Equipping Leaders in a Counseling Methodology Based on 1 John at the Orchard Church in Barrington, Illinois

Abstract

First John is not a counseling manual, but counseling is discipleship and there are discipleship steps in 1 John that apply to counseling. The development of this training initially came about through a one-on-one Bible study in which a methodology emerged in the study of 1 John. This 1 John framework has a start, finish, and process that is particularly useful for training church leadership to counsel biblically. It has been repeated in a variety of pastoral counseling situations. This became a training given in a weekend intensive so that this 1 John methodology and basic biblical counseling training can be replicated in lay ministry. This intensive aided in the overall goal of training and equipping lay leadership. This methodology and training was for the Congregational Life Ministry. It can provide one-on-one, confidential, Christ centered guidance, support, and encouragement to the church family facing short-term emotional and relational challenges.