WEEK #8 CONDUCTING THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING SESSION AGENDA: I. Opening Prayer II. Testimonies..... How is This Class Ministering to You? How Is This Class Impacting Your Life? III. A Role Playing Case Study IV. More on the Elements of the Biblical Counseling Session V. Small Group Interaction VI. Closing Prayer 79
III. A Role Playing Case Study Counselee: Complaining, Cantankerous, Confused Connie She s 34 Married 15 years First Marriage Pregnant when married 2 Children Both daughters 15 & 13 Raised Protestant Forced to Convert to Catholicism Visited Calvary Chapel 2 months ago Saved one Month Never Discipled or Taught the Word Issues: Marriage Problems Communication Unsaved Husband Jerky Joe He s 37 Unforgiveness Suspects him of adultery Anger He s always drunk (Alcoholic) Divorce She wants out of the marriage Behavior: She thinks her husband is the cause of their marriage difficulties He doesn t discipline the kids He s apathetic only interested in golf and football He s got a foul mouth He s a workaholic good provider that s all He s not saved no interest in God or Jesus He spends very little time with her or the kids The kids are rebellious and untamed and it s Jerky Joe s fault. 80
IV. More on the Elements of the Biblical Counseling Session 1. Opening Prayer. (Alternatives) 2. Establish the atmosphere. (Mood) 3. The Counselor clarifies the time. (How long) 4. The Counselee verbalizes his problem, need, concern, sin etc. 5. The Counselor observes, watches their expressions, gestures, and takes notes. 6. Through a process of dialogue, major issues must be brought forth: A. Point of crisis. B. Their pain. C. Their past as it applies to their situation. D. Are they born again? E. How is the Lord working in their lives? F. Do they recognize their problems, issues as sin? G. Are they willing to see their problems in light of Scripture? H. How is their prayer life? I. How is their study life? J. How is their church attendance? K. Are there issues of unforgiveness / forgiveness L. What are their values? M. What are their unmet needs? N. What is their perception of life? O. Specific issues are brought forth, etc., etc., etc.... 7. Approximately halfway through the session the Counselor begins to lead. 8. The Counselor begins to teach, correct, and train in righteousness as the Holy Spirit convicts the heart of the counselee. 81
9. Among the alternatives, a Counselor s choices are: A. Deal with the root problems. B. Teach on key issues: 1. Renewing the mind. 2. Sancification. 3. The work of the Holy Spirit. 4. Sin Repentance. 5. Eternal Life. 6. Forgiveness. C. Provide Biblical Solutions. (Chapter and Verse) D, Clarify...Does the Counselee see his problem in the light of Scripture? E. Provide hope. F. Redefine issues. G. Ask appropriate questions. 10. An effective close. 11. Proper, appropriate homework. 12. The closing prayer. 82
V. Small Group Interaction Please move to a table where you will have at least 4 people. If possible, have a man open up in prayer. Please discuss the following questions: 1. What did you observe of Pastor John during the skit that you really felt was effective? Discuss his listening skills. 2. Were there any other scriptures that came to mind during the skit that you might have brought into the session? 3. Looking back at the skit, which Elements of the Biblical Counseling Session did you notice? Also, share your thoughts about 2 or 3 of them. 4. Is there any additional counsel or homework that you might have given to Connie? 5. Now that you ve seen two counseling skits...do you believe that you could counsel a friend or even serve here as a Biblical Counselor? If so, please elaborate. 83
Post Service Date Appointment Date Walk In Date COUNSELING SUMMARY Counselee/s: Counselor/s: Presenting Problem/s: Scriptures / Counsel: Homework / Action Plan / Remarks / Ministry Referrals: (Community Groups / Care Groups / Discipleship 101 / Strong Marriage / Volunteering)