Counter Culture Conference, Kansas City, MO, 2014

This past week I served as a workshop speaker at the Counter Culture Biblical Counseling Conference held by Reigning Grace Counseling Center in Kansas City, MO. It was such a privilege and blessing, and I am still pinching myself that I really got to be there and serve alongside people I admire so much! I have some observations now that I am processing the experience. I thought I'd share them here on my blog, to give you some insight in to how Biblical Counselors share common traits.

Below are some insights I gained about Biblical Counselors while serving alongside some of the best of the best in the movement:

*Biblical Counselors are incredibly generous. They aren’t in it to make money (although they struggle to have enough money to stay afloat!) They will give away their resources, and their services, to anyone who is willing to receive Biblical help.

*Biblical Counselors are immensely encouraging towards their peers. They remember how they have struggled to be received well in their churches and communities and will spur on those who have fewer years of experience. Those who are still struggling to spread the importance of Biblical Counseling are thankful for the reminders to press on and not give up.

*Biblical Counselors are not wimpy theologians. They won’t back down on Truth. They are not afraid to be counter-culture and to admonish others to be counter-culture.

*Biblical Counselors have various areas of expertise and they love to teach about their passions. They are similar in giftedness and they are united in mission and purpose, but they each have specific giftedness in areas that serve the body of Christ that others may not have. Addictions, mentoring, parenting, intergenerational focus, residential programs, youth ministry, training and equipping others for one-another ministry, and so much more. 

*Biblical Counselors are accepting of one another. There is no sense of competition, everyone wants everyone else to have a fruitful ministry.

*Biblical Counselors want to see it become the norm to have Biblical Counseling in our churches rather than refer their hurting sheep out to secular or integrationist sources outside the church. They believe soul care is meant to be done in the local church, like it was just over a half century ago.

*Biblical Counselors have many points they all agree upon, the most important of which is the sufficiency of Scripture and the Gospel for salvation and sanctification. Where they vary in other doctrines, they exhibit charity and grace.

*A new wave of leadership has become welcoming of women serving in Biblical Counseling - these are exciting times to be a woman in ministry.

*Biblical Counselors are willing to pour in to one another when conference time comes around. They know first hand how important it is to pull away and do some continuing education and fellowship with other counselors. They come home refreshed and inspired, ready to tackle new projects.

*Biblical Counselors are multitasking experts. They work on many projects at the same time and are rarely without the next project idea spinning in their minds. They counsel, teach, equip, train, mentor, write, speak, serve in church ministries, and network all at the same time. They have to be reminded to rest!

*Biblical Counselors are willing to let a counselor who has never spoken at a conference get her first shot at it. They include her and support her and encourage her the entire time, and she never feels like the new kid in town. She is truly blessed.

*Counselors who host conferences work tirelessly to make the event a success. Julie, Stephen, Larry, and your entire team…THANK YOU!