The Need For Christian Counseling Within The Church

For years suicide has been one of the nation's leading causes of death in the U.S. and has increased tremendously today. Sadly, the numbers in the church have grown like the world due to lack of help or acceptance of the need for help within the church. Many Leaders and members feel that if they come to the church for help, they will be judged or condemned. The truth is Christians also battle depression and anxiety. Due to no knowledge for the need of Christian Counseling, many Believers in the church are labeled as having a lack of faith, when what they lack is the will to come out of that low place, so many keep their struggles to themselves. This is why it is so important to not bring condemnation upon the hurting. There is no condemnation to them who are in CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:1). Our words have power, and we don't want to be an aid or stumbling block to a fellow brother or sister in the faith. Depression has no respect of person and as Believer's within the Body of CHRIST, it is our duty to help the hurting. The stigma within the church concerning mental health must be addressed and brought to the attention of the church and the desperate need for Counseling. I believe this stigma of mental health stems from a lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 tells us, My people perish for a lack of knowledge. People tend to overlook or judge areas they lack understanding in, so ideas like Christian Counseling is oftentimes overlooked. If believe if the church could understand how Counseling is Biblical and important to GOD, it would prove the need for Counseling within the church. People in the church need support systems to help them endure difficult times in life.


Too often we look at the Bible as a bunch of godly people who had it all together, when in actuality, they were average people with issues just as we face today. Their lives are a testimony that we need guidance and assistance from HOLY SPIRIT to be our aide and guide throughout life's journey. We as Christians must remember that it's the Word of GOD that cleanses us and heals us and because of the lack of help in the faith, we are seeing more and more cases of depression and suicide within Pastors and leaders in ministry today. The Bible tells us they that are whole need not a physician. CHRIST is the Great Physician and the Wonderful Counselor to all who desire help. 3 John 2:2 says, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. This means it is GOD's will that we are healthy in every aspect of life. Mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I feel or duty as a Christian pursuing a degree in Christian Counseling is to offer hope to the people. The church should have regular wellness checks on members and those within the community. Also, an anonymous phone line or system would be a great way to allow people to freely get help without being exposed to what they are battling with. The early church had all things in common and no matter what each person faced individually, they were there to help and support one another. My desire is that the church gets back to a place of safety so no one will have to feel isolated and suffer alone. I love the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 9, verses 19 & 22 when he said, For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. This is the job of Christian Counselors and the evidence of the great need of Counselors in the church. I believe to eradicate the stigma of seeking mental health, we need Christian Counselors who are HOLY SPIRIT filled, that can bring affective change, healing, and deliverance to all who are bound. As Christians, our goal is to create a support system and safe place for those in need so we can bring transformation to their lives.

Star,
Christian counseling is so needed within the church. I agree that the church culture does not acknowledge mental health struggles as a common battle for many Christians as well as other that may not be naming the Name of Christ. With the suicide rate constantly increasing we are the body of Christ have to war against this spirit even at times we may be being attacked by the same spirit of mental illness. You stated, Hosea 4:6 tells us, My people perish for a lack of knowledge, so true. The church should be a place an individual seek help when facing mental health issues. But, if the church is not equipped to address these concerns, people may miss out on essential support. That's why Christain Counseling is so important. If Christians and church leaders do not receive the proper training and resources, we will struggle to recognize signs of trauma, inner wounds, burnout, etc., We cannot identify these issues we cannot provide the appropriate care. 2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, just as Christ prayed for the sick, the possessed and even those seeking salvation we are to the same. In the Old Testament scriptures they had the cities of refuge (safety) Numbers 35:6-34 (KJV) People struggling should feel the church is a safe place to come for help without any judgement, condemnation or being accused of a lack of faith.
Great Post!

This is a great post Star. You made a very powerful statement when you said, Many believers in the church are labeled as having a lack of faith, when what they lack is the will to come out of that low place, so many keep their struggles to themselves. I am a firm believer that this is this issue most of the time. When one is already bogged down with discouragement, it just makes matters worse when you are accused of having a lack of faith. Just as Dr. Riley was explaining on the live, when you are not providing what someone needs you can become a part of the problem adding more weight on what they are already carrying. This is why we must be fully in sync with the Holy Spirit as Christian Counselors because the Holy Spirit will help us to discern what each person needs. I believe something else that keeps a person from speaking out in church is taking scripture out of context. For instance, Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputing. I've heard it preached that we should not complain. When someone hears a preacher preach this scripture and tell you not to complain, that would discourage someone from reaching out for help because they feel as if it will be viewed as complaining. This is a confusing message when the complaining part is not broken down and explained within context. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in churches of the saints. Every need should be decided by the Holy Spirit because He knows what each individual needs and this is why it is very important for Christian Counselors to partner with the Holy Spirit. Being a Christian Counselor is not supposed to be just a job, but instead a ministry that is to be done as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). We are to be God's hands, feet, and mouthpiece in the earth to bring healing and deliverance where God should lead us.

Shekinah Bible School of Ministry. Online Class Live Session. Https://www.shekinahglobalministry.org

Hebrew-Greek Keyword Study Bible Key insights into God's word KJV version, Edited by Spiro Zodhiates, Th.D. & Warren Baker, D.R.E., AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 2008.

They Lack the Will To Come Out Of That Low Place!!!! Star you said a mouth full right there. We have to be willing to come on up and allow God to work in us and through us. The only way that can happen is if we ask for help and rely on those counselors to counsel us by the Holy Ghost. I believe as well we should look toward the church when we are battling mental issues. I know some of us don't like to be a burden, but what I have learned is that the enemy wants to keep you in that low place so he feed you lies like you are a burden and no one wants to listen to your troubles. The church has to be more welcoming and speak out about mental health so that those individuals can come in.