Nouthetic Counseling: Yes I’m Old School
I’ll be teaching a four part series on Biblical Counseling at a local church in March and April. This is what I plan to cover. I was introduced to Nouthetic Counseling while in Seminary. Through a discipleship lab I realized it was time to confront a life defining sin habit that had developed out of a painful childhood. I had developed a habit of leaning on the things of this world and it took the radical intervention of the Grace of God to open my eyes to see that I indeed needed a crutch and it just so happened that God provided Christ for me to lean on. It took weeks of counseling to learn how to live as a new man leaning on Christ for everything, including my peace and comfort.
This post is a simple outline of what I will be covering. There will be future posts fleshing out the finer points and details.
Series Title: A Biblical Approach to Counseling—An Introduction to Nouthetic Counseling
Part 1: What Is Nouthetic Counseling?
Define "nouthetic counseling" and its biblical foundation (from the Greek noutheteo—to admonish, correct, or instruct).
Contrast it with secular counseling methods.
Emphasize the sufficiency of Scripture in addressing life's problems (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Discuss Jay Adams' role in developing nouthetic counseling.
Explain its three core components: confrontation (loving correction), concern (done for the benefit of the counselee), and change (a goal of sanctification).
Part 2: The Theological Foundations of Nouthetic Counseling
Explore the doctrine of sin and its effect on human behavior.
The role of the Holy Spirit in transformation and renewal.
The importance of repentance and biblical change (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Discuss biblical anthropology—man as a sinner in need of grace.
Why psychology cannot provide ultimate answers to spiritual problems.
Part 3: The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling
Walk through a typical counseling session.
How to apply biblical truth in real-life situations.
Addressing specific issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and marriage problems with Scripture.
The role of the local church and discipleship in counseling.
How to approach confrontation in love (Galatians 6:1).
Part 4: Answering Common Questions and Objections
Is nouthetic counseling too harsh or unloving?
Does it dismiss medical or psychological issues?
What about common grace insights from psychology?
Can anyone become a nouthetic counselor?
The importance of continual growth in biblical wisdom.
