Demonstrates the “why” and the “how” of consistently biblical, gospel-centric counseling, whether in the pastor’s study or over coffee with a friend.With the evermore apparent failure of modern psychotherapies and a discomfort with pharmacological strategies, many churches are reaffirming the sufficiency and power of the Scriptures to change lives.To aid churches in ministering to broken and hurting people, the authors of Counsel from the Cross present a counseling model based on Scripture, powered by the work of the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ. Through careful exegesis and helpful case studies, they demonstrate the “why” and the “how” of consistently biblical, gospel-centric counseling. The authors’ combined backgrounds—one, a woman trained in biblical counseling and the other, a male professor of practical theology—bring balance to this work, making it relevant for those who counsel as part of pastoral ministry and for those involved in friendship mentoring or discipleship.

Endorsements

"Fitzpatrick and Johnson teach that effective counseling for broken and hurting people does not mean walking beyond the gospel into some modern form of psychotherapy, which ultimately provides no solutions. All Christians, especially pastors, counselors, and church workers who yearn to see genuine healing and transformation in their families and churches, should practice the principles of this book personally and use it to help others. This book is biblical counseling at its best; absorbing its teaching will make us all better counselors." -Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary