THE JOURNAL OF BIBLICAL COUNSELING – Vol. 32 · No. 3
Slow Growth
David Powlison
Five decades ago, biblical counseling sprouted from the formative idea that God has much to do with human troubles and struggles, so he has many things to say. Over that time, this formative notion—this seedling—has slowly grown, blossomed, and borne fruit. In this editorial, David Powlison points out a number of significant growth points that emerged from the interactions between Jay Adams and John Bettler, the two men who planted that seedling fifty years ago.
Helping a Spouse Who Moves Against during Marital Conflict
Aaron Sironi & Lauren Whitman
This is the second in a series of articles on how to counsel couples who are experiencing toxic conflict. In this article, the authors lay out how to think biblically when one spouse is antagonistic in times of disagreement. Working through a case study, they demonstrate practical ways to help a couple identify and take responsibility for their specific conflict patterns, and cultivate new ways of interacting when conflict arises.
Treasuring Others
Alasdair Groves
In many passages, Jesus commands us to lay up treasure in heaven. What exactly did he mean by this instruction? How does it impact how we live and how we view the people we counsel? Groves answers this and other provocative questions in this important essay. See how taking this command to heart can breathe new life into your personal relationships and ministry.
Helping Your Anxious Child
Julie Lowe
Lowe is committed to helping children and their parents by making biblical principles accessible and relevant to a child’s heart. In this piece she identifies a key problem. We tend to placate and reassure our kids when they are anxious, but this has a limited effect. Her goal is for parents to teach their kids to specifically depend on God when they are anxious, and she advises how to get kids started on this path.
“Take a Deep Breath”—How Counseling Ministry Addresses the Body
Todd Stryd
Is it acceptable for biblical counselors to teach breathing techniques to help people calm down when they experience stress? In this article, Stryd explores the place that such techniques can have in a Christian’s care and ministry. Using a case study, he shows how a counselor might incorporate a breathing exercise into the larger counseling process.
Diehard Sins: How to Fight Wisely Against Destructive Daily Habits by Rush Witt
Reviewed by David Powlison
This book is about the kind of fight we are in with sin. It specifically addresses how “little” sins such as gossip and laziness infiltrate our souls and are often the hardest to shake. And, most importantly, it’s about the hands-on mercies of Jesus and how he helps us run the race with joy and hope. Powlison reflects on one of the book’s case studies, a woman who is beaten down by self-condemnation and guilt, and offers some thoughts about how God’s varied commands actually work.
25 Years of Biblical Counseling: An Interview with Jay Adams and John Bettler
Conducted by David Powlison
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we have reprinted this interview from 25 years ago with two of CCEF’s founders: Jay Adams and John Bettler. Our fifty years of growth has been significantly shaped by the dialogue between these two men. This interview will give you a feel for their personalities, their relationship, and the substance of their interactions. It will also give you insight into the founding DNA of this ministry.
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