Counseling Belongs In The Church

Pleasing God Podcast

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The most important conversations in a church rarely happen behind a desk; they start in pews, hallways, and kitchens. We sat down with Pastor Seth to explore how counseling can move from a specialized silo to a normal rhythm of discipleship, where Scripture, the Spirit, and the local church work together to bring hope, clarity, and change. Instead of outsourcing every struggle, we outline a path to recover competent Christian counseling inside the body—biblical, compassionate, and practical.
We dig into why counseling is baked into creation itself, why the fall makes it indispensable, and how the Bible equips us for salvation and sanctification. Seth shares a clear framework for competence: a counselor shaped by God’s Word, dependent on the Counselor-Spirit, and supported by a healthy church. We talk through common tensions—when to keep care in-house, when to refer, and how to navigate intimidating labels without losing pastoral wisdom. Expect concrete examples, from helping marriages on the brink to guiding everyday decisions, all while keeping the gospel central.
You’ll hear how ordinary believers can grow a baseline of skill, why pastors must equip rather than carry every burden, and practical ways to build a culture of “member-to-member” care. We highlight tools and training that actually change lives, starting with our own. If you’ve wondered how to help people suffer well, counsel unbelievers with integrity, or turn Sunday sermons into weekday care, this conversation will give you steps you can use immediately.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a leader who cares about people, and leave a review to help others find it. Got questions or stories from your church? Reach out—we’d love to hear them.

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1. Welcome And Topic Overview (00:00:00)

2. Seth’s Background And Church Context (00:01:11)

3. Why Counseling Is Needed In The Church (00:02:42)

4. Outsourcing Vs. In‑House Care (00:05:33)

5. The Church As The Logical Place For Counsel (00:09:07)

6. Is Counseling A Gift Or A Call? (00:12:06)

7. Theological Foundations And Scripture’s Sufficiency (00:15:20)

8. Counseling Unbelievers With The Gospel (00:19:00)

9. Suffering Well And Reciprocal Care (00:21:02)

10. What Competence Looks Like (00:23:18)

11. Growing In Competence: Bible Saturation (00:26:01)

12. Training And Recommended Resources (00:30:00)

13. How Counseling Shapes A Healthy Church (00:33:05)

14. Final Encouragements And Closing (00:36:12)