In this session of the Introduction to Biblical Counseling mini-series, the focus is reaching the heart. In the previous post, we looked at Biblical Shepherding. The first post in this mini-series gave an essential overview.
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Reaching the Heart
Why is reaching the heart key to biblical counseling? It’s key because Jesus targeted the heart.
Our culture embraces all sorts of explanations about why people do what they do. Genetics? Unment needs? Your family of origin? These may influence how people act and believe.
Jesus taught that ultimately all our thoughts, words, beliefs, emotions, and motivations proceed from and reflect the condition of our own hearts. The term “heart” is another way of saying the “inner man.” It is the control center for every desire, thought, and action.
Above all else else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Changing behavior alone fails to lead to everlasting change. In fact, stressing good behavior over heart transformation may encourage someone to act like a Pharisee–good-looking on the outside, ugly on the inside.
Where do you begin when you want to reach the heart? Do you remember where Jesus began?
Jesus transformed hearts by increasing their faith. Yet he used one approach with this person and another approach with that person. Do you know what happens when you encourage a rebel? Or rebuke the discouraged?
Reaching the Heart Training Video
Now let’s tune in to Tim Allchin, associate executive director of Biblical Counseling Center, as he continues the training in our Caring Like Christ module. This module consists of four training videos as well as downloads that serve as an introduction to biblical counseling.
Our Heart’s Desire
Biblical Counseling Center’s desire is helping churches care for people. Wouldn’t it be comforting if some people at your church were trained in biblical counseling and compassionately and effectively cared for the hurting? Why not forward this Introduction to Biblical Counseling mini-series to your pastor?
This mini-series sets you on the road to helping the hurting in your church and neighborhood through biblical counseling, which is gospel-centered, practical, and life-transforming. The Caring Like Christ module is the introductory part of our Foundations in Biblical Counseling training course. The full course is available online for individuals and church groups.
Foundations helps you develop your ability to biblically counsel the hurting in your church and community.
We would love to talk with you further about how we can help you develop in your counseling ministry. Please contact us at training@biblicalcounselingcenter.org and mention that you’re receiving biblical counseling training through our free January online event. We’re delighted to answer your questions and help you decide which training option may best suit you.
This material is part of our larger 24 lesson Foundation of Biblical Counseling series that is available online at bcctraining.pathwright.com.
A Download
Permission is granted to make copies of the accompanying PDF for personal use, but these documents may not be altered, modified or incorporated into another training program in any way.
In Caring Like Christ, Part 3 on Thursday, January 15, the online trainer teaches on “Sanctification Understood.” You’ll hear more of Oscar Fuentes story too. See you then.
P.S. On Thursday, you’ll hear some exciting news too!
