We recently got back from a major conference with thousands of church leaders. It was inspiring—but also heavy.
Story after story came up of pastors burned out, churches rocked by tragedy, and leaders overwhelmed by brokenness in their congregations. We heard about suicide, pastoral failures, community violence, addiction, and rising mental health struggles—especially in small churches, where resources are often limited and burdens feel even heavier.
Being one of the few counseling ministries at the conference, church leaders would pull us aside between sessions and say, “We don’t know what to do anymore… Can you help us?”
The need is real. And it’s growing.
Here’s the good news, though: small churches are not helpless. In fact, they’re uniquely positioned to make a lasting difference through biblical counseling. Read the five recommended steps to take below.
1. Start With What You Have—Not What You Lack
You don’t need a team of professionals or a counseling center to begin helping people biblically. A struggling person often needs a wise, compassionate friend who will listen well and point them to Scripture with gentleness and hope.
Small churches often have the advantage of relational closeness, which is already one of the most powerful settings for biblical care to thrive.
2. Equip a Few Faithful Leaders to Begin Counseling
Even one or two trained individuals can begin a movement of care in your church. Whether it’s a pastor, deacon, or mature believer, training just a few people to counsel biblically sets the foundation for sustainable care ministry.
“We started counseling with people, and now our team is growing. Our community reputation is now ‘the church that cares,’ and biblical counseling is a large part of that.” – Pastor in Michigan
Through biblical counseling training programs like ours, small churches can equip lay leaders to counsel wisely and confidently, without needing to build a large infrastructure.
3. Be a Light to Your Community
Many in your community are hurting, but don’t know where to turn. When a small church offers free or donation-based counseling rooted in the hope of Christ, it speaks powerfully to those who feel unseen or overwhelmed.
You don’t need a marketing budget to make an impact—just an open door, a listening ear, and a heart that reflects the love of Jesus.
4. Create a Culture of Gospel-Centered Care
When a church embraces biblical counseling, it begins to change how people relate to one another—not just in formal counseling, but in hallway conversations, small groups, and everyday life.
Even in a small congregation, you can create a culture where people speak the truth in love, bear one another’s burdens, and point one another back to Christ in everyday struggles.
5. Partner for Support and Growth
You don’t have to go it alone. At Biblical Counseling Center, we come alongside churches of all sizes—providing training, coaching, counseling, and resources that make this ministry possible and sustainable, even in smaller settings.
We’ve seen it time and time again: small churches becoming places of refuge and restoration in their communities—not because they have every resource, but because they offer biblical hope.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’d love to help your church of any size explore how to begin or strengthen a biblical counseling ministry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for guidance, we’re here to walk with you.
Learn more about our Launch partnerships and schedule a free strategy call!
