Biblical Counseling

In basic terms, Biblical counselling involves offering counsel from the Bible to those who desire God’s wisdom, direction, and help in the midst of suffering and heart struggles (Psalm 19:7-8). It is an intensive process of personal, focused discipleship that highlights the practical application of God’s Word to the difficulties of life (Psalm 119:24-28).

Secular psychology makes fundamental assumptions about human nature and God that run counter to a Biblical world-view (I Corinthians 1:20). Biblical counseling instead depends on Scripture as the lens for understanding life and our foundation of truth (John 17:17). At ABC, we emphasize the gospel to understand our relationship with God, to restore our relationships with others, and to illuminate our own heart (John 1:4-5). We believe God works in us to make us more like Christ even in the midst of suffering (II Corinthians 4:16-17). In the end, we are counting on the Holy Spirit as the ultimate Counselor and our reason for hope (Psalm 62:5-8).

We believe the scriptures address all key issues of the heart, and that God’s Word is powerful and sufficient to handle such problems in life (II Peter 1:3-4). These include struggles with depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, suffering, marriage, relationships and other issues. Some of these problems may manifest in known symptoms that psychologists categorize and label under various acronyms. We believe Biblical counseling can provide help in such cases, trusting God’s Word to penetrate the heart and go deeper than the labels (Hebrews 4:12). Ultimately we want to go beyond symptoms to address root causes and provide restoration and healing (Psalm 107:19-20).

Yes – and that’s not Biblical counseling. We believe the Spirit works through the ‘one anothers’ of scripture to comfort and encourage His church (II Corinthians 1:3-5), to provide wisdom and insight into our own hearts (Psalm 51:6) and to transform us through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This is the process that we call Biblical counseling. There are no formulas or easy answers, and we realize that suffering and sin create much confusion and pain in this life. But we can help each other and wait upon the Lord together, learning to live based on what we know to be true about our faithful God, even when we don’t know what is true about our current life situation (Lamentations 3:22-26).

Yes. As Biblical counselors we know that caring for the complexities of the human heart requires the careful application of the Word of God (Proverbs 4:20-23), and that caring for the complexities of the human body requires the careful application of medical care. Given Biblical teaching on the interconnectedness of the body and soul (Proverbs 17:22), we view medical professionals as vital partners in the care of counselees. Although we do not give medical advice or guidance on the use of psychiatric drugs, we are happy to coordinate treatment with your doctor.

ABC counselors are members of the church who have been vetted for counseling by our staff (Romans 15:14). They are certified by ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors), a process which requires Biblical and counseling studies, observation, exams, and supervision by a mentor (II Timothy 2:15). Some individuals who have completed phase I of the certification process may counsel once they have been vetted, or may join a fully-certified counselor in a team setting. The entire ACBC certification process takes 2-3 years on average to complete. Consistent with ACBC policy, counselors do not meet with the opposite gender 1-on-1. As Biblical counselors, we are not governed by any secular agency nor licensed by the state of Wisconsin. We do not provide medical, legal or financial advice.

At this time we are only providing counseling services to ABC church attenders, although it is our hope to expand this ministry to the community in the future (Luke 19:10). Counselees should be at least 18 years of age, or obtain parental permission if a minor. We do not counsel younger children directly, but will meet with the parent/s to address whatever issues are needed in discipling and helping their child.

Counseling sessions are normally 60-75 minutes long and are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly depending on need. The average length of time from the first session to the last is typically 3-4 months, but can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the case and rate of progress for each person (Colossians 1:28-29).

Due to the generosity of ABC givers, our counselling is offered at no charge (II Corinthians 8:3-5). We consider it a privilege to be able offer counselling to those who are suffering and to share the hope that is found in Christ. This approach is an extension of the discipleship and care within our church community (Galatians 6:2,10).

Please go to the myabc.church website to complete the necessary forms to begin. Biblical Counseling is located under the Care & Support ministry. Scheduling occurs after the personal data intake form is completed. It can take up to a week as we review your information and seek to find the best counselor match for you (Proverbs 18:13). Note this ministry does not serve as a hotline nor 24/7 offering, and our services are limited based on counselor availability.

Biblical counseling is not like other types of therapy. Because it is discipleship-based, counselees play an active role in the process and should understand the commitment up front. Counselees should be honest and open, complete weekly homework, follow through on action items, and trust God’s Spirit can work through His Word in their life towards sanctification (Romans 5:3-5). We realize this process may be a lot for suffering people to handle, and ABC can customize counseling for each person with understanding and grace throughout. We do ask our counselees to regularly attend church and continue to engage in Christian fellowship during the counseling process.

This question requires a longer answer than we can provide here. But ABC would highlight three differentiators:

• Caring like Christ, allowing His love for us to then empower our love for one another (I John 4:10-13)
• The Spirit of God working through the Word of God (II Peter 1:19-21)
• Counseling that focuses on heart change in the midst of suffering and sin (Proverbs 20:5)