Our Approach to
Biblical Counselling
Below are the foundational principles that guide all of the counselling we do at Redemption Bible Chapel. These principles are taken from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) of which we are fully aligned with in regards to biblical counselling theology and methodology.
Theological Faithfulness
We believe that biblical counselling is fundamentally a theological task as we were designed and created by God. Understanding human problems and how to best help in these requires theological faithfulness, as God created and explains life in all aspects, so fidelity to this is necessary. Therefore, we hold to a Christian doctrine which we believe represents biblical standards that biblical counsellors must embrace to be faithful and effective in their ministry.
Sufficiency of Scripture
We believe the contents of Scripture speak with authoritative relevance to the content of biblical counselling, which is biblical discipleship, guidance, and encouragement on personal and relational matters from a spiritual perspective. Therefore, we hold that the Bible sufficiently informs the structure and content of biblical counselling, including the relational, emotional, mental, and spiritual areas of life.
Biblical Counselling Excellence
We believe that biblical counselling must join accurate theology with godly character in order to honour the Lord Jesus and provide competent care. At RBC we seek to maintain a high standard by using certified biblical counsellors (and those in training) to ensure that each counselee receives faithful biblical counsel.
The Church
We believe that the church is the primary context for soul care as biblical counselling is an extension of discipleship and the church’s mandate, from Scripture, is to “make disciples” (Matt. 28:19). We are committed to fulfilling the church’s responsibility to disciple God’s people, by providing care and life direction based on God’s Word. Therefore, we encourage and support the indispensable ministry of biblical counselling as an expression of our church mission.
Soul Care (Biblical Counselling)
is a ministry of the Word of God
- That is based on the expectation of a counselee who has new life in Christ, soul care is biblical counselling for those who are believers in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:20,2 Corinthians 3:18)
- That takes place within Christian community and fellowship, including everyday conversations, biblical counselling, Small groups, classes, seminars, and conferences (Hebrews 3:13, Acts 20:20)
- That points to the glory of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31)
- That pursues heart change through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- That emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ (John 15:1-12)
- That speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
- That promotes a lifestyle of repentance and faith (2 Corinthians 7:10, Hebrews 11:6)
- That exists to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12) so that the church grows itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16), for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
FAQs
What can I expect during my first meeting with a biblical counsellor?
Initial meetings with counsellors are a time to share concerns and needs, and for biblical counsellors to prayerfully discern some next steps for you, and get to know you. You can expect to be listened to and prayed for during your initial meeting. Biblical counsellors may also ask numerous data gathering questions, and if you haven’t already, you may be asked to complete a Personal Data Inventory (PDI) form. Due to a need to train up more biblical counsellors and/or our belief that biblical counselling is a core part of our discipleship ministry, you may be assigned a biblical counsellor who is in their final, Supervision phase of ACBC certification.
Note: Supervisors never join the meeting. However, ACBC trainees in the supervision phase are required to record five sessions (audio only). This is all included in the consent form that you will be asked to complete.
What happens after I meet with a biblical counsellor?
After your initial meeting, our team will prayerfully consider next steps for you. Often we share resources and videos as part of the first step, and sometimes follow up meetings or biblical counselling are recommended. We may refer counselees either to other ministries within the church, or to begin meeting with a biblical counsellor.
Is there a fee for biblical counselling?
We do not charge a fee for biblical counselling or initial appointments, since Biblical soul care and the biblical counselling associated with it is a ministry of our church for those who are a part of Redemption London. There may be an occasional season where our counsellors have an ability to take on someone outside of our church. If that happens, there would be a suggested donation after the initial meeting of $60 per session, payable to Redemption. This is to help cover ministry costs if/when counselling flows outside of our direct ministry.
Is there a wait list for biblical counselling?
If you are able to be flexible with your availability for appointments, we are usually able to accommodate appointment requests in a timely manner. If you are only available to meet certain times and days, there can sometimes be more of a wait.
Does Redemption offer biblical counselling for youth or children?
Yes, we do offer biblical counselling for youth in our church. However, another adult, preferably a parent, is required to be present for any meetings with minors. We do not typically offer biblical counselling for children, but rather, we focus on better equipping parents and caregivers as the primary means of shepherding the children in their care.
Request Biblical Counselling
If you or someone you know is needing soul care (biblical counselling), please complete and submit the form and we will get back to you.
