Biblical Counseling Pt. 2

Weekly Update – August 17th, 2023

Last week, I wrote about a new Biblical Counseling course that we are offering on Wednesday nights, starting on September 13th. The course will run for about 30 weeks (with a few nights off here and there) from September to April. The course will be video led with discussion to follow concerning the material that was taught. In that post I also explained what Biblical Counseling is. You can find that HERE. What I want to do this week though, is walk through with you why I believe we should pursue training for Biblical Counseling and what the end goal of that training would be.

As Wayne Mack says, Biblical Counseling is “about discovering the causes of [people’s] problems and then applying biblical principles to those causes.” It is building strong relationships and helping people apply the gospel to every area of life. If Scripture truly is sufficient, then we believe that people can be healed, strengthened and helped as they grow in their understanding of the gospel and in their relationship with Jesus Christ. With that definition in mind once again, there are primarily two reasons why I believe we should train biblical counselors within our church.

First, for the sake of our church. As Brad Bigney and Steve Viars say in Biblical Counseling and the Church, “many of the people who come into the church are crushed by struggles and pains of life and the effects of sin, and they will need mending and restoring.” I would add that in addition to many coming into the church, we all suffer from the effects of sin (either our own or those who have sinned against us), circumstances and how we respond to life. That is what we hire a pastor to handle our problems though, isn’t it? Well, not necessarily. According to Ephesians 4:12, the Lord gifts his church with shepherds/teachers or pastors/elders to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” That means that it is members who should work side by side in caring for others within the church as they are equipped by the pastors/elders to do so. Ultimately this means that Biblical Counseling is not simply another ministry but becomes part of the culture of the entire church in seeing the Bible as sufficient for all of life. When this is case, the church grows together to “attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood” (Eph. 4:14).

Second, for the sake of our community. Many in our community are hurting. That is evident in the number of people who come to the church looking for help throughout the week. But even on Sunday mornings, guests walk in looking for something different in their lives. Now, imagine being the place in town known for people being dramatically changed. When people in the community have problems, our hope should be that their first thought is, “the church down the street can help.” Put this together with the fact that we as a church believe that not only through the gospel are people rescued from their sin (Acts 4:12; Rom. 3:23) but also that their hearts are transformed, displayed through a change in their thoughts, words and actions (Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 5:17). That means that the community coming to the church for help, opens up clear gospel opportunities that might result not only in salvation, but also in the transformation of the whole person.

With these two reasons in mind, the logical question then is, “what does this training look like?” This fall, this training will be offered in two different paths. The first path will be for those who want to grow in their understanding of how to disciple others on a deeper level while growing in understanding of themselves and how scripture applies to all of life. The second path will include the first one but will go deeper. This path will include a deeper growth in understanding others and themselves, but this path will only be the first step in the pursuit of a certification in Biblical Counseling. That means that Wednesday nights would be accompanied by a quiz and additional reading throughout the year. If you are wondering why someone would even pursue certification, or what the process to certification looks like, you can find the answer HERE. Either way, my hope is that we would be a place where people inside and outside the church can come to find help, hope and healing.

Serving Him With You,

Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold."
- Proverbs 22:1

Announcements:

Church Work Day: We will have a church work day 8am-12pm on Saturday, August 19th. We have jobs for people of all ages and capabilities to do.

Church Member Need: Lorrie Williams is in need of transportation on Tuesdays and Thursdays within Grandview. If you are interested and/or available, contact Denetta at 816-686-2082 for more information.

Men’s Movie Night: On Thursday, August 17th at 7:00pm, the men of the church are invited to meet in the Fellowship Hall for a movie night. See Nate Johnson or Caleb Palmer for time and details.

175th Anniversary: On Sunday, August 27th, we will celebrate 175 years as a church. We will celebrate God’s goodness to us by remembering the past while anticipating the future. There will be a potluck lunch to follow the service on this Sunday. Then, following the potluck, stick around as we formally install our new deacons and elders as well as hear updates from Matthew Klika and Martin Maharas about their recent mission trips.

Home Groups: Additional home groups will be forming for the fall in the next few weeks. If you are not in a home group but would like to join one, look for a sign up sheet soon. You can find more information about home groups HERE.

Game Night: Everyone is invited to come for an afternoon of board games and card games 2pm-6pm Saturday, September 16th. Please bring a snack to share as well as your favorite board game or card game. See Nate Johnson for details.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.

Membership Matters Class: Beginning Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30pm, there will be a Membership Matters class for those interested in joining FBC. This will be an extended 2 week class (8/23, 9/6) and will be held in the sanctuary. You can find out more about our membership process HERE. 

Men’s Retreat: Men, mark your calendars for Friday, September 29th-Saturday, September 30th for our 1st annual men’s retreat. We will head to Rushville, MO., to God’s Mountain Camp. We will have times of teaching, recreation and lots of good food. The price is $40. Sign up in the hall this Sunday!

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Missions: God’s Glory to All Nations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 and 2nd Thessalonians will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.