Biblical Counseling Ministry
Valley Bible Church is committed to providing our members with help in becoming mature believers. The process of discipleship is a focus of the ministries of this church. Included in these growth-focused efforts is the biblical counseling ministry. The biblical counseling center resources include useful studies and tools designed to benefit all Christians in becoming more like Christ through the Word, counseling for those in need of help to face life problems, and also a biblical counselor training program. These resources exalt the Word of God as the means God has provided for His children to be equipped for every good work and to have victory over sin (2 Timothy 3.16-17, Psalm 119.9-11). There is great hope for every believer through the Scriptures.
Why Biblical Counseling?
Our society is filled with many counseling models, medications and methods for becoming whole and for change. How do these systems of belief regard the God of the Bible? Can God make a difference in the lives of Christians in relation to life's problems? Are there significant truths in the Scriptures that address weakness, failure, or hard circumstances? God is the most powerful One and He has provided His living and active Word as the way to overcome problems. To embrace rather than reject His love and His grace in dealing with hard times results in change in the direction of being more like Christ. Consider these essays the explain why biblical counseling must be chosen:
Theology
Theology is fundamental to the ministry of the church. The beliefs of Christians are based on what the Bible teaches about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, sin, sanctification and similar essential topics. Take the opportunity in these writings below to see how the theological truths of the Scripture also address counseling.
Practical Studies
For further study on specific problems, we have provided a collection of over one hundred practical studies, arranged in 18 different topics. Each of these one hundred plus studies consists of a Bible passage with questions designed to consider, "How does this apply to me?" The goal of these studies is to provide assistance in understanding how to submit our lives to the Word of God. You can also view them in biblical order and read an explanation of how to use these studies.
Topical Studies
These compact topical studies explore specific verses from the Bible and how they explain dealing with life issues. Here you will find practical help from the Word of God on hope, difficult circumstances, communication, marriage, family topics and many other facets of the life of a Christian.
Journals with Scripture
We also have a series of journals, or worksheets for use in growing in righteousness. These journals are helpful tools for those desiring to grow in the Christian life, putting off sin and putting on righteousness. The focus of this format is becoming a better doer of God's Word. Each day the growing believer considers the events and actions of life with the Lord, in light of the Scripture. The Holy Spirit causes change as our motives and thoughts become affected by God's Word.
Wayne Erick Johnston
Wayne has been biblically counseling people and overseeing the counseling ministry at VBC since 1998. His studies include a BA in biblical studies and MA in biblical counseling, both from The Master’s College. He has been a member of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors since 1998. He has taught Sunday School and served as a deacon at Valley Bible since 2001. Wayne is the instructor of the counselor training courses and has recently written A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual: A Homework Manual for Biblical Living, published by Focus Publishing.
For more information: E-mail Wayne