Christian Counseling?

The infographic “What Is Christian Counseling?”—alternatively known as Biblical Counseling—presents a Christ-centered counseling model, laying out key components that reflect biblical counseling’s methodology and philosophy. The model is organized into four main categories: Compassion, Competence, Exaltation of Christ, and Heart-Centered. At the core of this framework is a deep understanding of Christology, which acts as the foundation for the counseling process, emphasizing that every part of counseling must flow from a solid relationship with and understanding of Christ.

Christology as the Foundation

At the heart of the model is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. This worldview serves as the essential bedrock of all biblical counseling. Christ is the goal of counseling, and every method, philosophy, and approach must flow from this reality. Without Christ, there is no lasting transformation; only through Him can a person find true hope, help, and restoration. Christ-centered counseling operates under grace, acknowledging that all wisdom, strength, and capacity to counsel others is a gift from God. As counselors, we are not striving for perfection or self-reliance but recognizing our roles as humble and teachable vessels God uses to point others toward Christ.

Grace and Anthropology

The diagram emphasizes that biblical counseling is not a human-centered discipline but grace-driven. Grace, in this context, means that our abilities and insights as counselors come from God. We receive wisdom and strength from Him, and by His grace, we can engage with others meaningfully. At the same time, anthropology, or the study of human nature from a biblical perspective, reminds us of mankind’s fallen state and the need for redemption through Christ. Understanding grace and anthropology helps counselors maintain humility and avoid pride, knowing they are vessels of God’s work.

Methodology: Compassion and Competence

The methodology of biblical counseling is divided into two subcategories: Compassion and Competence. These labels are a partial list of what could be included here.

Compassion (Sympathy)

Acts 20:31 and John 11:35 emphasize the importance of approaching others with deep concern and care. True compassion in counseling is rooted in biblical sympathy, as it seeks to serve and care for others with the love and concern modeled by Christ Himself. Sympathy here is more than just emotional resonance—it is the deliberate choice to walk alongside another person, offering help through their trials, just as Christ demonstrated sympathy when He wept for Lazarus. Biblical counseling prioritizes compassion, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love and commitment to hurting people.

Competence

The second methodological aspect, Competence, comes from 2 Timothy 2:15 and Romans 15:14. A biblical counselor must be skilled and well-trained in theology and practical counseling methods. This competence isn’t about worldly certifications or secular techniques but rather about a deep understanding of Scripture and the ability to apply it appropriately in various counseling contexts. This approach is not a call for mere head knowledge but rather the practical ability to engage with the hearts and minds of others through God’s Word.

Philosophy: Exalt Christ and Heart-centric

The philosophy of biblical counseling flows from two core convictions: exalting Christ and focusing on the heart.

Exalt Christ

John 15:5 and Philippians 2:5-11 point to the idea that all biblical counseling must seek to exalt Christ. If Christ is not exalted in counseling, the person will have no transcendent goal or purpose. Jesus is the one who sustains us, and without Him, there is no lasting fruit or transformation. The ultimate goal of biblical counseling is not just behavior change but heart transformation that leads to a life that glorifies God. Counselors help others to see their need for dependence on Christ and to lift Him high in every aspect of their lives.

Heart Centric

Counseling must also be Heart-centric (Ephesians 4:23, Luke 6:43-45). Biblical counseling recognizes that the root of a person’s problems is not merely in their actions but in the idols of their heart. The Bible teaches that the heart is the wellspring of life and that the root of sin resides there. Without addressing the heart’s desires, counseling will only produce superficial change. True, lasting transformation happens when the heart is aligned with Christ’s lordship and when functional idols—those things we love more than God—are exposed and replaced with the worship of Christ.

Case Study: Biff’s Transformation Through the Mastermind Program

Biff was a counselor from a secular background. His approach to counseling was fundamentally human-centered, focusing on behavioral modifications without considering the deeper spiritual issues of the heart. He had yet to learn a relational model (e.g., two-hour counseling sessions) that emphasized sympathy (compassion), theological competence, and the centrality of Christ. Biff’s secular training emphasized behavior change, often through methods rooted in psychology and human wisdom, nearly always leading to medication. As a result, his approach lacked a deeper purpose beyond self-improvement.

However, after enrolling in our Mastermind Program, Biff was introduced to the biblical model outlined in the infographic. He learned that without compassion—genuine, Christ-centered sympathy—counseling lacked the relational depth that Christ exemplified in His ministry. He also saw the necessity of competence, not merely in secular terms, but in a thorough understanding of Scripture and its application to the human heart.

Through the program, Biff came to see the importance of exalting Christ in all areas of life and counseling. He realized that without this exaltation, his counselees were pursuing self-reliance and temporal goals rather than being drawn to the eternal, life-sustaining power of Christ. This understanding of exalting Christ became a turning point for him, as he saw how, without Christ as the center, his counselees had no lasting goal that would sustain them beyond momentary behavior changes.

Additionally, Biff understood the heart-centric philosophy. He realized that much of his previous counseling efforts were focused on external changes, which only addressed symptoms, not the root. Through the biblical counseling model, Biff learned how to address the functional idols in a person’s heart—those deep desires and affections that take the place of God. The true and lasting transformation was possible by addressing these idols and reorienting the heart to worship Christ.

Now, as a biblical counselor, Biff not only has compassion for those he counsels but also possesses a deep understanding of Scripture and how it applies to every area of life. His goal is to exalt Christ and help people identify the idols in their hearts so they can experience the freedom and transformation that comes only through a deep, Christ-centered relationship.

In summary, the infographic and its Christological model of biblical counseling highlight the importance of building on the foundation of Christ, operating under grace, and ensuring that our counsel points people to Christ in a heart-centric, compassionate, and competent manner. The transformation of people like Biff illustrates this model’s profound impact, especially when compared to secular or integrated approaches that lack a God-centered focus.

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Peace,
Rick