with intentional prayer, and specific assignments, their relationship changed for the better.   I saw her and her Mom at church together much later, and her mother came to me telling me their relationship had never been better, the counselee was showing respect and submission, even going out of her way to perform acts of love.  God and His truth applied to this situation resulted in a restored relationship. 

The presentation problem in this scenario was a difficult Mom, but the performance problems on the part of the counselee were anger, bitterness, a lack of forgiveness, and this resulted in actions of disrespect and defiance.  God’s truth had much to say about this issue-the presented one, and the performance ones, and when His truth is understood and yielded it can transform hearts, lives and relationships.      

¹ “Competent to Counsel”, Jay Adams, page 202