Meeting House holds to a biblical counseling model in its approach to counseling and rehabilitation. Below is a brief explanation of how biblical counseling is different from other forms of counseling, therapy, psychology, and mental health care.
Definition: Biblical counseling is an approach to holistic soul-care that is informed, bound, and shaped by the Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God.
While in counseling we seek to apply God’s truth to every area of life, particularly when someone is struggling with sin and the trials brought on by living in a fallen world.
This is done by lovingly pointing individuals to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, focusing on change rooted in a heart that longs to please the Lord, and providing practical instruction on how to live in a way that honors God in every circumstance.
What We Believe
1. The Bible is authoritative and sufficient for your needs.
We believe that the Word of God is sufficient to meet your needs, and can be applied in practical, life-changing ways. Counseling seeks to consistently and effectively apply what God’s Word says about your situation, to help you no matter what you face.
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence.” – 2 Peter 1:3
2. The problem is sin.
Yes, we have all sorts of problems like physical ailments, harm done by others, financial difficulties, addiction, and more. These are the effects of living in a rebellious, sinful world. We believe that humans contribute to this problem with our own sinful behaviors, reactions, and desires.
“And [Jesus] said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.’” – Mark 7:20-23
3. The solution is Jesus Christ.
Thankfully, in Christ God has provided the perfect solution for sin. Jesus is a worthy Savior because, for those who repent and believe, His sacrifice cleanses us from sin, restores our relationship with God, and grants us His Holy Spirit to change our hearts and help us live well and fully. Counseling seeks to point people to Jesus to receive a new heart, clean conscience, and to learn to live rightly before God.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” – 1 Timothy 1:15
4. The process is relational.
In counseling, we seek to develop a relationship, rather than a sterile, clinical exchange of information. God’s Word calls every believer to speak the truth in love, showing compassion and walking alongside individuals as they seek to grow in Christlikeness. At Meeting House, we value relationships and find that they grow best in community.
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
5. There is genuine hope for change.
When we use the right resource (Scripture) to identify the problem (sin), we have hope for growth and change because the Bible clearly and consistently points to Jesus Christ as the Savior of sinners.
Counseling seeks to identify what God’s Word says about every situation, desire, habit, response, and emotion. In doing so, there is great hope for real, lasting change as your life is conformed to what God says about you.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13
* This article was written by Daniel Szczesniak and edited to the needs of Meeting House by Dr. Brandon Bower