Counseling

Should We Counsel Unbelievers?

Posted on by Dan Dodds

WCFContinuing in our look at the Westminster Standards for counseling we come to paragraph 5 of chapter 1 as follows:

WCF 1:5 We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture, and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole, (which is to give all glory to God) , the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the word in our hearts.

This paragraph teaches us an important point – unless someone has the Holy Spirit then they will not understand God’s Word to be the final authority in life. As such, we might ask, “Should we counsel unbelievers?” When someone calls me for counseling (from outside the church) I (almost) always say, “Sure! Come on in.” But I usually add that I will meet with them once to do an assessment and then we will talk from there on how I would proceed if they choose to come back. If the counselee is not a Christian I cannot counsel him from God’s Word since he does not accept that as an authority. Therefore I do what we call ‘precounseling’ – which is giving them the gospel.

What a great job I have! When folks come in they know they’re coming to a pastor and so it doesn’t surprise them when I bring out my Bible. And what a joy to share Christ to believers AND non-believers. You should try it!!

Dan Dodds
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Dan Dodds
Dan is a native of Detroit, Michigan; a graduate of Hillsdale College in Michigan and Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Dan has worked in the financial area as a CPA and controller as well as in international business and sales. In 1995 Dan entered into the ministry in a Florida church as Sr. High and Singles Pastor. In 2001 he was brought on staff at Woodruff Road. Dan and his wife Christy have two daughters, Anna and Jenna and two sons, Will and Wyatt.