The Bible says nothing about professional help for Christians in turmoil, but it does say that Spirit-filled believers are to minister to such people. I think part of the reason people go outside the church for help is that many churches have failed to gently restore fallen believers and lovingly bear their burdens (Gal. 6:1 2).
When Christians fall into traps of despair, discouragement, depression, immorality, and substance abuse, the church should function as a healing community to such people. Spiritual believers have the responsibility of helping to restore them.
True biblical counseling to Christians in need is the process by which a Spirit controlled Christian leads another believer to spirituality through prayer and the Word. There's no fleshly way to accomplish that. It's a spiritual ministry. In addition, I believe that although certain people are wonderfully gifted counselors, the restoration of sinning Christians is a ministry of the whole congregation rather than just one individual.
One writer drew a helpful analogy that illustrates the point: "Do not let discouragement drench your spirit, or fear flood your soul. Despite the howling winds of circumstance and the undercurrents of the enemy, press on in the power of the Holy Spirit as you hold firmly to the rudder of faith. Scan your horizons for a fleet of like-minded ships: vessels who adore and serve their King, the Lord Jesus. Once you find them, forsake your isolated wanderings for their protection, fellowship and instruction:
* The old ships will teach you reverence.
* Battered vessels are a practicum in compassion.
* Fast clippers, leading the fleet under Christ, instill obedience.
* Slow barges instruct you in patience and kindness, for they often bear the heaviest burdens.
* Front line battleships evoke respect and humility.
* A broken boat will enlarge your heart for meeting needs.
* And even a collision with another freighter will alert each member to stay on course and faithfully follow love."
No one person be he pastor or counselor can teach all that. But when the church functions in the power of the Holy Spirit, all those ministries take place. That dynamic stimulates each believer toward spiritual growth.
One of the tragedies of our day is that many Christians have drifted away from depending on the Spirit because they get in the habit of depending on themselves. When they finally discover their own inadequacies, they turn to the world for solutions rather than seeking God's provisions through the Spirit and through fellow believers. Whom do you turn to in times of trouble?
Because the Spirit ministers to us through other believers, we must never cut ourselves off from that vital source of stimulation and accountability. Unfortunately some Christians can attend church or Bible study week after week and make little or no contribution to the lives of other believers and receive little or nothing from them. Others spend time with Christians but the topic of conversation may not be of any spiritual significance. Be sure to make the most of the Spirit's ministry through other believers!
~John MacArthur
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