Is Counseling a Ministry?

Posted on July 28, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Is Counseling a Ministry?

Have you ever had a situation where you were empty of sound advice, have you ever been in a place where you continued to use the same stable scriptures for counseling? Whether you are a counselor, layman or life coach, mentor etc, ask yourself is counseling a ministry?

One definition of ministry revolves around meeting people at the point of need. Obviously it gets confusing and conflicting to what people really need, what they think need, or even in this case, what the counselor’s assumptions of what they need. Counseling, in its basic form, helps individuals to find meaning and joy in life, as they become well mentally, emotionally, Spiritually; the Bible deals with physical wellness as well.

A counselor can provide advice; they can encourage, unpack past hurts, redefine their identity and the like. True Biblical counseling will challenge individuals to see their disobedience, and recognize what’s the true meaning of loving God. Jesus said if you love Me you will keep His commands.

This is how the Lexicon defines Isaiah 9:6 as Jesus; the Wonderful Counselor.

Counselor ya`ats  (yaw-ats’)

To advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve — advertise, take advice, advise (well),

consult, (give, take) counsel (-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. In addition, the Bible expresses the value of wise counsel and wise counselors all through the Old Testament.

The Holy Spirit is also our advocate, as He is the Counselor. “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalm 119:24) Jesus came to provide life and love, so in turn, people could live, serve, and love one another, this is eternal living, and counseling is about improving quality of life, while meeting the various essentials for the body, soul, and spirit.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

Whether we believe or not, counseling is a ministry. I believe a question we will address next week is who is qualified to counsel. – Chaplain Juan Mendez serves at the Colony of Mercy as a full-time chaplain. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. You can email Juan at jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 46 -48; Acts 19:21-41

Think About This: “We who believe have to wake up to the fact that the ministry to us of the Father and the Son through the Spirit has turned us into different people from what we were by nature. Our present task is, as it is sometimes put, to be what we are—to live out what God has wrought (worked) in us, expressing in action the new life (new vision, motivation, devotion, and sense of direction) that has now become ours. Or as Paul puts it, ‘Live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Eph. 4:1).

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord And rely upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10