Wisdom from Dr. Howard Eyrich regarding discussions and disagreements among biblical counselors.
1. Clarity: Are we sure we are assessing the Biblical Counseling person or group accurately, including a comprehensive first-hand understanding of the person or group's writing or ministry practice. We easily slip into the journalistic style so common today that takes a sound bite or blog bite and turns it into something quite different than the intended meaning of the author. Are we distinguishing the difference between an exploratory opinion and a serious deviation—in other words, because someone may nuance a view differently than we do, does that come to the level of error?
2. Charity: Are we willing to and engaging in the ministry of speaking the truth in love? We must be we willing to follow the biblical principle articulated in Matthew 18 that we advocate in our counseling practice? We must be willing to interact with the person privately expressing our concern in humility and love before we are willing to go public with our critique even if the self-identified biblical counseling representative has gone public with his/her criticism.
Source: https://t.co/gZMYjPLNd8
It is a grievous failure of those who claim to be the people of God when they not only fail to be a sanctuary for the traumatized but also create the need for one.
@JamesAHatt@BobKellemen I counsel many women who have experienced abuse of various kinds (spiritual, emotional, physical). Bringing in a trusted male biblical counselor is often part of the process for the husband. Ask yourself this…if a potential counselee googles me what will she find?
If you’re a pastor, biblical counselor, or ministry leader, and your public presence here is mostly argumentative and tribal…
how will hurting people see you as safe?
Shepherds are called to be gentle.
Counselors are called to be patient.
Leaders are called to be examples.
If your tone is combative, sarcastic, or constantly “us vs. them,” don’t be surprised when the anxious, grieving, or struggling keep their distance.
You may win arguments.
But you might lose trust.
And trust is the doorway to ministry.