Learning How to Counsel Folks!

Posted on by Paul Boubion

February 2023 – Learning How to Counsel Folks!

Biblical Counseling Ministry

Claudia and I have jumped into the Biblical Counseling ministry since last year (2022) and it seems to have snowballed! Most folks see counseling from a secular psychology perspective, whereas the Biblical counselor uses the Word of God to help folks turn to God first for the things we struggle with. This does not replace the need for doctors or negate the reality of mental illness and the trauma and scars many of us have, but ultimately we believe these things are the result of the “Fall” described in Genesis chapter 3.

Furthermore, we believe and have seen that the inspired Word of God is sufficient to help people work through their problems. Check out our ministry’s subtitle from 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The more we are involved in counseling folks, the more the work looks like DISCIPLESHIP!  This is exactly what Jesus commanded at the end of his earthly ministry! Check out what he said at the end of Matthew’s Gospel:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (CEB)
This is from a recent breakfast with our counselors.

A simple example of how this works in Marital Counseling. If you have been  married, you know that your spouse can never meet all your needs. However, God can and does! We point people to Jesus who IS perfect, and has promised

“to NEVER leave us nor forsake us” 

(Hebrews 13:5b)

So ultimately, our goal as Biblical counselors is to help people grow in their Christian walk and relationship with Jesus. When God becomes first in your life, the other things are now in their proper place and priority.  

We recently got to visit Israel. This is a photo from the Mount of Olives where Jesus frequently visited.
Claudia visiting our church plant in Monterrey, Mexico.

Prayer Requests:

  1. Thanksgiving! For the generous sponsorship our youngest children received to attend the CCSG Spring youth retreat!
  2. Wisdom, patience and strength for Claudia and I as we lead the Biblical Counseling ministry at Calvary Rosarito!
  3. Our church planting school’s 62 students (Claudia and I are mentors)
  4. The folks at NewLife rehab center where we visit every Tuesday.
  5. God to strengthen our communities to be healthy places where folks make friends and flourish and grow.