Introduction:

Counseling is a very important process whereby one person listen to the needs of another and then proceeds to offer advice that will help the individual work through and overcome the problem. Is everyone qualified to be a counselor? Of course not. Some may be able to give good advice without being a qualified counselor but there are some qualifications that are needed to become a successful counselor.

One of the dangers of becoming involved in counseling is becoming over balanced in counseling to solve problems rather than through the foolishness of preaching. If you are a pastor work toward maintaining a balance between preaching and counseling.

I. A Successful Counselor Must Have Spiritual Qualifications.

A. You must have a personal experience of salvation through Jesus Christ.

1. Then and only then can you have true wisdom.
    
   1. Proverbs 1: 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
       
   2. Proverbs 2: 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. We must keep our minds pure and renewed each day. We must fill our hearts and minds with the Scripture. We should read the Scriptures every day.
       
2. Then and only then can you impart life and light to others in need.
    
   1. John 8: 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
       
   2. I John 5: 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

B. You must have a growing, up to date relationship with Jesus Christ. If you fail to be growing as a Christian then you are losing your effectiveness as a counselor. “The pastor who neglects his spiritual development soon loses his message.” Hulme

1. You must be a person of prayer. God loves to answer our prayers, even the simple prayers concerning direction or finding a parking space.

a. Your prayer provides a proper vertical relationship.

1) Forgiveness

2) Cleansing

3) Worship

4) Peace

5) Direction

Let me give you an acrostic that will help you develop a pattern of prayer:

A-adoration

C-confession

T-thanksgiving

S-supplication

2. Your prayer provides proper horizontal relationships.
    
   1. Compassion for others.
       
   2. Wisdom in understanding others.

It is so exciting when counseling people with their needs that God will bring things to your mind that you had never thought of before but God knew you needed the information.

3. You must pray for each counseling situation.
    
4. You must pray for each individual involved in your counseling.

2. You must be a student of the Word of God.
    
   1. This is important relative to yourself.
       
      1. The Word is a “lamp to my feet.” Psalm 119:105
          
      2. The Word is a “light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
          
   2. This is important relative to others.
       
      1. You must know how specific problems are treated by the Scriptures.
          
      2. You must know how specific methods were used by Christ and others.
          
      3. You must know applicable Scripture passages for the many needs of the counseled.

   Do not practice eisegesis: Judas went out and hung himself; go thou and do likewise; whatsoever thou doest do quickly. John G. Kruis - Quick Scripture References For Counseling

3. You must be controlled by the Holy Spirit in your personal life.
    
   1. You must be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
       

   You must manifest the fruit of the Spirit...LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF-CONTROL. Galatians 5: 22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
    

4. You must give outward evidence you have found the answer to all of your problems in Jesus Christ.

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