S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The value of counseling by a pastor is many-faceted. Pastoral counseling can be defined as counseling by a church pastor directed to an individual or couple in his own flock. There are instances wh...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Matthews Supporter Retired Professional Singer, Conductor and Seeker

Pastoral counselling can only be beneficial if the pastor is trained to be a counselor; and few are trained properly. Taking a few courses in seminary does not qualify as proper training. Being completely well-versed in the Bible also is not a qualification. Learning how to counsel others takes years of study and years of hands-on experience. Christian based counselors would agree, I'm sure.

Marital relations can be worked on by pastors because the Bible is clear on what is expected in a marital relationship. Suicidal and behavioral problems need a professional trained in the field to diagnose and treat such maladies. It could very well be a physical rather than a spiritual problem 

A pastor would be well-served if they recognized these differences and seek professionals to help him/her. The Bible can help in many situations but I have found that a diseased mind needs much more than biblical solutions in most cases. Every case is different. I just pray that pastors realize their limitations and point their congregation in the right direction when the need is present.

April 07 2020 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Trevor Cas Supporter

Another important aspect of pastoral counseling is that God does speak through those that belong to him. (John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me") Just as the bible was given to man thru man but from God. It is the word of God as he wants us to hear him. So a pastor is a valuable instrument carrying gods word when our will deafens our ears.

I like to believe I know the bible well, but many times I go to my pastor for counseling. Just as I was born with sin, the temptation of those sins can become strong. (1 Corinthians 10:13) no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it". So in essence God is working through man to help man, again.

April 15 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Matthew Miller Supporter

Wonderful question. In my opinion, secular counseling removes our true identity which our Heavenly Fathers intended us to follow, obey, and live by as close as we all who have come to the cross to carry our cross can be. 

If we participate in a service where the pastor is well educated by a reputable and truly spiritual guided Bible seminary or college, the pastor will know what steps are necessary to find the core issues. One session does not fix any situation. Siding with one party vs. The other is a negative indication the pastor may not understand the problem or will solve the issue, leaving one side alone, which may or may not be innocent. 

My personal experience with Christian counseling is difficult to be open with; many times I was left more troubled, wondering if the pastor was viewing the issue from a biblical or earthly perspective. 

This being mentioned, biblically I believe anyone who knows they are sinners should feel convicted to repent. When we fall for sin, there ought to be some indication of an action which takes place for that individual to have reacted too initiating temptation to oppress, suppress, or depress the follower of Jesus. God speaks through the bible and the sermon on the mount I believe are our emotions to feel Gods encouragement, comfort, and peace, knowing this time is only a segment we are passing through. 

Pastoral counseling is a personal admission to conviction, knowing God is with you by seeking His wisdom. It's up to the pastor to recognize his congregation is in need of his convictions for their healing. Our Heavenly Fathers called the pastors for convicting knowledge, they on many occasions fell, only to arise and spread the pastors experience coming to Christ. I feel we all fall and raise back up stronger than before, God has a purpose for these events, to know His love and powers which exceed beyond this life. 

I hope this may have given insight, but I would appreciate criticizing where I may misunderstand.

July 20 2016 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the value of pastoral counselling?

James 5: 13- 16 is very helpful for this question.

"Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 and the prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him; and if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working."

The older men can listen to the spiritually sick person and help to heal the wound. Like the balsam from Gilead, God's Word can soothe the ailing one. (Jer. 8:22; Ezek. 34:16). When applied, Bible principles can help the faltering one to regain spiritual balance.

Pastoral counselling carries value because God uses shepherds to care for His people through His Word. Scripture shows that spiritual guidance is not a human invention but a God‑given responsibility. "I will give you pastors according to My heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). Their role is to bring God's truth to bear on the needs of the soul.

Pastoral counselling is valuable because it provides biblical wisdom in moments of confusion. God calls His servants to speak His Word faithfully: "Preach the word… reprove, rebuke, exhort" (2 Timothy 4:2). This counsel is not based on opinion but on Scripture, which brings clarity where the heart feels clouded.

It also offers spiritual protection. Shepherds watch over the flock, guarding them from harmful influences and guiding them toward what strengthens faith. "They watch for your souls" (Hebrews 13:17). This care helps believers avoid paths that lead to deeper struggle.

Pastoral counselling brings comfort and restoration. God instructs His servants to support the weak and encourage the fainthearted. "Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Through prayer, Scripture, and compassion, the pastor helps the wounded heart find hope in God.

It provides accountability rooted in love. Scripture teaches that believers benefit from wise correction: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:6). A pastor offers guidance that aims at healing, not harm.

Pastoral counselling is valuable because it directs the believer toward Christ Himself. The Shepherd’s work is to point the heart to the true Shepherd. "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd" (Isaiah 40:11). Through pastoral care, the believer is led back to the One who restores, strengthens, and sustains.

Pastoral counselling matters because God uses it to guide, protect, comfort, correct, and restore His people through His Word and by His Spirit.

Summarisation of the whole topic:

Pastoral counsel matters because God works through His servants to steady hearts that feel uncertain. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). 

When a pastor listens, prays, and opens God's Word beside you, they share the weight you carry. Their care reflects the Lord who strengthens the weary and lifts those who stumble (Psalm 145:14). 

Let their guidance remind you that God provides help through His people.

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report