The Link between Biblical Counseling and Spiritual Formation
Many of you know that I am part of a new “launch” of the Biblical Counseling and Spiritual Formation Network (BCSFN) for the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). With the launch of the BCSFN, an obvious, fair, and logical question is, “Why this ‘combination’? What’s the connection between biblical counseling and spiritual formation?”
Not only is it a logical question; it is a theological question. The theological answers to the question of the linkage between counseling and formation are many. I’ll offer two.
First, the Bible clearly links spiritual ministry and spiritual maturity. In other words, we can’t even think about offering spiritual help to others if we are un-formed spiritually. Paul puts it plainly and bluntly: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1).
So, one of our main goals in the BCSFN is to encourage care-givers in their own spiritual formation.
Second, the Bible clearly describes spiritual formation as the ultimate goal of all ministry. Turning again to the Apostle Paul, we read, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (Galatians 4:19).
Paul’s purpose-driven life focused on one magnificent obsession: participating with God in the transformation of character. What’s the point of biblical counseling? Helping others to become more and more like the Wonderful Counselor!
So, another of our main goals in the BCSFN to equip care-givers in their ministry to more effectively form Christ in the lives of their counselees, parishioners, and spiritual friends.
So, what’s the connection between biblical counseling and spiritual formation? We’ll let Paul speak for us one final time. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).
