Scriptural Counseling: A God-Centered Method

This monograph from experienced counselor and teacher Oliver McMahan advocates a God-centered approach to pastoral counseling. In theocentric counseling – counseling centered in God – God is the center and guide for all that is involved in the counseling process. McMahan reveals the biblical roots of pastoral counseling in Ezekiel 34 and John 10, scriptures that communicate the goals, direction, and methods of godly counsel. He also highlights basic trends and influential figures in the history of pastoral counseling since 1900. He outlines methodologies for counseling in the five areas of human functioning, assumptive/spirit, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and contextual. He gives practical guidance for counseling families and couples, counseling in crisis situations, using special methods, and observing counseling ethics.