Data Gathering | ACBC Exam Question #27

     What is data gathering?  Why is it important?

Data gathering is asking appropriate questions, carefully listening, taking concise notes, as well as observing non-verbal communication in order to understand what is occurring in the counselee’s life.  It is vital to gather accurate and complete data in every counseling scenario so that you can properly and effectively aid your counselee biblically.  Without the proper data it is possible to misdiagnose the real issues, the depth of the effects, and to not get a full picture of the situation, or the counselee. 

We cannot be too careful or thorough when it comes to data gathering.  Proverbs 18:13, 17 admonishes; “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him…The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.”  Gathering data takes time, concentration and concerted effort.  Often a counselee will express their situation in fragments, adding in feelings, pertinent and impertinent details, leaving some parts out (weather unintentionally, or out of embarrassment or guilt).   Naturally, of course our counselee can only convey their side/experience even though there are often other parties involved, and will paint the “picture” in a certain light due the fact that they are disclosing the information to you; a biblical counselor.  We must trust counselees unless proven untrustworthy, but be aware that intentionally or not they are speaking from their terms of reference and with their reputation in mind. 

We gather data through the information sheets we request counselees to fill out before coming to a session, these questionnaires can be very beneficial and we as counselors ought to read them thoroughly before seeing our counselee in person.  Having a basic knowledge from these forms filled out by your counselee saves some time and gives a starting point.  We have to be careful not to “read between the lines”, make assumptions or judgements based on their answers or lack thereof.

 During counseling sessions we need to be listening to our counselee as they present issues; really focusing on them, and taking comprehensive short form notes for future reference.  We let our counselee know we are vesting interest in them when we want know their situation, can recall details, and ask specific questions pertaining to their personal life and struggles.  “Be quick to hear, slow to speak,” (James 1:19) is a command that is vital in counseling. 

Question asking ought to be a well-honed skill of counselors.  Initially a tool to help your counselee feel at ease, able to trust you; and then further deeper, probing questions get to the heart issues, the sin patterns, how the person thinks, their desires, their fears, etc.  A brief overview of the persons’ spiritual journey is always a good idea. Depending on the issue they have come to counselling for it may be pertinent to ask about physical health issues, sleep habits, diet, exercise, and medication.  Emotions are always a strong factor in the lives of people.  They need to be taken into our data inventory, as well as the actions of the person, their attitudes/convictions, their history is important (and at times has not yet been dealt with) and can affect how they handle current situations.  All of these areas of mines of information that give us a broader picture of our counselee and help us to help them.      

“Understanding and counseling people biblically is a challenging and rewarding responsibility.  But sloppiness or neglect in gathering data can undermine the whole process.  That is why biblical counselors need to develop expertise in this endeavor.  We need to work carefully and prayerfully at improving our inventory-taking skills as though our effectiveness as a counselor depended on it, because from a human point of view, it does!”¹

¹ “Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically”, John MacArthur,*chapter quoted is authored by Wayne Mack, page 146

Developing Involvement During Counseling | ACBC Exam Question #26

 Describe how to develop involvement with a counselee.  What is the difference between empathy and involvement?  Is this difference significant?  

“We are most receptive to counsel from those we know are with us and for us.  They can speak frankly about our faults, and though we may be annoyed temporarily, we soon realize they are only trying to help us because they are concerned for us.  On the other hand, if someone whom we perceive as a stranger or an enemy criticizes us, we tend to react defensively and with suspicion about their motives.  In counseling as in any other relationship, we must remember that our impact and influence in people’s lives is usually related to their perception of us.  That is why involvement is so important to the counseling process.  Usually the counseling process is truly effective only when an acceptable level of involvement has been established.”¹

                When it comes to our life issues; we don’t care what people know, unless we know that they care genuinely for us.  A counselor develops involvement through compassion, respect, and sincerity; otherwise a counselee will not open up honestly, nor accept counsel to biblical change. 

                Empathy is a noun meaning “the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.”²  Involvement however is a verb which includes actions of engaging in relationship, it is active, participatory.  Empathy feels sorry for the person whose house burned to the ground, involvement goes to the person, and aids them in their circumstances.  Empathy is emotional, involvement takes the emotion and puts it into supportive action.     

                Counselees need to know that we are investing in an (appropriate) relationship with them.  We can accomplish this by; genuinely caring and telling them (Philippians 1:8), praying for and with them (Colossians 4:12-13), meet physical needs if necessary (1 John 3:17), celebrating good things and grieving as appropriate (Romans 12:15), being gentle (Matthew 12:20), tactful (Proverbs 15:23), gracious (Colossians 4:6), loving and accepting them even when counsel is rejected (Mark 10:21), defending them when accused (Matthew 12:1-7), forgiving them when wronged (Matthew 18:21-22), trusting them (unless facts prove otherwise) (1 Corinthians 13:7). 

                A lot of involvement in counseling can be communicated by non-verbal communication; facing your counselee with an open stance, eye contact, and physical expressions that indicate you are tracking them as they speak (nodding, smiles during good news, etc…).  If a first time counselee comes to my office door, at an arranged meeting time and I am on the phone, or otherwise engaged, and unprepared I have communicated that they are forgotten, not a priority, perhaps even a nuisance (especially if I sigh).  This is not a good start to developing involvement.  We need to consider every opportunity of influence we have on the life of our counselees and be intentional to foster an open, loving environment of trust, respect, and sincerity in our relationships with them.   

¹ “Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically”, John MacArthur,*chapter quoted is authored by Wayne Mack, page 102        ² www.dictionary.com

First Counseling Session | ACBC Exam Question #25

 What are some of the important needs in the first session?

         In the first session we set the tone for the entire counseling relationship that will grow over the course of the needed number of sessions.  At the outset it needs to be communicated this counseling is about the Word of God, and His Spirit who enables change.  This can be accomplished in advance through a questionnaire, consent form, and is often known by the affiliation of a church, or reputation.  It can be reinforced by simply opening in prayer, but may require further explanation depending on the counselors’ knowledge of the counselee, their present spiritual condition, etc. 

       A large amount of time in the first session is spent gathering relevant data.  This is accomplished by asking questions, carefully listening, and taking notes in order to understand what is occurring in the couselee’s life.  Assumptions, judgement, and rushing while getting information is dangerous.  Scripture warns; “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” (Proverbs 18:13)  A lot can be gathered through non-verbal communication also, it is good to note their tone of voice, body language, eye contact, etc.   

      We want to start to build loving involvement right away; developing a meaningful (not just professional) relationship with your counselee in order to minister God’s Word in his/her life.  Christ set the example for us in how He lived, loved and served others (Hebrews 12:14-18, John 1:14).  We have to be sensitive to their struggles, take them seriously, seek to encourage them, be genuine, be compassionate in suffering, confront sin in love, and emphasize God’s grace in their life and my own.   

        Every single time we meet with someone we want to always give Biblical hope; conveying an assurance that God is working good in our lives for His glory and our growth (Romans 8:28,29, Romans 15:4, 13).  People come to counseling looking for hope, help and encouragement.  We need to be intentional about using God’s Word to provide the hopeful perspective their hearts need (Psalm 42:5, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 1:6).   

        It’s a good idea to forecast an agenda for you and your counselee as best as you can.  Let them know there will be homework required of them.  Explain it’s function and importance (to put the Word into practice into their daily life, continuing the application of truth between sessions).  Map out how many sessions and roughly the topics/direction of counseling you foresee being helpful, and welcome their feedback.  Then, give them some homework that is practical, manageable and targeted to their specific circumstances/struggles/needs that involves Scripture in some way.

        Prayer ought to be involved in every part of the counseling process; before, during, after; aloud yes, and when appropriate having the counselee pray as well.  But personally as a counselor our prayer life is vital.  Prayer keeps us connected to God, the source of power we, and our counselees need (Matthew 7:7-11).  Praying for wisdom (James 1:5) for the counselees understanding (Psalm 119:130) , praying for our counselees specific needs between sessions, asking for God’s help silently throughout the session (1 Thessalonians 5:17) , realizing it is His work (Philippians 2:13).   “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)

Sufficiency of Scripture in Counseling | ACBC Exam Question #24

  Are the Scriptures sufficient for biblical counseling?  Explain your position.

Yes.  Sola Scriptura!  God’s Word provides all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).  The Bible contains all God’s revelation necessary for a person to understand how to please and glorify Him in this present life.  It is also therefore the sufficient resource for a counselor to lead another (counselee) through the issues of life; providing answers, hope, and help in every situation a person may face.  “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

“The meaning [of “perfect”] is that [Scripture] lacks nothing [for] its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be.  It is complete as a revelation of Divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct….  It is absolutely true; it is adapted with consummate wisdom to the [needs] of man; it is an unerring guide of conduct.  There is nothing there which would lead men into error or sin; there is nothing essential for man to know which may not be found there.”¹

                The Word of God is the only tool with which I am equipped to counsel, actually I am just leading them to the one who is the “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6).  God says; “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)  The Bible, God’s Word alone is truth (Psalm 119:160) unchanging (Isaiah 40:8), living and active, discerning hearts (Hebrews 4:12), eternal (1 Peter 1:25)….. What other counseling source can make these claims?  Society’s morals shift, psychology finds new theories, and our feelings lead us in all kinds of directions.  We need truth, we need a moral compass, we need hope, we need help.  The God of the universe has provided all this in His Word; it’s foolish to look further, it is sufficient, it is superior to all other schools of thought.  “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11)

¹ “Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms, Vol. 1”, Albert Barnes, page 171

Goal of Biblical Counseling | ACBC Exam Question #23

 What are the goals of biblical counseling?

Biblical Counseling is 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.  The goal is to help our counselee become God’s kind of person; becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ.  If we don’t start with this goal, the end results will be wrong.

Our motive has to be love; “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5).  “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

“The overarching purpose of preaching and counseling is God’s glory.  But the underneath side of that splendid rainbow is love.  A simple biblical definition of love is: The fulfillment of God’s commandments.  Love is a responsible relationship to God and to man.  Love is a relationship observance of the commandments of God.  The work of preaching and counseling, when blessed by the Holy Spirit, enables men through the gospel and God’s sanctifying Word to become pure in heart, to have peaceful consciences, and to trust God sincerely.  Thus the goal of nouthetic counseling is set forth plainly in the Scriptures: to bring men into loving conformity to the law of God.”¹

If the counselee has not yet made a salvation decision for themselves, that is the first priority. (2 Timothy 2:25) No biblical change is more important than salvation, no further biblical change can take place until someone becomes a believer in Christ; it is the necessary basis for all righteous living to flow out of. (Ephesians 2:1-10)  Once someone is a believer counseling aids them in maturing (sanctification) in faith. (Colossians 1:28)

God instructs us to be selective about the counsel we seek in our lives; “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water…. ” (Psalm 1:1-3a)  Biblical counsel is a wise choice as it agrees with God, uses His Word to address the issues of life, and results in a secure, rooted life. 

¹ “Competent to Counsel”, Jay Adams, page 54-55

Church Authority | ACBC Exam Question #22

 What authority if any, does the church have over individuals and the counseling process?

            The church is under the authority of Christ; “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians 1:18).  And the church’s function is to be “… speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15)                              

             Because Christ is not physically present on planet Earth right now to consult in Person, we use His Word, the Bible to find His will, instructions and plan for the church, His people.  “…and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17.  The Bible instructs churches to choose leadership, pastors and elders (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9) who are of godly character, and then we are to; “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17). 

              “God has given (1) the ordained teaching and ruling officers (2) the task of changing people’s lives (3) through the authoritative ministry of the Word (II Tim. 3:15-17).  When that authority is exercised properly (biblically), Christ promises to be “in the midst” giving encouragement, furnishing wisdom and providing strength (cf. Matt. 18:15-20).  Both exousia (externally conferred authority) and dunamis (internal ministering the Word).  The exousia authorized them to command respect and obedience (I Thess. 5:13; Heb. 13:17); the second empowers them to carry on their work (II Tim 1:7).”¹

             Believers ought to submit to the authority God has given to the church willingly; and use the rich resource and teaching of their local church, welcoming the wisdom of God’s Word in their lives, including one on one counsel as needed.  Unfortunately many believers trapped in sin turn away from the church, refuse counsel, and don’t welcome the help they desperately need.  The church cannot force any believer to repent, change or receive counsel, but we ought to be doing all we can.  “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.  Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”  (Matthew 18:15-20)

¹ Jay Adams,  A Theology of Christian Counseling, Page 278

Women's Role at Church | ACBC Exam Question #21

What is the biblical teaching on women being ordained as officers of the church?

             The battle of the sexes in marriage, in church leadership, and in society is a direct result of sin, the curse God put on Adam and Eve, and all of humanity after they rebelled, disobeyed God and sinned for the first time in the Garden of Eden.  God told Eve; “…Yet your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16b)  A deeper study of this passage conveys a struggle for power will be a battle between men and women as a result of the Fall.  John MacArthur says;

           

  “Eve resisted her husband's headship originally. She sinned, she led him to do her will, right? Essentially. She convinced Adam to do what she wanted him to do, eat the fruit. God wanted them not to do it, she wanted him to do it. She took the lead. She convinced him to do it. She usurped authority, she took the place of leadership. He submitted to her and he was therefore sentenced to have to deal with such rebellion on a permanent basis. The wife then seeks control. She seeks to have her way what she wants when she wants it. The husband resists and tries to maintain his control and that, of course, is not always balanced, it's not always loving, it's not always kind. And therein lies the conflict of marriage that is so universal. Man no longer has harmony in the home. She no longer follows graciously.”¹

           So from the first occurrence of sin began an authority issue, because we became selfishly driven and unwilling to yield; to God or to anyone else.  It’s not surprising that this has become a church issue also.        

             The bible is clear in teaching; “…I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:12)  This is God’s authoritative Word on the issue.  This does not mean women are inferior (Galatians 3:26), or men are to lord their authority over women.  He designed the sexes for specific roles because He is loving, and wise.  His organization for marriage, the home, and the church is a healthy, positive structure.

             The requirements for pastors and deacons in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9) all clearly state that this role is for men only. “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” (1 Timothy 3:1,2)   Having a woman in this position defies Scripture, it’s wrong, and puts the female pastor and the whole congregation in opposition to God and His Word. 

             Women are vital in the church, there is much they can do, and unique ways they can serve the body of believers.  “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”  (Titus 2:3-5)  Women are able to teach, not in the context of church leadership but to children as Sunday School teachers, to other women, in formal teaching opportunities and in life by example, counsel, and through family life by blood, and in Christ (church family) passing on knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next. 

             This male headship model for the home and church are designed by God in love to provide stability, and a structure that glorifies God and illustrates Christ’s leadership for the church. “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”  (Ephesians 5:23)  God’s standard in this area needs to recognized, respected, and obeyed, otherwise a church cannot run biblically.     

¹http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-244/the-curse-on-the-woman-part-2