Even within the Church, we hear voices telling us that we must water down the pulpit ministry of the Word (biblical preaching) and dilute the personal ministry of the Word (biblical counseling) to suit our post-modern culture. Those offering this advice frequently imply that the insistence upon theologically-founded ministry is a throw back to modernity rather than a command of Scripture. Two pre-modern Christians (among a great cloud of possible witnesses) argue otherwise.
The Apostle Paul, in his last will and testament to Timothy, peered into the future and advised, Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out; correct, rebuke and encourage (those are counseling words)"with great patience and careful instruction (those are counseling methods) (2 Timothy 4:2).
Why? For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Pre-modern Paul insisted that the thoroughly equipped soul physician use the scalpel of the Word of God breathed out from the Great Physician. Of course, some might reply, Perhaps your interpretation of Pauls meaning is tainted by the philosophy of modernity? Perhaps. So lets consider a pre-modern interpretation of Paul.
John Chrysostom (347-407), known as Golden Mouth for his eloquent preaching, left a lucrative, high profile career in law to become a minister. Though noted for his pulpit oratory, he also served as a soul physician who shepherded people through the personal ministry of the Word.
In the context of the varied remedies for physical illnesses that a physician might prescribe, Chrysostom highlights the power of the Word when skillfully and pointedly used by the soul physician. Nay there is but one method and way of healing appointed, after we have gone wrong, and that is, the powerful application of the Word. This is the one instrument, the only diet, the finest atmosphere¦ This is the means which we must use, and if this be of no avail, all else is wasted; with this we both rouse the soul when it sleeps, and reduce it when it is inflamed; with this we cut off excesses, and fill up defects, and perform all manner of other operations which are requisite for the souls health.1
Lest Chrysostom be accused of a beat them over the head with the Bible approach to soul care, note his emphasis on understanding the unique individual being shepherded. Therefore the pastor has need of much discretion, and of a myriad eyes to observe on every side the habit of the soul.2 In this context, he urged patience and trust, using 2 Timothy 2:25. Those who oppose themselves he must gently instruct in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
In the same section, Chrysostom explained that with real sheep we can simply implement the cure, but with humans who have a will, mind, affections, and emotions, we must understand them and help them to understand our treatment. Much skill is required that our patients may be induced to submit willingly to the treatment prescribed by the physicians.3
Chrysostom demonstrates his insight into the human soul through his recognition of the soul physicians need to wisely apply the Word in ways specifically appropriate to the individual. What then is one to do? For if you deal too gently with him who needs a severe application of the knife, and do not strike deep into one who requires such treatment, you remove one part of the sore but leave the other: and if on the other hand you make the requisite incision unsparingly, the patient, driven to desperation by his sufferings, will often fling everything away at once, both the remedy and the bandage, and throw himself down headlong.4 In the personal ministry of the Word, we must avoid being too harsh or too gentle. But notice that it always involves the application of the Word.
Our great Physician calls post-modern Christian counselors, like pre-modern and modern Christian counselors, to build our models of people-helping on a biblical understanding of people, problems, and solution. He calls us to skillfully relate His Word to human relationships"even, and perhaps especially, in post-modern times. Online therapy can be helpful to get rid of such problems.
_Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D., LCPC, is Chairman of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Discipleship Department at Capital Bible Seminary, Founder of RPM Ministries, and author of Soul Physicians and Spiritual Friends. He has pastored three churches and serves as AACCs Director of Theology and Pastoral Counseling, and as Director of the AACCs Religious Leaders Division._
