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christian counseling today
Vol. 21 no. 2
I an F. Jones
on
Mission
What Makes
Counseling
Christian?
At a meeting of the Southern Baptist
Convention in Houston, Texas, in 2013,
a resolution was adopted which was titled,
“On Mental Health Concerns and the Heart
of God.” The resolution pointed out that,
as a result of the fall, humans are “subjected
to many kinds of mental health problems;”
God has not abandoned us, but loves the
world (John 3:16-17) and has provided a
plan of redemption; “those with mental
health concerns, like all people, are crowned
with honor and dignity, being made in the
image and likeness of God” (Psalm 8:4-6;
James 3:9); and people with mental health
concerns “often feel isolated, stigmatized,
and rejected.”
The resolution went on to note that Jesus
ministered to the “marginalized” members in
society and, since Christians are to repre-
sent God in our world, we should recognize
the value of those who suffer from mental
health issues by providing “godly biblical
counsel;” sharing God’s love and redemption;
opposing “all stigmatization and prejudice
against those who are suffering from mental
health concerns;” and supporting research,
treatment and the “wise use” of medical
interventions.
Finally, the resolution called upon
churches “to look for and create opportu-
nities to love and minister to, and develop
methods and resources to care for, those who
struggle with mental health concerns and
their families” (On Mental Health Concerns,
2013). The resolution provides an example
of the historical biblical mission, challenge,
and uniqueness of Christian ministry and
pastoral care, and the essence of what makes
counseling Christian.
The Historical Context of the
Christian Counseling Movement
Most contemporary textbooks trace the
roots of counseling back to the 19th century,