Encouragement to Counsel

Abstract

Summary Rev. Larry Zahn encourages pastors to embrace their role as Christian counselors, recognizing that many people seek pastoral help before turning to professional therapists. Drawing from personal experience in mission work, Zahn emphasizes that pastors are uniquely equipped with God’s Word and prayer to address spiritual and emotional struggles. He critiques secular psychology—especially Freudian and Rogerian models—for minimizing sin and rejecting Scripture. Zahn urges pastors to remain involved in the counseling process, even when referring individuals to professional counselors, and to collaborate with Christian therapists when possible. He highlights the power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit in transforming lives and stresses the importance of prayer in counseling. While acknowledging the limits of pastoral training in complex psychological cases, Zahn affirms that pastors can and should provide meaningful, biblically grounded care to their flock.

—Summary generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)