Baker Counseling Collection (3 Vols.)

Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model, 2nd ed.

• Author: David G. Benner
• 160 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 2003

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Since its publication a decade ago, Strategic Pastoral Counseling has been a standard text for pastoral counseling classes and a practical resource for parish clergy. This user-friendly book has been thoroughly revised and now includes two new chapters. Benner includes helpful case studies, an appendix on contemporary ethical issues, and extensive chapter bibliographies.

Benner maintains that clergy are uniquely positioned in their pastoral roles to combine the therapeutic approach of modern counseling with the framework of classic Christian soul care. This practical handbook will be a useful guide for any pastoral counseling ministry.

David G. Benner is Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at Psychological Studies Institute, Atlanta, GA. He is the author or editor of fifteen books, including the Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling.

Praise for the First Print Edition

A model for strategic pastoral counseling that is brief and time limited (usually five sessions), bibliotherapeutics, wholistic, structured, spiritually focused, and explicitly Christian. Pastors and church leaders involved in counseling ministries will benefit greatly from reading it.
—Siang-Yang Tan, Fuller Theological Seminary

Pastors operate within a different paradigm than the private counselor. David Benner’s book bridges this gap and offers the pastor a model of counseling that is sensitive to the peculiarities of pastoral ministry.
—Rod Wilson, Regent College

When it comes to counseling, most pastors feel that the contents of their counseling toolboxes are severely limited. Benner's revision of Strategic Pastoral Counseling should help with this predicament. This book is not just another reprint from a decade ago. There are many updates and significant revisions. One of the most beneficial changes is the expanded vision of the role of the pastoral counselor…There is much in Benner's book to encourage and empower pastors.
—Bryan N. Maier, Trinity Journal

Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling: A Case for Integrating Psychology and Theology

• Author: William T. Kirwan
• 232 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 1984

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

In Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling, William Kirwan sounds a clarion call for a thorough integration of psychology and theology and demonstrates how biblical principles should be the cornerstone of any healthy Christian counseling ministry.

William T. Kirwan (Ph.D., St. Louis University; D.Min., Union Theological Seminary) is a licensed psychologist at Psychiatric Associates in St. Louis as well as an ordained minister for an Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Praise for the Print Edition

Worthy reading for anyone who is seriously interested in relating psychology to Christian theology and who is deeply concerned to develop an approach to counseling congruent with Christian truth. The author has done his homework, integrating careful theological reflection with solid psychological theorizing and clinical experience. The result is a most significant contribution to the development of a truly Christian psychology.
—David G. Benner, Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality, Psychological Studies Institute

Dr. Kirwan draws from Scripture, clinical experience and psychological literature in his exposition of the counseling theory and practice which he has developed. In this easy-to-read volume Scriptures come alive, and relate as never before to our experiences as broken selves in a broken world. Moreover, Kirwan brings to light insights from contemporary psychology and from Christian thinkers…Biblical Concepts challenges many of our notions and attitudes, daring us to be more biblical in our preaching and counseling.
—John W. Sanderson, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary

Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Applications, 2nd ed.

• Authors: Paul D. Meier, Frank B. Minirth, Frank B. Wichern, and Donald E. Ratcliff
• 368 pages
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker | 1991

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

This explanation of classic theory features many relevant essays on persons, ideas, and applications. Not only is the text organized according to introductory counseling courses, but it is also a reference tool of enduring value.

Subject areas include:

The second edition includes more than one hundred “spotlights,” which feature persons, ideas, and applications relevant to Christian counseling. Copious illustrations supplement the text, a glossary explains technical terms, and thorough indexes guide the reader.

Paul D. Meier is a nationally recognized psychiatrist and the founder of Meier Clinics, with over thirty clinic programs located throughout the country.

Frank Minirth is a diplomat of both the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Forensic Medicine. He holds doctoral degrees in both theology and medicine. Dr. Minirth has been in private practice in the Dallas area since 1975. He has degrees from Arkansas State University, Arkansas School of Medicine, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He is president of the Minirth Clinic, P.A., in Richardson, Texas, and consultant to the Minirth Christian Program at Green Oaks Behavior Healthcare Services. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Pastoral Ministries and Counseling Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Minirth is heard nationally on radio and television, and he has authored or co-authored approximately sixty books, including the best-sellers Happiness Is a Choice, Love is a Choice, and Love Hunger.

Frank B. Wichern is a Clinical Psychologist in Richardson, Texas.

Donald E. Ratcliff, is Price-LeBar Professor of Christian Education, Wheaton College. He has authored several books, and academic papers in the field of child development.

Praise for the Print Edition

From the physical basis to counseling modalities, this is the obvious textbook of choice for schools desiring to teach psychology from a Christian viewpoint. This is great for upper division high school or a general course for college students.
—Online Review

This book is laid out well and covers the topics of Psychology beautifully. It thoroughly integrates the Christian philosophy in what has been thus far considered a non-Christian topic. This book gives my students a well rounded approach to the subject of Psychology using the Bible and Neurophysiology as its base.
—Online Review