Pursuing Counselees as Believers or Unbelievers?
by Bryan Carlson
As a biblical counselor, my primary concern is helping people find healing and restoration through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When determining whether to pursue a counselee as a Believer or unbeliever, I will consider several factors. First, I will ask them about their faith and their relationship with God and have them explain to me their Christian journey. Second, I will consider the reality of how they are living out their faith when deciding whether to pursue them as Believers or unbelievers. Jesus warns of people who profess faith but are not truly saved. I would challenge them with this passage:
“For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it. You will know them by their fruits. So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:14-23).
It is important to assess the fruits of their lives, both past and present, to determine if they are truly living in accordance with the faith they claim to possess. The book of James emphasizes the importance of works in addition to faith. James 2:14-26 says that faith without works is dead. This means that true faith will be accompanied by evidence of good works, such as acts of love, mercy, and justice. Therefore, as a biblical counselor, it is important to not only assess the profession of faith of a counselee but also their actions to see if they align with the teachings of Christ. The book of 1 John provides additional insight into the importance of living a life of faith. 1 John 1-5 reminds us that we must walk in the light of Christ and confess our sins in order to have fellowship with Him. This means that if a counselee is claiming to be a Believer they must not only profess their faith but also live in a way that honors God and confess any sins that may be hindering their relationship with Him.
If I believe a counselees is a Christian, I will approach the counseling from a biblical perspective that emphasizes the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and submission to God's will. I will also utilize Scripture to address harmful behaviors being exhibited and challenge them to take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, I will encourage them to seek the guidance and support of their church community, including finding someone to disciple them. I may also suggest that they seek additional resources such as Christian books or conferences. Their faith will be an essential component of the healing process, and it will provide a framework for addressing the spiritual, emotional, and relational aspects of their problems.
If I do not believe that a counselee is a Christian, I will make sure they understand a clear presentation of the Gospel and how it is Good News that can help change their lives and their situation. If they repent, praise God! I will now counsel them as a Believer. If they are unwilling to repent but are open to keep meeting and seem to have a soft heart, I will continue to meet with them and look for ways to make the Gospel real to them. If they have a hard heart and appear unwilling to have any desire for change, we will end the counseling as they are not willing to receive hope and healing from the Word of God. Depending on the relationship, I will stay in touch with the counselee and look for opportunities to invest in their life and share the Gospel when prudent.
