A Step-By-Step Guide for Pastors Pastors spend much of their time counseling people in crisis―a delicate task that requires one to carefully evaluate each situation, share relevant principles from God’s Word, and offer practical suggestions for moving forward. Too often, however, pastors feel unprepared to effectively shepherd their people through difficult circumstances such as depression, adultery, eating disorders, and suicidal thinking. Written to help pastors and church leaders understand the basics of biblical counseling, this book provides an overview of the counseling process from the initial meeting to the final session. It also includes suggestions for cultivating a culture of discipleship within a church and four appendixes featuring a quick checklist, tips for taking notes, and more. “Biblical counseling, grounded in the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, is essential to the health of the church. Furthermore, pastors must be equipped for the task of counseling with the Word of God. The Pastor and Counseling is a remarkably helpful introduction to the pastoral counseling ministry and is brimming with sage, biblical wisdom for both new and seasoned pastors. Every pastor needs this book.” ― R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary “This book is faithful to God, thoughtful, and realistic about people. It’s clearly written, simple, and practical in its suggestions. We all struggle. How can you and your whole church learn to care well? Go take this book to heart.” ― David Powlison, Late Executive Director, Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation “This is a book on how pastors should listen to their church members and speak to them. This is a book on how we should love. It is eminently biblical, practical, and refreshing. Perhaps we should make it required reading for all new elders.” ― Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC “This book demonstrates to busy pastors that the work of counseling is not only required, but also possible. If you are a pastor who feels overwhelmed by this critical task of shepherding, Pierre and Reju are reliable guides to steer you through the confusion. Their deep convictions about Scripture have been tested in the crucible of pastoral ministry. I am excited for you to learn from them in the pages of this book.” ― Heath Lambert, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville; author, A Theology of Biblical Counseling and Finally Free “This is the best primer for pastoral counseling I’ve read―and I’ve read many. Frankly, reading it is the equivalent of at least two excellent seminary courses on pastoral counseling. Read it, apply it, and be equipped for the personal ministry of the Word to God’s people in your church.” ― Bob Kellemen, Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Counseling, Faith Bible Seminary; author, Grief: Walking with Jesus “Pierre and Reju offer a gem to pastors as they shine a light on the privilege and necessity of shepherding God’s people. Winsomely written, this primer is loaded with invaluable perspectives, guidelines, and insights on how to love others well during their time of need. Having spent countless hours with each of these pastors over the years, I wholeheartedly commend their work.” ― Robert K. Cheong, Pastor of Care, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky; Council Board Member, Biblical Counseling Coalition; author, God Redeeming His Bride “Pierre and Reju have written a balanced approach to both theory and methodology in one volume. It will be a great asset for the busy pastor who wants to do biblical counseling but doesn’t know where to start. One’s counseling appetite for truth and practical help will be satisfied, and one’s confidence will be strengthened. With this book in hand, the fear of counselees and their problems will lessen in the pastor’s heart.” ― Rod Mays, Adjunct Professor of Counseling, Reformed Theological Seminary; Executive Pastor, Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, Greenville, South Carolina “One of the most important and perhaps most overwhelming things ministers do is pastoral care and counseling. This book provides pastors with a basic framework to approach the troubles and suffering of the people they are privileged to shepherd.” ― Justin S. Holcomb, Episcopal Priest; Adjunct Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando; coauthor, Rid of My Disgrace and God Made All of Me ; editor, Christian Theologies of Scripture “Pastoring is hard work, a labor of love that requires practical theological know-how along with the heart of Jesus for people who are suffering or straying. This is the best primer available, pointing pastors to the wisdom found only in the Bible and outlining basic methods and procedures for the personal ministry of the gospel.” ― Sam R. Williams, Professor of Counseling, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary “Pierre and Reju faithfully point pastors to the life-transforming