About biblical counseling

What is Biblical Counseling?

  •        When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, He calls us to grow continually to be more like Him.
    We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. (Eph. 4:15)
          
  •  Sometimes, in that growth journey, because of grief, complex challenges, or sin, we stop growing. We can’t regain that joy we felt when we first met Jesus

  •        Biblical Counseling is “in-depth discipleship” that relies on the Word of God to help us deal with our grief, have victory in our challenges, or repent of our sins.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (Jas. 1:2-4)
If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. (Gal. 6:1a)


why biblical counseling


There are answers!
Today’s world is highly complex. God’s counsel is desperately needed. In the Bible, God has provided everything necessary for individuals to know Him and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. God promises to bless those who obey His instructions.  They can have hope, contentment, and answers for handling life’s pressures.

 
There is hope!
 The Bible contains the answers for all moral, spiritual, and relational challenges of life. God expects Christians to be actively growing.  This requires changing from living our way to learning to live God’s way.
Our goal is to look at life’s challenges and learn how God wants us to think and respond to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.  This glorifies God resulting in peace, joy, and abundant Christian life.

Biblical counseling faq's


How long is a normal session?
Please plan on 60-90 minutes for your sessions.  Some sessions may be shorter or longer, but this is an average time frame.

What is the normal length of counseling (how many times should I expect to see a counselor)?
This depends on the reason you are coming in for counseling.  Our goal is not to make you dependent on the counselor but lead you to personally understand and application God’s Word to every area of your life and so you can then also help others.

Why do I have to fill out and return personal history form before scheduling an appointment?
The personal history form provides vital information so we know which counselor will be the best one to meet with you.  It also eliminates the first session from being only an information gathering time.

Is there a cost for counseling?
We consider biblical counseling our ministry and your counseling will be at no charge to you.  Of course, you would pay for any material, books, pamphlets, etc. that will remain in your possession.

Is childcare available?
No.  Because of the wide ranges in children’s ages and timing of appointments, at this time we cannot provide childcare.

May we request which counselor we want?
Because of the number of requests for counseling we receive, counselees may not select which counselor they see.  Please be assured though that everyone who does counseling at First Baptist Church of Inverness is equipped to provide the biblical counseling that is needed.

Why is homework assigned?
This allows you to every day apply the biblical truths that your counselor has shown you in your session.  It could be compared to going to physical therapy.  Just as your physical therapist gives you exercises to do at home in between your visits because the exercises reinforce the therapy, your homework from your counselor will also reinforce the biblical truths from your session.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?
We understand that circumstances may arise which prevent you from keeping your appointment.  We appreciate you notifying your counselor as soon as possible by phone, text, or email.

Why are nonmembers asked to bring an “advocate” with them to the sessions?
Advocates are of great benefit to those who are receiving counseling.  Because the Bible tells us to be dedicated to a local church body, it is our desire to help others by fostering care within their specific community of which they are in covenant membership.  Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Your advocate is someone who will be able to help you bear your burdens and be a good accountability partner for you.

What is the difference between biblical counseling and Christian counseling?
Biblical counseling is done by a Christian who believes in the sufficiency of Scripture and the truth of 2 Peter 1:3: “God’s divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.”  While Christian counseling is also done by a Christian, the counselor often integrates secular ideas and values.  The danger in doing this is when those ideas and values come first or are in direct contradiction to the Word of God but are still followed.

Our Biblical Counselors

Meet our Counselors
Jim and Paula Johnson
Co-directors (904) 704-8260
Byron Brown
Senior Pastor
Bobbie and Dick Elliott
Debra Jobe
Shaun and Sarah Stewart
(Not Pictured)
Dawn “Missy” West
Church at the Cross, Crystal River