What is Biblical Counseling?

Written by: Matt, Director of Care and Counseling

One of the greatest joys of joining Gateway Church's staff as the Director of Care & Counseling has been dreaming about how our church can grow in caring for one another. While my role includes weddings, funerals, prayer, and many other aspects of church life, I'm especially excited about developing a culture of biblical counseling.

But what is biblical counseling?

The Association of Biblical Counselors describes it as "the personal ministry of God's Word." I love that simple phrase. Biblical counseling is one believer lovingly helping another apply the truth of Scripture, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to the real struggles of everyday life.

Our confidence in biblical counseling isn’t that we have all the answers. Our confidence is in God himself. Peter reminds us, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3, NIV84). Because God has graciously given us his Word and his Spirit, we can confidently point people to the hope, wisdom, and transformation found in Christ.

Of course, there isn't a formula for biblical counseling. (As an engineer, I’d love one!) Every person and every situation is unique. Yet God's Word faithfully speaks into every circumstance, helping us grow in faith and Christlikeness.

Biblical counseling is not something that happens in isolation. One of Gateway's greatest strengths is our community. Whether through Life Groups, deacons, shepherding elders, prayer ministry, or faithful friendships, God uses his people to lovingly walk alongside one another. Biblical counseling is one important expression of that broader culture of care.

As we build this ministry, the vision is not for one person to do all the counseling. Our vision is for many men and women who love God, love his Word, and love his people to be trained and equipped to help real people facing real struggles. Our goal isn't simply to create another ministry. It's to cultivate a church where God's people naturally care for one another by bringing the hope and truth of God's Word into everyday struggles.

If this vision resonates with you—even if you're simply curious—I would love to talk with you. You don’t need counseling experience; just a desire to grow in loving people with God’s Word. If you’d like to learn more about becoming part of Gateway's biblical counseling ministry, email info@gatewayepc.org. I'd be happy to answer your questions and share how you might be part of what God is building at Gateway.