A comprehensive guide from the Biblical Counseling Coalition, advocating for biblical counseling as an integral part of church life rather than a peripheral ministry. With contributions from over 30 pastors, counselors, and scholars, the book envisions churches where "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) permeates discipleship, equipping every believer to offer gospel-centered care.
Structured in six parts, it begins with a vision for the entire church, uniting public preaching and private counseling. Subsequent sections explore small groups, conflict resolution, equipping counselors in various church sizes and contexts (including multicultural and international settings), outreach through evangelism and community engagement, and historical perspectives on biblical counseling's legacy.
Paul Tripp's foreword highlights two core questions: viewing people as creatures, sinners, sufferers, and saints, and seeing change through Christ alone. The introduction casts a vision for churches saturated in mutual care, while the conclusion urges readers to live sacrificially for disciple-making, rejecting worldly distractions.
Strengths include practical advice, scriptural depth, and real-world examples from diverse ministries. It's ideal for pastors, lay leaders, and counselors seeking to foster a culture of redemptive grace. This inspiring, biblically grounded resource equips churches to embody God's care, making it essential reading for revitalizing soul care in congregations. Highly recommended.

A helpful book, it's applied theology to deep matters. It's engaging and helpful for those seeking to minister and care for people in the church.

An excellent introduction to Biblical Counseling. Every Christian needs to read this book. It provides great insight on the practice of Biblical Counseling.

Thorough reference on biblical counseling. What it is, why we should be doing it, how we should be doing it etc. It is not only for pastors but lay leaders as well. The book is written by over 30 well known biblical counselors in various professions... some pastors, some counselors, some lay church leaders. The book is divided into 6 sections:
1. A vision of "More than Counseling: A Vision for the entire church.
2. How to integrate a small group ministry with a biblical counseling ministry.
3. Biblical counseling and conflict resolution. How we can be competent peacemakers in both personal and corporate/organizational conflicts.
4. how to equip biblical counselors in the church
5. Outreach
6. Biblical counseling in history and the power of counseling to impact the church for Christ.
What a wealth of information that even though written by many people everything points back to the gospel. The focus of each author's writing is the same. Very thought provoking and applicable. Challenges the reader on every page. Excellent.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.