GFEVD Evangelism and Discipleship

This course explores the role of evangelism and ongoing discipleship in the context of Exchanged Life counseling. Specific guidelines and resources are presented to equip the student for "phase 1" and "phase 4" of the counseling process.

Required Reading

Jones, Phil. How to Exchange Your Life for a New One. Grace Fellowship International.

Eims, LeRoy. The Lost Art of Disciple Making. Zondervan, 1978.

Middleton, Al. Dynamic Basics. Airdrie, AL, Canada: Dynamic Churches International, 1991. (From DCI or on course CD-ROM)

Middleton, Al. Dynamic Discipling. Airdrie, AL, Canada: Dynamic Churches International, 1991. (From DCI or on course CD-ROM)

Turner, Lee. Grace Discipleship Course. Sun City, AZ: Grace Discipleship Ministries, 1992. Available through GFI.

Woodward, John. ed. From Religion to Relationship. Grace Fellowship International.

________. New Testament Discipleship. Grace Fellowship International.

CDs: Helen Rosevere, Why Does a God of Love Allow Suffering?Phil Jones, The Goal of DiscipleshipLifestory TestimoniesThe Next Step (2 CDs)Time for God (The Bible League)

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GFEVD Student Guide and CD-ROM. GFI

Course CD Rom contents

E-books (supplementary resources)

Andrew Murray. New Life [Murray teaches on foundational discipleship topics from an exchanged life perspective--one for each week of the year.]

__________. Intercession. [A classic on intercessory prayer; it features a practical prayer guide.]

John Cross. Stranger on the Road to Emmaus. www.GoodSeed.com [This is a strategic Bible survey, written for a non-Christian or new believer. Cross emphasizes the Bible's central theme of redemption as the highlights of Scripture are explained in context. This book is a valuable tool for a reader who has a nominal Christian background and/or is open to a better understanding of the world's best selling book.]

J.F. Strombeck. Disciplined by Grace. [This is a unique book that presents the Christian life as a response to--and participation with--the grace of God.]

Articles

Dynamic Churches folder:*How to Prepare and Present Your Testimony (DCI)*Dynamic Basics (4 lessons from DCI)*Dynamic Discipling (9 lessons from DCI)*Dynamic Sharing (6 lessons from DCI)

*The Balanced Diet Reading Plan*The Circle of Serenity*Passing the Tests of Temptation*Prayer: from Duty to Delight*Spiritual Navigation: How to Discern God's Will*Total Surrender*Your Garden of Virtues

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Audio MP3*Asking Diagnostic Questions (Eeinternational.org)*Ray Comfort, Hell's Best Kept Secret (www.LivingWaters.com) Passion of the ChristStoney Shaw, Small Group Ministry (GFI: from the Solomon School)

PowerPoints

*Dynamic Churches Strategy Overview (www.DynamicChurches.org*The Sun (www.LivingWaters.com)*America (www.LivingWaters.com)*Time for God

Assignments

1. Read the required reading books and the articles on the course CD ROM marked with an asterisk (*).

2. Listen to the required audio CDs and the MP3 message by Ray Comfort (on GFEVD CD).

3. Read the GFEVD Student Guide.

4. Read the DCI Sharing My LifeStory.pdf. Write down and share your salvation testimony with someone (without reading it). Share the plan of salvation with someone. Write a brief description of the testimony and personal evangelism episode(s).

5. Memorize the following verses: Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:2

6. Meet with a disciple and lead him/her (same gender as the student) through the four inductive studies "Dynamic Basics."

7. Take the final exam at the GFEVD course page and submit it (electronically)..

8. Email us your testimony and sharing report, and a written statement that the assignments were completed.

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Introduction to the course's required materials

How to Exchange Your Life for a New One is a useful four lesson study written by GFI board member, Dr. Phil Jones. (His expository sermons are available online through the church he pastors: www.FBCPowell.com.) Back in course Exchanged life Counseling 2, the student listened to a message on T.E.L.L. (teaching Exchanged Life Living). The leader's notes for this course are part of the Solomon School notebook. Dr. Jones explains the rationale for this evangelism and discipleship tool. In cultures were there are nominal Christians, one confronts the cases where the counselee professes faith, but does not possesses or demonstrate saving faith. As James put it, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!” (James 2:19). When the student listens to Ray Comfort's hard-hitting MP3 message, hell's best kept Secret, he is reminded that the "bad news" of the sinner's lost condition must be recognized before the Good news of Christ's saving work can effectually be appreciated and received. Therefore, How to Exchange Your Life for a New One begins by using the tests in the epistle of 1 John to challenge the counselee to judge if he/she is a true believer. (Although a born again believer can lapse into condition when he may seem to fail one of these "tests," the apostle is warning his readers to differentiate true salvation from the mere "mental assent heresy" the Gnostics were perpetuating then.)

Part two of the booklet is a concise presentation of the believer's new identity in Christ. It compliments the body/soul/spirit exchanged life counseling process. Although this booklet was designed to reach and assimilate visitors to church, it can be useful in a variety of contexts. GFI alumni, Wes and Vicki Shinn, use this booklet with great blessing in prison ministry.

The Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims has stood the test of time with its biblical and practical treatment of personal discipling. Eims served for many years with the Navigators--a ministry known for systematic discipleship.

Dynamic Basics, Dynamic Discipling, and Dynamic Sharing are strategic inductive Bible studies designed for reproductive, one-to-one discipleship. The author has benefited from the GFI conference and the studies compliment the model of man and grace orientation of the exchanged life counseling process. Dynamic Churches International is to strategic church ministry what GFI is to personal Christ-centered counseling. Ideally, these studies should be used in the context of a reproducing cell group. The Basics are intended as a four session introductory process that the leader and disciple do together weekly. The Discipling and Sharing lessons are to be done independently by the disciple, followed by

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the on-to-one meeting for fellowship, review, application, and prayer. The Discipling Lessons are ideal as a follow up to the short-term counseling process.

Grace Discipleship Course, by Lee Turner is ideal for a small group curriculum to encourage and support counselees and their friends. The first lessons cover exchanged life basics using Dr. Solomon's Wheel and line diagrams. The following topical lessons apply a grace perspective to important areas of Christian life and growth. Dr. Solomon recalls,

"About 15 years ago, we had an inquiry from Dr. Lee Turner about the use of my basic diagrams, the Wheel and Line Diagrams, in a book he was writing on discipleship, Grace Discipleship Course. I asked to see the entire manuscript and was honored to have him use this foundational material.

"As a result, I wrote a Foreword for him and we were instrumental in getting the first edition published. Subsequently, he wrote a sequel, Advanced Grace Discipleship Course, both of which are now widely used. Of course, he is faithful to maintain the centrality of the cross in discipleship.

"In his latter years of pastoral ministry, he did not teach on evangelism. As he taught scriptural discipleship, spontaneous evangelism was the logical (and Spirit empowered) result. Thus, discipleship and evangelism were not divorced but taught in tandem—the Blood for sins and the Cross for sinners."

The booklet From Religion to Relationship, covers some topics that are essential in sharing the gospel. The first chapter uses the ten commandment as a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ (Gal 3:2-24). The author is Ray Comfort of Living Waters Ministries. He is also the speaker on Hell's Best Kept Secret (course CD). The chapter by Ron Hughes gives an understandable summary of the Good News. The last two chapters address the important topics of the new birth and the nature of saving faith.

The New Testament Discipleship booklet contains a Christ-centered summary of essential principles related to discipling others. It is a compilation of some Grace Note articles on the subject.

The audio CDs can be reproduced to use with counselees. The problem of suffering can be a stumbling block to a counselee. Dr. Helen Rosevere's message, Why Does a God of Love Allow Suffering? is a profound answer to this complex question. Dr. Jones's message, The Goal of Discipleship is an important corrective for those who assume that

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salvation is all there is to the Christian life. Lifestory Testimonies are evangelistic testimonies that are an effective tool to pass on as an outreach tool. Copies can be made so that this CD can be given to a counselee who is unsaved or unclear in relating their salvation experience. The Next Step (2 CDs) by Bob Horner is a good summary of spiritual growth advice for the new believer.

Time for God is a seminar on time management by The Bible League (as facilitated by the Connection Day Planner). In the course CD folder, Time for God, is a kit that includes a PowerPoint presentation and pdf notes for an audience.

PHASE ONE TWO THREE FOUR

Discipling Goal Salvation Sanctification Liberation Application

Christ’s Role Lamb Life Liberator Leader

Christ’s Lordship Confessed Personally

Embraced Wholeheartedly Applied for Victory Honored Daily

FocusConversion to

ChristUnion with Christ Freedom in Christ Dominion through Christ

Obstacles Spiritual Deadness Self-Life Strongholds Worldliness

Delivered from Sin’s Penalty Sin’s Power Sin’s Perceptions Sin’s Pattern

Romans Outline Chapters 1-5 Chapters 6-8 Chapters 9-11 Chapters 12-16

O.T. Imagery Crossing Red Sea Crossing the Jordan Conquering Walled Cities Occupying the Land

Ministry Orientation

Billy Graham Assoc.Evangelism Explosion

Grace Fellowship Intl.Capernwray Fellowship

Freedom in Christ Min.Deeper Walk Min.

Hope for the HeartC.C.E.F.

Scriptures John 3:16-18 Galatians 2:20 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Phases of Discipling / Counseling

Grace Fellowship International John Woodward 2014

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Evangelism in the context of exchanged life counseling

Evangelism is "phase one" in GFI's four phase Christ-centered counseling model. If an unsaved person comes in for counseling with chronic depression, the Holy Spirit's main objective through the counselor is to use this chronic problem as an opportunity to introduce the counselee to Christ as savior and Lord. Although the helper can offer care to non-Christians and Christians alike, the ultimate Answer in this approach to helping others is a Person--Christ Jesus. Therefore, if counsel is given to try to alleviate the problem (symptom) apart from the gospel, Christ-centerd counseling is not being administered.

In the history taking process, the counselor will include questions about the spiritual life. When/how did he/she become a Christian? If the counselee says, "I've always been a Christian," or, "I don't know if i really am a Christian," the counselor will be alert to the priority of sharing the gospel--hopefully by the conclusion of the first session.

Evangelism Explosion has made popular two diagnostic questions (Memorize these!) "If you were to die today, do you think you would go to heaven?" If the client responds 'no," or I hope so," then there is evidently a need to explain the plan of salvation. The second question is intended to reveal who or what they are trusting in for their salvation: "If you were to die today and stand before God, and He would ask you, 'Why should I let you enter My heaven?', What would you say?" If the person would answer by pointing to their good deeds or personal philosophy, etc., the counselor would recognize the need to clarify the message and invitation of the gospel.

When proceeding through the Wheel diagram truths, notice that salvation is the first listed spiritual need. This is a convenient place to explain the gospel using the Romans Road, gospel booklet or similar approach. However, there are advantages to continuing through the basic exchanged life agenda so that the counselee recognizes how his/her presenting problem relates to their lack of spiritually adequate resources for living. (Christ is not the center of their life yet.) After showing the Christ-centerd Wheel--and perhaps explaining the results of their Taylor Johnson profile--the counselor can explain that Christ cannot be the center of one's life unless he is first IN the life. This would lead to a presentation of the gospel: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).

Dr. Solomon advocates maintaining the interview's momentum so that --if the counselee is ready--the basics of the Line diagrams truths can be shared. The second line diagram

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illustrates the first Advent of Christ and the purpose of his death on the Cross. As the Prophet testified, "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). After explaining the identification with Christ truths in the next Line diagram(s), the counselor can ask, "Would you conclude that you are in Adam or in Christ?". This decisive issue allows the counselee to state their perception of whether or not they are saved (in Christ). If they conclude that they are still in Adam,--and are convicted of sin and willing to repent and believe--the counselor can clarify the gospel and invite the person to receive Christ as savior and Lord and Life. In other words, a "sinner's prayer" can be facilitated before and with the "selfer's prayer." This is an ideal goal for personal evangelism to present the fullness of the Cross in evangelism. (See Handbook to Happiness, diagram 13--the Cross of Salvation, Surrender, and Identification ideally being experienced at conversion.

Dr. Solomon recalls the development of the Wheel diagrams and how they can be used in an evangelistic context:

"The evolution of the Wheel diagram had its genesis in an industrial setting where the gospel could not be openly proclaimed. The clientele consisted of hard core unemployed minority ladies who were being given training under a government contract to teach minimal clerical skills. All of the ladies had psychological symptoms which were, ultimately, spiritual. However, a blatantly spiritual approach was unacceptable in such a setting.

"A psychologist was proposed as a necessary part of such training but was negotiated out in the final contract. Though I was not in that department, I volunteered to work an extra hour a day and spend that hour with these ladies in group and individual counseling.

"Since I was unable to broach the subject of a relationship with Christ directly, the Holy Spirit led me to use the 3 part Wheel and emphasize the soul (personality) and body (physical) areas, while leaving the 'spirit' section blank. Of course, all had psychological/behavioral difficulties and most had some physical involvement which was addressed. None could resist asking, 'What about the spirit area?' to which I replied, 'I‘m glad you asked!' There were 22 ladies in the group, and 4 were born again as a result.

"One of these, Betty, had major depression as a result of having been born out of wedlock. She had 4 children who each had their own way of communicating with her in such episodes. She was being washed out of the program, and I asked permission to see

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her on a daily basis. As a result, the Holy Spirit met her and released her from her withdrawal and depression; and she was hired as a permanent employee of the company.

"A writeup of this counseling/training was the basis of my master’s thesis at the University of Colorado. My major professor noted that the approach only worked for 4 of the 22 to which I replied 'It is the ultimate answer for all of them, but I could only address the answer if they gave the opening.' He said, 'If that is the case, you could even work on me.' I replied, 'I still believe in miracles!' He said, 'You have your miracle that I (as a Jewish professor) am even letting you work on this!' I said, 'You have a good point there!'

"Later, he told the other members of my committee that this was the most potent counseling technique of which he had heard though, as far as I know, he did not receive Christ at that time."

Dr. Solomon recalls the development of the Line diagrams and how they can be used in an evangelistic context:

"As a deacon in a Baptist church, I was on a committee to interview a new couple who had presented themselves for baptism. During the interview, the subject of eternal life came up and needed an explanation. I said, 'Let’s look at it this way', and drew a horizontal line with an arrowhead on either end in impromptu fashion, with a cross near the left end. As I considered the ramifications of this, it was a revelation to me as well, since I had never considered it this way before. The eternal past had not been part of my thinking in considering eternal life since I had been taught (or caught!) that it was an extension of my life into eternity as a future prospect.

"Later, my pastor at the time asked a question about life previous to entering into eternal life whereupon I added the Adam line and the transition from everlasting life in Adam into eternal life in Christ.(Everlasting life has a beginning; eternal life does not!).

"This ‘past’ dimension of eternal life has been used down through the years to graphically show believers (and unbelievers) that they can have a new past as well as a new future. This makes it possible, also, to present both aspects of the cross when sharing the gospel with an unbeliever, rather than to get them saved and miserable. Since Jesus came to give us life as well as forgiveness, why not tell them the whole story rather than merely the salvation half? Using the Line Diagram to illustrate the way of salvation they can see

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that they leave the everlasting life of Adam and are baptized into the eternal life of Christ simultaneously. Not only are their sins forgiven, but they are placed into Jesus with His being crucified for them and their being crucified with Him as the full meaning of salvation.

"Though the new believer is not instantaneously mature, he is enable to embark on a walk n the Spirit and “deny himself and take up the cross daily” from the beginning. Thus, it is possible to avoid years (or decades!) of carnal Christianity, wandering around in the Wilderness when it was possible (and more scriptural) to go directly into the life of rest in Canaan. Or, to put it another way, obedience stems from abiding where the new believer is responding to love rather than reacting to law which gives sin its power.

"When there is a question in the mind of the counselor and/or client as to the reality of the new birth, a thorough presentation of the Line Diagram from scripture can remove the blinders. It is also possible to address assurance of salvation in this way. It is not unusual for a person to be truly born again upon understanding that being crucified with Christ is a scriptural concept. Praying an identification prayer frequently results in salvation simultaneously and/or results in bedrock assurance of salvation."

If the counselee professes faith, but the lack of fruit makes the client's salvation questionable in the counselor's mind, the gospel should be reviewed and supplementary homework on salvation should be given.

Keep in mind that someone could hold a church office and intellectually believe in Christ, but not be born again. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and illumine the clear gospel message. When building on the salvation truth (as in Wheel diagram two) state "if a person truly knows Christ as personal savior..." Frame additional blessings as conditioned on one's new birth instead of directly telling the counselee that he/she is saved (if they give the right answers). False assurance is misleading and misses the reality that is necessary to experience Christ as Life.

There has been some controversy among evangelicals as to the extent to which a sinner must "turn from sin" and fully surrender to the lordship of Christ to be saved. Repentance is included with the condition of faith for salvation: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30,31). However, other passages clearly state that we are saved by grace, through faith

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plus nothing.“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:5). The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, essential means "to change one's mind." In biblical context this change involves conviction of sin and our lost condition and changing our minds about ourselves, God and--especially--Christ Jesus. This change of mind would lead to a change of life. It is the other side of the coin of saving faith. This repentance cannot demand one promise to cease from all sin, since that is impossible (1 John 1:8-10). The victory over intentional sin is winable, but requires growth in grace, and appropriation of the saving Life of Christ (Rom 5:10). So, discernment is needed to present repentance with balance--not underemphasizing it, nor exaggerating it as a work in addition to faith.

Concerning the Lordship of Christ, saving faith confesses "Jesus Christ is Lord." All believer's "pledge allegiance" to Him as Lord at salvation. He is the believer's owner and master (Rom 10:9,10,13). However, the fuller subjective experience of that usually is a step of maturity in the Christian life. Romans 12;1,2 (full surrender) is addressed to born again believers (motivated buy the mercies of God, chs. 1-5). For further detail see the article on the course CD, Total Surrender.

The counselor should be familiar and experienced with several methods of presenting the gospel, so the Holy Spirit can lead in using the approach that best relates to the counselee. (Note how Christ approached Nicodemus and the woman at the well differently, yet with the same good news--John 3-4.) The appendix to this guide gives a concise overview of personal evangelism: All You Need to Know to Start Witnessing Effectively by William T. Lewis

We cannot save a person but, rather, partner with God in preparing the soil (loving good works) sowing the seed (presenting the biblical truth), watering (prayer), pulling weeds (answering sincere objections/questions), and reaping (guiding the person to receive Christ). Jim Petersen noted, "Our job [in sharing the gospel] is to help a person understand. The burden of proof is not on us, but on the Scriptures. The responsibility to convince lies with the Holy Spirit, not with us. We are responsible to be faithful to that person by maintaining his exposure to the Word of God until a final decision is made, for or against ... God's means of communicating with unreconciled man and women are the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and the Christian. Each has a specific function. The Christian testifies to what he has seen and heard. (see 1 John 1:1-3). He brings the non Christian into contact with the Scriptures. Then the Holy Spirit does the convincing. It is through

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the 'living and active' Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) that an individual is born again. -Jim Petersen, Living Proof, (Navpress,1989) 184.

The most direct resource to use with the client during counseling and for homework is the Bible. Consider these Scripture quotes on the primacy of God's word in salvation "... from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:15-17). "...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 1:23-2:2). "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

Basic Discipling

The Lost Art of Discipling by LeRoy Eims presents a general, biblical approach to disciple making. (See required reading.)

In The Dynamics of Personal Follow Up, Gary Kuhne identifies three umbrella topics that cover the basic scope of discipling a fellow believer. These include the devotional area, the doctrinal area and the discipleship area. A sample Scripture reference will be added to each topic.

The devotional area includes:Salvation 1 Pet. 1:3-9Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:13Devotions Mark 1:35Prayer Phil. 4:5,6Memorizing Scripture Psalm 119:11Bible Study Methods 2 Tim. 2:15Confession of Sin 1 John 1:9Dealing with Temptation 1 Cor. 10:13

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Spirit-filled Life Eph 5:18Obedience John 15:9-14God's Discipline Heb. 12:5-11Developing Godly Habits of Living 1 Tim. 4:7Knowing God's Will Prov. 3:5,6Stewardship 2 Cor. 9:6,7Church Involvement Heb. 10:24,25

The doctrinal area includes:Bible Doctrine Titus 2:1 The Trinity 2 Cor.13:14 Deity of Christ John 1:1,14 Salvation John 3:16-18 Sanctification 2 Cor. 3:18 Satan/demons 1 Pet. 5:8,9 Church Matt. 16:18Systematized Bible Knowledge Ezra 7:10Apologetics 1 Pet. 3:15 Inspiration of Scripture 2 Tim. 3:16,17 Proofs of the Resurrection Acts 1:3 Errors of Cults Gal. 1:8,9 Philosophy and Faith Col. 2:8 Science and the Bible Psalm 19Counseling 2 Tim 2:24-26

The discipleship area:Knowledge of how to Share the Faith Acts 1:8Developing and Evangelistic Testimony 1 Tim. 1:12-17Follow-up Training 2 Tim. 2:2Biblical Counseling 1 Thess 5:18-24Working Knowledge of Apologetics 1 John 4:1-3Time Management Eph. 5:16

Spiritual Disciplines

One of the prominent aspects of discipleship is that of spiritual disciplines. "But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7). This

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theme could easily slip into a "doing in order to be" approach to Christian living. In grace discipling, the counselor/discipler needs to keep a "being in order to do" perspective.

As the spreading of solar panels is necessary to capture the light and energy of the sun, similarly, the opening of the believer's heart by spiritual disciplines allows the energy of the Son to flow unhindered through the soul. The strength, therefore, is not in the disciplines, but in the Holy Spirit Who has greater daily influence in the heart through them.

Although these activities can be organized and listed in various ways, this is a typical listing.

Disciplines of Abstinence:Solitude Psalm 46:10Silence Zech. 2:13Fasting Acts 14:23Frugality 1 Tim. 6:6Chastity 1 Thess 4:3-5Secrecy Prov 25:2Sacrifice 2 Cor. 8:2

Disciplines of Engagement:Study 2 Tim. 2:15Worship John 4:23Celebration Phil. 4:4Service Eph. 6:7Prayer Luke 18:1Fellowship Rom. 1:12Confession Psalm 32Submission 1 Pet. 2:13; 4:19

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The Role of Discipleship in Exchanged life Counseling

In a sense, all biblical counseling is discipling. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God through a discipler to help another person live a more successful Christian life. In counseling, the discipleship is essential remedial, rather than proactive and systematic.

In this course, however, the focus is now on "phase four" of the Christ-centered counseling process. When the counselee has appropriated Christ as Savior, Lord, Life, and Liberator, he/she is ready to more fully follow Christ as Leader. Using the Egypt-wilderness-Canaan imagery, this aspect of discipling is illustrated as "occupying the land." After the victories recorded in the book of Joshua (symbolic of spiritual warfare and the freedom in Christ process), the tribes were given their allotments in which to settle. They were to cultivate their farms, manage their business, and be faithful to their covenant obligations. As they were obedient and loyal to the Lord, they were to be a witness to the nations (1 Chron. 14:17;16:24,31).

Some forms of biblical counseling immediately address the counselee's presenting problem(s) by teaching and admonishing with the Scriptures. For example, nouthetic counseling would diagnose certain areas of unbelief, ignorance and sin and proceed directly to "put off" problem beliefs and behavior and "put on" proper beliefs and behavior - Cf. Jay Adams, The Christian Counselor's Manual. Other models may systematically address problem emotions (offering encouragement), problem behavior(offering exhortation), and problem beliefs (offering enlightenment) - Cf. Larry Crabb, Effective Biblical Counseling. There are also exchanged Life approaches to counseling that follow a similar pattern (Greg Burts, Strategic Biblical Counseling, June Hunt, Healing the Hurting Heart.

The four phase counseling model advocated addressing the presenting problem(s) directly after appropriation of Christ as Life and the freedom in Christ process. "The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart." The counselee is more prepared to resolve the problem(s) when he/she has the power (phase two) and the freedom (phase three) to put off and put on. Usually the presenting problem (whether marital, personal, or circumstantial) significantly improves indirectly as a byproduct of the Christ-centered counseling process.

This is not to convey the idea that topical, remedial counseling is unnecessary; rather, it is more fruitful (and less urgent) when dealt with in the proper context. Now, this course

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will consider some of the remedial teaching that may be required after experiencing the fullness of the Cross.

Topical discipleship/counseling

Here the research of Nouthetic counseling is applicable. However, keep in mind that such counseling is usually built on the foundation of a reformed view of sanctification. (GFICI is built on the Keswick model of sanctification as expressed in passages such as Romans 6-8.). In other words, when using other source materials for remedial discipleship maintain the being-in-order-to-do perspective, rather than the usual doing-in-order-to-be perspective. For example Dr. Wayne Mack has prepared much material on topical discipleship. His Nouthetic approach contains much helpful "phase four" material An example: A Homework Manual for Biblical Living, Vol. 1 (Designed in a workbook format for those in a discipling relationship or individuals just wanting some personal help. 202 pages.) A Homework Manual for Biblical Living, Vol. 2 (Designed in a workbook format for those in a discipling relationship or individuals just wanting some personal growth in godliness.) A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manualby Wayne Mack & Wayne Erick Johnston (Homework Manual for Biblical Living, Vol. 3). - www.mackministries.org

A topical series that conveys an exchanged life perspective is the 100 Counseling keys, by June Hunt. Hope for the Heart offers this series as individual albums (audio CDs and booklet) or an electronic edition in their Life Daily Growth Series computer software. See the list of topics on the course CD-ROM: Counseling_Keys.pdf

The web site www.Gracenotebook.com is an online ministry that is intended as a free resource for exchanged Life counselors and clients. By clicking on the Grace Notes tab on the left side of the home page, the user can see a full list of articles alphabetically or can search by date, topic, or key word. Articles can be e-mailed directly from the site to a friend or can be converted to a PDF file to download. The articles can be selected and printed off for counseling assistance and homework.

A useful "phase four" tool is the brief outline titled, Circle of Serenity. This can illustrate how the Christ-centered life equips us with peace and grace to deal with all difficult circumstances in life. This study is on the course CD: Serenity.pdf

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Even when counselees are walking in victory, they need to keep "renewing their mind" with the Christ-centered, grace-oriented truth they have been learning. Parts of the GFI Exchanged life Conference manual are especially relevant for this ongoing discipleship. These sections include: The Daily Cross, How to Set Your Mind, The Believer's New Identity, and The Scripture Memory Project.

The booklet New Testament Discipleship describes four principles that support continued growth in grace: teaching God's word, loving relationship, accountability, and ministry involvement. The counselor should convey this view of discipleship and help the client evaluate what may be needed to strengthen his/her discipleship process. The study also highlights four contexts for continuing discipleship: the personal walk with God, one-to-one, a small group, and the congregational worship services. Ideally, the counselee will be guided to take advantage of all four ministry contexts for sustained growth.

The Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) authorizes God's people to be faithfully committed to world evangelism and discipleship until Christ returns. The ultimate goal in Christ-centered counseling, then, is to guide the struggling believer to identification with Christ, freedom in Christ, and ongoing spiritual growth so that he/she can be used of God to reach and disciple others. If counseling stops with the counselee enjoying personal renewal without a vision to reach out to others, the Christ-life will eventually be quenched. Christ's indwelling Life is not to be used for mere personal enjoyment; this Life is to be invested in reaching and helping others just as the Lord Jesus did during His years of public ministry 2000 years ago. God calls every believer to be an instrument of His peace. (This theme is discussed in the article, An Instrument of God's Peace, on the course CD.) As the victorious counselee is equipped to pass on the good news of the gospel for the sinner AND the gospel for the believer (the abundant life), he/she will benefit from the fellowship of ministry with God: "For we are God’s fellow workers..." (1 Cor. 3:9). Materials the counselee may have studied during the counseling process (e.g., For Me to Live is Christ, Grace Discipleship Course) become tools that he/she can be use in one-to-one or small group ministry. Christ-centered ministry to others has the pleasant additional blessing of helping the discipler maintain this abiding life.

ApologeticsAs mentioned in the summary of discipleship topics above (The Dynamics of Personal Follow Up), apologetics is an important aspect of guarding and defending one's faith. The term is derived from the Greek, apologia, "to give a defense." It is based on texts such as 1 Peter 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and

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fear.” On the course CD ROM, Ray Comfort folder, note information on The Evidence Bible. Josh McDowell has written extensively in this field authoring Evidence That Demands a Verdict (www.Josh.org). Another classic is Paul Little's Know Why You Believe (companion volume to Know What You Believe). Lee Strobel's books (The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator) have been helpful through their interview-of-experts style. Helpful web sites include www.Equip.org, www.probe.org, www.rzim.org., www.ankerberg.com. See Appendix All You need to Know to Start Witnessing Effectively, chapter 6.

Recommended Books

Bright, Bill. Handbook of Christian Maturity. New Life, 1994. [This is a comprehensive inductive Bible study by the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. Formerly published as a series of booklets, Steps to Spiritual maturity, it is now published in this one volume edition.]

Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism and Discipleship (2 Volumes in 1). Prince Press, 1998. [Coleman 's book is a highly regarded study of the discipleship principles exemplified by the Lord Jesus as he mentored the twelve. Book two is a study of discipleship from the book of Acts]

Cullinan, Alice R. Time for a Checkup. Fort Washington, PA: CLC, 2001. [This seven chapter paperback has a study guide available. Using the motif of a medical checkup, Cullinan surveys basic discipleship topics with application checklists.]

Dynamic Life Handbook. (Dynamic Basics, Dynamic Discipling and Dynamic Sharing) Dynamic Churches International. 1991. [These studies are published in a 3 ring binder.]

Emmaus Correspondence Courses. www.ecsministries.org [This is one of the largest schools of its kind. Emmaus studies are written from an evangelical, Open Brethren perspective. The counselor can use these informally by ordering them for counselees from ECS Ministries. Each paperback book covers a lay institute level course with objective tests. Those who are approved as Emmaus Associate Instructors can download the answer keys, grade the courses, and give completion certificates.]

Fortune, Don and Katie. Discover Your God-Given Gifts. Grand Rapids, Chosen Books, 1987. [Although there are various approaches to studying and discovering spiritual gifts,

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this model is a helpful rendition of the seven motivational gifts in Romans 12. Diagnostic tools are included.]

Growing in Christ. Navpress, 1980. [This is a one volume edition of Navigators' popular Design for Discipleship and Lessons on Assurance. It includes 13 inductive Bible studies with memory verses.)

Minirth, Frank, et. al. The Healthy Christian Life. Grand Rapids, baker Book House, 1988. [Although the Minirth-Meier Clinic is integrationist, this book compiles their Bible study homework. Each topic has a summary article, an outline Bible study, and Bible application homework.]

Hunt, June. Counseling Keys. Hope for the Heart. Hopefortheheart.org [There are 100 biblical counseling resources that deal with topical symptoms and issues from an exchanged life-friendly viewpoint. The keys are available individually with a booklet and audio CDs and are also included in their "Life Daily Growth Series" computer software.]

Missler, Nancy. The Key. Coeur d' Alene, ID: The King's Highway Ministries, 2000. [This is a pocket size paperback in their "Plain & Simple Series." This curriculum emphasizes surrender, grace and identity in Christ.]

________. The Way of Agape. ID: The King's Highway Ministries

Turner, Lee. Advanced Grace Discipleship Course. Sun City, AZ: Grace Discipleship Ministries, 1995. Available through GFI.

See also the recommended bibliography from IVP on the course CD.

Evangelistic Booklets to use in personal witnessing

The Four Spiritual Laws (Campus Crusade for Christ)How to Know God PersonallyThe Bridge to Life (Navigators)Four Vital Truths (Living Waters)7 C's Evangi cube (Answers in Genesis)

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Daily Devotionals

Christ-centered, Grace-oriented daily devotions are important for the counselees ongoing growth and stability. Here are some recommendations:

Daily in His Presence, by Andrew Murray - with Bruce Wilkinson (Multnomah) also available by monthly booklets at www.CLCPublications.comDaily in Christ, by Neil and Joanne Anderson (Freedom in Christ Ministries)My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers (Discovery House)Day by Day by Grace, by Robert Hoekstra (www.BluetterBible.com and on E-Sword.netDays of Heaven on Earth, by A.B. Simpson (Christian Publications)His Victorious Indwelling, edited by Nick Harrison (Zondervan)None but the Hungry Heart, by Miles Stanford

Recommended Media

The Jesus film (video or DVD) Campus Crusade for Christ www.JesusFilm.org [This film based on the Gospel of Luke has been seen by more people than any other film in history. It is available in many languages and concludes with an evangelistic appeal.]

The Hope (video or DVD) - MarsHill.org [This documentary style film contains video clips of biblical drama while presenting the message of redemption through a chronological panorama.]

LifeStory CDs - Lifestory.org [The Lifestory Foundation has produced about twenty evangelistic testimonies by prominent Christians. Whether sports celebrities, political or business leaders, "or "overcomers," they each tell their story and make the plan of salvation clear. A sample CD is included in this course's materials. Copies can be made of this CD (and the other Lifestory recordings) to be made available for counselees. The Lifestory CD titled The Next Step is a good summary of issues related to personal follow up/discipleship.) For further online transcripts and audio versions visit Evangelistic testimonies available online and through GFI.]

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Recommended Ministries

The Bible LeagueThe counselor should have some New Testaments available in case the counselee does not have a copy of God's Word. One popular supplier is the Bible League. That ministry also produces the Friendship series. The booklet topics deal with a variety of issues including prayer (Talking With God), forgiveness (Real Pardon), grief (God Understands), illness (Someone Cares), rejection (Who Cares When I Hurt), abuse (Back to Wholeness), stress (Stress: Letting Go and Letting God), old age (Living Long and Loving it), marriage (Love that Lasts), birth of a child (A Miracle of Love), etc. Answers to Live By is a handy doctrinal catechism that exclusively uses biblical quotations for the answers. These booklets contain practical counsel, Scripture quotes and poetry. Scripture Gifts Mission publishes a variety of themed Scripture booklets; some of them are evangelistic.

Church Life

If your counseling is conducted in a parachurch setting, some counselees who have been disillusioned with the local church may be inclined to remain inactive. Local church worship and involvement should be encouraged. (See Grace notes: The church: A view from Above." If the counselee has not received believer's baptism, this should be a priority. Immersion best fits the new testament data and is a vital symbol of the believers identification with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. The Lord's table is prescribed for believers as an ongoing blessing that reminds us of our communion with Christ in His death and life.

Christian Literature CrusadeThis international ministry publishes deeper life Christian literature with mission work in over fifty countries. Many of the classics of Christ-centered, grace-oriented books are available through www.clcpublications.com (800-659-1240). This is invaluable in ongoing discipleship that reinforces the counseling process.

Financial Stewardship Crown.org is a radio program that offers financial training and resources. Their Money map (it looks like a folded road map) by Howard Dayton and Chuck Bentley gives an introduction to their principles and resources.

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Dave Ramsey is a popular speaker, radio personality (Daily Money Makeover) and author. His Financial Peace University is available for churches and for personal use via DVD.- www.DaveRamsey.com

Health Principles

Although GFICI does not give medical diagnosis or advice, there are Christian ministries specializing in biblical and nutritional health principles, education, and products. Since counselees' physical condition may affect their mental functioning, emotions and energy level, these ministries may have beneficial information.Hallelujah Acres: www.hacres.comDr. Lorraine day: www.Drday.comDr. Mary Ruth Swope www.MaryRuthSwope.comHealth Quarters www.HealthQuarters.org

Otto KoningThis missionary speaker is well known for his recordings on The Pineapple Story (surrender or rights) and The Snake Story (spiritual warfare). His tape album is an excellent resource- available from IBLP.org.

RBC MinistriesRBC, publisher of Our Daily Bread, and producer of Radio Bible Class, has many topical Bible study booklets. Some of these are designated as counseling resources. Most of the booklets are now available in PDF format at their web site. See www.rbc.org/bible_study/discovery_series/home.aspx

Information from a conventional medical perspective is available at sites such as www.WebMD.com

Pocket Testament LeagueThis ministry specializes in special evangelistic editions of the Gospel of John. www.pocketpower.org

JBWGrace Fellowship International Counseling InstituteEvangelism and Discipleship Course

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