What Is Gospel-Centered Biblical Counseling?
Friday, May 21, from 7-9 PM, leaders from five biblical/Christian counseling organizations gather to explore The Gospel and Scripture in Biblical Counseling and Soul Care. Hosted by Jeremy Lelek and the Association of Biblical Counselors, the symposium participants include:
• Dr. Mike Emlet: The Christian Counseling and Education Foundation
• Dr. Eric Johnson: The Society of Christian Psychologists and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Dr. Bob Kellemen: The Association of Biblical Counselors, Capital Bible Seminary, and RPM Ministries
• Elyse Fitzpatrick: Women Helping Women Ministries
• Dr. Steve Viars: Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries and the National Association of Christian Counselors
This historic symposium, held at Christ Chapel in Fort Worth, Texas, is part of the ABC’s annual national conference. This year’s theme is: The Gospel Revolution: Rediscovering the Power of the Cross. The conference’s purpose is to teach a new generation of Christians how to effectively apply the Gospel of the Cross to the real issues of everyday life.
The five symposium participants will discuss the following questions:
• How significant is the Gospel in the work of counseling? Why?
• As a counselor, what aspect of the Gospel stands out to you most in terms of its applicability to counseling and the Christian life? What are practical examples?
• How significant is the Gospel in the process of change? Why?
• How is the Gospel applicable to severe habitual or chronic struggles (i.e., addiction, cutting, racing thoughts, depression)?
• Has the Gospel been overshadowed by the self-help movement in our culture?
• In your view are seminaries effectively training pastoral students to apply the Gospel in a practical way that would be helpful in a counseling context? What about counseling programs in the Christian university?
• How can Christian leaders in counseling and psychology work together to ensure the Bible and the Gospel remain the central to the philosophy and work of counseling and not simply a side note or filter?
• A Brief Case Study: How do you actually apply the Gospel to real life?
Join the Conversation
How significant is the Gospel in the work of counseling?
Do you have any offices in the Chicagoland area?
If you mean offices for counseling, I offer pastoral counseling pro bono through my church, Cornerstone Community Church in Hobart, IN. As far as the Chicagoland area, I recommend The Biblical Counseling Center (easy to find on Google) and Harvest Bible Chapel.