Biblical Counselling

What is biblical counselling?

In simple terms, biblical counselling involves offering counsel from the Bible to those who desire God’s wisdom, direction, and help as they wrestle with the difficulties of life, including sinful practices or providential suffering. It is a process of focused, restorative, discipleship that highlights the practical application of the Word of God to the struggles of life. Biblical counselling is focused in that it addresses the underlying issues that manifest themselves as pain, sorrow, or sin in one’s life.  And, it is restorative in that the goal of biblical counselling is to help one see and accept the truth of God’s Word so as to experience a heart-level change that results in inner peace and a restored relationship with their loving Heavenly Father.

“Wise counselling is essentially a way of loving another person well. It is a way of speaking what is true and constructive into this person’s life right now.”

David Powlison, Speaking Truth in Love

How is biblical counselling different?

In biblical counselling the heart is the target. The simplest, most biblical answer to the question “Why do people do the things they do?” can be found by asking the question “What is controlling the heart?” The goal of biblical counselling is heart change. Any help that fails to reach the heart is no help at all. In evaluating the heart, we find out if we are trusting and loving the true God or some other god, such as peace, prosperity, pleasure, or control.

“This is the principle of inescapable influence: Whatever rules the heart will exercise inescapable influence over the person’s life and behavior.”

Paul Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands

“Whom do you love? And whom do you worship? are critical questions that are linked together.”

Elyse Fitzpatrick, Idols of the Heart

Is biblical counselling for me?

Life is full of difficulties and we all respond in various and troubling ways. We wrestle with everything from annoying habits that are hard to kick, to full blown addictive behavior; from minor conflict in relationships, to complete communication breakdowns; from anxious thoughts and mild anxiety, to severe panic attacks and the deepest, darkest depression. We often live lives of quiet desperation, wearing masks, fearing what others think, feeling like hypocrites, longing to be different, but having no real hope for authentic and lasting change.

As Christians, we believe that God is loving and kind and we recognize that the Bible speaks into all of life’s problems. We also know that we live in a fallen world, and as such, we all experience seasons of difficulties and trials that are hard to understand or accept. This is why all of us, at times, need the wise and prayerful counsel of a fellow believer to help us see our situation from a biblical perspective, a perspective that, in the midst of our suffering, we often do not see.

“We all need help – that’s simply part of being human.”

“We were not designed to go through hard things alone.”

Edward Welch, Side By Side

What kinds of things do we provide counselling for?

Counselling is available to help with any issue that an individual or couple may be facing: marriage difficulties, parenting, relationship issues, addictions, mental health disorders of all kinds, issues of the past (including childhood sexual assault), fear, anger, grief, depression, anxiety, etc.

Who do we help?

First Baptist offers counselling for single adults (19 and older) and couples who are struggling with any difficulty regardless of the reason why. We will consider counselling teens, depending on the issue and the maturity of the teen. Parental approval is required, and parental participation may be expected (if requested by the counselor). For preteens, we think it is best to counsel the parents in how to disciple their children.

We require that anyone who is receiving counselling through our ministry regularly attend our church or a neighbouring church for the duration of their counselling. During this time, they are to consider that church to be their church home.

Who does the counselling?

The counselor who will walk alongside you will be a trained biblical counselor. At First Baptist we have chosen the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) as our training and certifying agency. All of our counselors are either trained and certified according to these standards or supervised by someone with ACBC certification. Furthermore, because our counselors are certified biblical counselors, they are not governed by any secular agency nor are they licensed or certified by the Province of British Columbia.

When is counselling available?

Counselling is available throughout the week at various times depending on counselor availability. The more flexible your schedule, the sooner you can begin counselling.

What does it cost?

The fee for counseling is $60 per session. Please, under no circumstances, should let your financial situation hinder you from seeking our counseling services. Contact us if you would like to discuss financial assistance. Also, If you are a member of FBC, your counseling fees can be discounted.

How long does counselling take?

Counselling sessions are normally one hour long and are scheduled weekly. The average length of time from the first session to the last session is typically somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks. The number of sessions may be shortened or lengthened depending on the counselling issue and your progress.

What is expected of me?

Your counselor will expect the following four things from you:

1. That you demonstrate a willingness to grow and change.

2. That you be on time for weekly counselling appointments.

3. That you complete all homework assignments in between counselling sessions.

4. That you attend a First Baptist or a neighboring church every week.

How do I get started?

If you are interested in pursuing biblical counselling at this time, click on the link below to fill out a short Counselling Request form and email it to Nicole Heppner, at counselling@firstbaptistchurchgf.net .  We will review it and follow up with you directly.

Click here to fill out a Counselling Request form.

Contact Info

If you have any questions, or are uncertain if biblical counselling is right for you and would like more information, please do not hesitate to email Nicole Heppner, at counselling@firstbaptistchurchgf.net.