Rooted in Christ: Embracing a Life of Grateful Choices
A Pastoral Care and Counseling Plan for Healing
As I teach Pastoral Care and Counseling this semester, I am preparing a pastoral plan for a case study to help our students. It occurred to me that it might just help someone reading this.
The Course
I teach our students a biblical basis and a history of pastoral care and counseling before getting to the “how to.” One is not disconnected from the other. Pastoral care and counseling require a biblical-theological grounding, an awareness of the development of the practice in the service of Christ and His people, and wisdom to assess, diagnose, and treat the pathologies of the human soul. Of course, we practice differential counseling. We recognize that diseases of the soul migrate through the thin membrane of existence separating spirit and body. Thus, we often must refer to a physician of the body. However, diseases of the body affect the spirit. And this requires a physician of the soul. We call them pastors. My work is to train future (and returning) pastors how to conduct this vital work of Christian shepherding. We provide a biblically faithful method (the Spiritual Diagnostic Model of Pastoral Counseling) that involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the model is only as effective as a pastor’s insight into scripture, theology, human nature, and native and cultivated wisdom applying biblical truth to spiritual disease. This space doesn’t allow for nor is it intended for any detailed discussion of a taxonomy or classification of sin (it’s more than original and actual, mortal and venial, and scholastic designations such as the “seven deadly sins”—gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, envy, pride, and wrath—although I hold that a studied scriptural and theological hierarchical framework includes all of these in some expressions). Enough to say that such an inquiry is not merely a baptized DSM 5th edition.1 Onward, then. I want to move from Assessment and Diagnosis to the Plan, the pastoral-biblical response (i.e., “pastoral treatment”).
I want to share with you a pastoral plan that I have developed. This Plan, which I call a “covenant,” is an agreement between the pastor and the parishioner and the Lord. We are bound together by the power of God’s promises as outlined in the Holy Bible and sealed to us by the Holy Spirit of the Triune God, in accordance with the Scriptures.
The Covenant
In the following content, we assume that the pastoral counselor has conducted an assessment (observation) and diagnoses (questioning, listening, learning, comparing, contrasting, identifying, and naming) to isolate symptoms of spiritual disease. The “parishioner” (pastoral counseling does not minister to “patients” or “clients,” but, instead, “parishioners” or a similar term; and in this, as in other ways, pastoral care and counseling may be affirmed as the most personal of all types of counseling) in this case study is someone (a young man, but the Plan can be adapted to a female, and anyone in any season of life) who has struggled with addictions. The following Plan is not prescribed with instructions to take three doses daily for two weeks. Instead, since all spiritual pathologies respond to the touch of our Creator through Word, Sacrament, and Prayer, we seek to provide spiritual guidance (that might involve this or a similar plan) through these ordinary means of grace.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV): “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
This is a time for rededication of our lives to Christ. The best way to do this is to recommit to the vows we have taken as members of the visible Church. This is a pastoral office that may be held privately with the pastor. Using a brief liturgy of Scripture, Prayer, and Vows is a powerful expression of repentance and faith.2
In a world full of physical and spiritual pain, Christ’s love and forgiveness can transform us and guide us away from sin and shame. This journey from pain to healing is underpinned by the promise of God’s unconditional love, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In this context, the following affirmations (I use the term “covenant” to signify the Christian relational arrangement that prioritizes God’s strength, not ours) serve as standards of new life choices for men of God who have been impacted by sin—be it from a fallen world, the sins of others, or our transgressions. These affirmations, inspired by scriptural promises, offer a path to healing and a new life in Christ.
Since God has illuminated our path through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, enabling us to walk as children of light, we repent of the unbelief or idolatry that has caused us to choose ourselves over God. We covenant, as pastor and parishioner, with Almighty God as our strength and our help to seek these eight virtues for living according to His Word:
1. ACCOUNTABILITY:
“As a man of God, I embrace the responsibility for my actions, knowing my life reflects His light within me.”
This acknowledgment of God’s light within us compels us to live lives that reflect His goodness, righteousness, and truth, as outlined in Ephesians 5:8-10.
Ephesians 5:8-10 (NKJV): “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), proving what is acceptable to the Lord.”
Prayer:
Lord, who changes not, hear the prayer of this man who has sometimes lived a life without accountability and bore the sad consequences of my bad choices made without wisdom from Your Word and Your people. Guide me into places and relationships for expanding accountability, as a man, as a believer. Through Christ, our Lord, I pray. Amen.
Embracing God’s truth as the ultimate liberator from the bonds of sin encourages us to live with honesty in all aspects of our lives, therefore:
2. HONESTY:
“I commit to truthfulness in all my interactions, honoring God’s Word as the ultimate truth that sets me free.”
In doing so, we align our lives with the freedom promised in John 8:32, embodying the truth that indeed sets us free.
John 8:32 (NKJV): “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, So often I have told lies and lived lies. And I have been told lies by others not following You. I have endured the pain of lies. Forgive me. Help me to be a man of truth, seeking truth, sharing truth, and living the truth. Through Jesus, our Lord who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.
Recognizing the boundless forgiveness we have received from God through Christ, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others, thus paving the way for healing and reconciliation:
3. FORGIVENESS:
“I choose to forgive as I have been forgiven by God, releasing all bitterness and embracing His peace and reconciliation.”
This act of forgiveness, as commanded in Colossians 3:13, allows us to bear with one another in love, mirroring the forgiveness we have graciously received.
Colossians 3:13 (NKJV): “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Prayer:
Lord of love and new life, hear my prayer as I come in the name and authority of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ: As You forgive me, strengthen me to desire the joy of total forgiveness of others. By the power of Your Spirit at work in me, release the power of divine love to let me rejoice in forgiving others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Acknowledging our unique creation in God’s image invites us to seek His will above all, bringing forth personal transformation under His Word. Therefore, learn this:
4. ACCEPTANCE:
“I accept myself as God has made me, recogning my sin nature and my need for the Savior, and I seek the person God calls me to become, seeking His will over self, or the approval of others, and committing to growth according to His Word.”
This commitment, as encouraged in Romans 12:2, guides us towards living lives that reflect God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Prayer:
Lord of New Life, as you reached out to me to cause me to be born again, give me the grace of gratitude to turn from evil and turn to Thee. Through Christ, my Lord. Amen.
With the recognition that integrity forms the foundation of a life pleasing to God, we are motivated to be consistent in our words and actions, thereby reflecting the character of God. And, so, seek God’s strength for:
5. INTEGRITY:
“I vow to live with integrity, being consistent in my words and actions, whether in public or in private, as a true man of God.”
Proverbs 10:9 reminds us of the security found in walking with integrity, highlighting the importance of aligning our actions with our professed belief, keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), and walking in love with the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:1,2).
Proverbs 10:9 (NKJV): “He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.”
Prayer:
Lord, Thou knowest how often I have walked the broad road that leads to destruction. Grant that by Thy Spirit at work within me, strengthened by Thy Word, Sacrament, and Prayer, I may follow the Lord Jesus in that narrow way that leads to eternal life. I ask in Thy Son’s precious name. Amen.
Understanding the intrinsic value and dignity bestowed upon every individual by Christ leads us to honor and respect all people, recognizing their worth in God’s eyes. To value another is to desire honest communication and recognition that our choices and decisions impact others. This leads to the sixth article in our covenant:
6. RESPECT:
“I will show respect to all, valuing others as Christ values me, recognizing the dignity and worth He bestows on every person.” This principle, grounded in 1 Peter 2:17, calls us to honor all people, embodying the love and respect that Christ shows us.
1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV): “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
Prayer:
Father, help me to show honor to all. As You came to me and considered me, a sinner in need of Your grace, to be worthy of hearing the Gospel and receiving the gift of faith to believe, help me to show honor to all. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
In a world where trust is easily broken, we are reminded of the healing and reconciliatory power of Christ’s love. It calls us to rebuild trust and extend forgiveness. Therefore, let us covenant to the virtue of:
7. TRUST:
“I commit to rebuilding trust where it has been broken and to taking the risk of trusting others, following Christ’s example of reconciliation.” Matthew 5:24 illustrates the importance of reconciliation, urging us to mend relationships as a testament to our commitment to Christ.
Matthew 5:24 (NKJV): “Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, so often I have forfeited the trust afforded by others, especially those I love. Give me the humility to seek forgiveness with patience, and build truth by demonstrating acts of bold obedience. Through Christ, my Lord. Amen.
Moved by Christ’s example of sacrificial love, we are called to serve others generously, reflecting the abundance of grace and love we have received from Him. This leads us to the last article in our covenant:
8. SERVICE:
“Motivated by Christ’s sacrificial love, I will serve others, generously giving of myself because of the abundance I have received in Him.” Philippians 2:5-7 exemplifies the mindset of Christ, who served humbly, inspiring us to do likewise.
Philippians 2:5-7 (NKJV): “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”
Prayer:
Lord of all, You sent Your only-begotten Son to live the life I could not live and die the death that should have been mine. I ask in humble faith that I may be used to reflect your life to others. Give me opportunities to serve You by serving others. Grant that I may be moved by the impulse of Your love to show mercy to others the way You showed mercy to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
In weaving these affirmations into the fabric of our lives, we are reminded of the profound impact of living under God’s promises. Each step in faith, guided by these principles, cultivates a life rooted in Christ.
It is crucial to emphasize that obedience is enabled by gratitude for God’s grace extended in Christ Jesus our Lord. It’s important to emphasize that we express a covenant with each other and God when we vow. We acknowledge that our ability to obey comes entirely from Christ, made known to us through the Holy Spirit and received through the means of grace—Word, Sacrament, and Prayer.3 This is not a plan that says, “I promise that I will be better.” Instead, this is a submission to the ruling motif of the Cross, that the thing intended for evil is transformed into God’s glory and our good. Such is the power of the Cross. And we have no other medicine or therapy in our care. And, indeed, we need no other.
DSM refers to American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statisti cal Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Associa tion, 2013.
For example, a rededication in my Christian community would mean reciting the vows taken when confirmed as a Communing Member. The Presbyterian Church in America (the PCA’s) five membership vows are as follows:
“Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?
Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?
Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church and promise to study its purity and peace” (BCO 57-5)?
See the Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America, The Office of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, 2023.
The means of grace—Word, Sacrament, and Prayer—are expressed in many ways, including personal devotions, daily Bible reading and prayer, family worship, hymn singing, fellowship with other believers, public worship, the receiving, by faith, of the Lord’s Supper, and, if already baptized, renewing our baptism even as we observe others being baptized. We might add that these are even appropriated through Christian meditation, often moved by the preaching of the Word or another means to seek God in prayer.