Book Review: Biblical Counseling and the Church edited by Bob Kellemen and Kevin Carson

Biblical Counseling and the Church is a collection of writings from different pastors and authors discussing how the church should care for another through various means. When one thinks of Biblical counseling, it is usually thought of as a counseling ministry which many in the church feel unequipped to do. This book does deal with counseling ministry, but this book deals with how the church should minister to those within the church.

Bob Kelleman and Kevin Carson have put this book together as part of the "Biblical Counseling Coalition" where the authors discuss various topics. Such topics include, a pastor caring for the flock, tools to grow the church, and Biblical counseling & evangelism. Some will pick up this book, thinking it must be read by someone with a psychiatry degree, which is not the case. The book is for pastors, elders, and even the businessman who works a 9-to-5 job, who teaches in the church.

Don't get me wrong a counseling ministry is important for a church regardless of size. There are three chapters that deal with having a counseling ministry in a large, mid-size, and small church. There is even a chapter on how Biblical counseling look like in a para-church setting.

This book is simple and straightforward. It is very practical for all churches regardless of size. The authors of the chapters were not just professional counselors, but pastors as well. Carson is a pastor while Kelleman is head of the counseling department at his college. Every pastor and church leader will benefit from the wisdom in this book.

Thanks Zondervan for letting me review this book.