Biblical Counseling / Intensive Discipleship

The elders of FCC appreciate the need and see the validity of offering biblical counseling. However, biblical counseling maintains its validity as part of a larger ministry that we have called “Intensive Discipleship.” This simply means that discipleship is a crucial part of the Christian life. If biblical counseling is necessary, discipleship is foundational to fulfilling that need.

People generally enter into “Intensive Discipleship” in two ways. One is to voluntarily place one’s self into it due to a time of acute need. The other is that the elders of FCC occasionally place people in “Intensive Discipleship” to fulfill the elder’s responsibility to shepherd God’s people and nurture the Body of Christ. “Intensive Discipleship” is a process as seen below.

1. Download the Overview document linked below. Read the article and become very familiar with the contents.

Intensive Discipleship (Biblical Counseling) Overview (PDF)

2. Meet with a pastor / elder to discuss the ministry, have your questions answered and determine if you wish to place yourself into this ministry. If so, make plans to enter into a discipleship relationship.

3. Download the document below. Read the article and become very familiar with the contents.

Discipleship Relationships (PDF)

4. Meet with a pastor / elder and another person with whom you intend to develop a discipleship relationship. This can be done in a small group or a classroom setting depending on the situation. Have your questions answered and make the necessary plans for your discipleship relationship to take place.

5. Download the document below. Read the article and become very familiar with its contents. Study and discuss the article with your discipleship partner.

Pursuing Christ Through Restoration (PDF)

6. Meditate and pray through the text of Matthew 18 repeatedly and ask God to give you wisdom to understand His word in light of your situation, along with the courageous love to obey in the areas of restoration or forgiveness. Be careful not to fall into gossip or slander as you discuss relationships with your discipleship partner. If needed, meet with an elder to clarify any needs you have in the areas of restoration and forgiveness.

7. Download the document below. Read the article and become very familiar with the contents. Study and discuss the article with your discipleship partner.

Gospelizing Disagreement & Conflict (PDF)

8. Together with your discipleship partner attend teaching times where the biblical principles from the articles are taught and explained. This will give you a chance to: have your questions answered, learn from the insights and experience of others, and encourage others with what you are learning.

9. Throughout the process meet with a pastor elder as deemed necessary by your discipleship partner and an elder familiar with your situation.