Heath Lambert - A Theology of Biblical Counseling: The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry

Biblical counselors, self-styled, see their trade as one-on-one churchly service to the troubled, the perplexed, and the hurting. Lambert writes to equip counselors with the biblical truths and wisdom that they need to do their job. He does this most effectively, and his book makes an excellent training manual.

J. I. Packer, Regent College

Having dealt with the sufficiency of the Scriptures in some depth, Dr. Lambert courses through the corpus of Systematic Theology, briefly sketching the meaning of each topic together with instances of how it worked out in changing the lives of various sorts of counselees. For those unfamiliar with the idea of using biblical truth, systematically understood, in counseling, this book will become a useful eye-opener; for those already familiar with the approach, it will prove a welcome refresher. Pastor, counselor, you will want to have a copy.

Jay E. Adams, author of Competent to Counsel and a member of the Academy of ACBC

Heath Lambert has updated Adamss work in A Theology of Biblical Counseling, showing that biblical doctrine is sufficient to address the problems of human life and therefore is the foundation for godly and effective counseling. He has done this job well, and I hope many readers will take advantage of this excellent book.

John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary

Lamberts depth of research, critical engagement, and accessible style have provided the church with a helpful tool the likes of which we have not seen since Adamss A Theology of Christian Counseling. This book should prove to be a helpful tool in navigating the oft misunderstood disciplines of Systematic Theology and Biblical Counseling. I heartily recommend it to anyone desiring to know the why behind the how of biblical counseling.

Elyse Fitzpatrick, author of Counsel from the Cross

I wholeheartedly recommend this volume by my friend Heath Lambert. He provides a great basic theology for the field of Biblical Counseling that is sorely needed.... His well-thought-out arguments and addressing of controversial issues give much for the seasoned biblical counselor or academic (or even critic of Biblical Counseling) to consider. In short, I believe any Christian committed to or interested in counseling will benefit from reading this book.

John Babler, Professor of Counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

A Theology of Biblical Counseling is an outstanding contribution to the entire evangelical community. Heath demonstrates with real-life examples that theology is important not only for counseling but for living an authentic Christian life. Anyone, counselor or not, who wants to help a fellow believer along the way will profit greatly from this book.

Jerry Bridges, author of Trusting God Even When Life Hurts

Heath Lambert demonstrates the vital connection between the message of the Bible, its relevance to life in a broken world, and its significance in the practice of counseling. Building on the foundation of Jay Adams, he summarizes key theological doctrines and imbeds them deeply into the counseling practice using compelling case studies throughout each chapter... every counselors counselees and practice will benefit from reading this book.

Kevin Carson, Professor of Biblical Counseling, Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Counseling cannot be considered biblical without a proper orientation to God and his Word. Heath Lambert brings clarity and help to the counselor as he tackles often misunderstood issues like sufficiency, common grace, and general revelation. I would recommend this book to any student of the Bible but particularly those who call themselves biblical counselors.

Garrett Higbee, Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition

After reading this volume I am convinced that Christian counselors and teachers of counseling will find it one of the best and most helpful counseling manuals presently available. I will certainly use this book as a required-reading assignment for my students.

Dr. Wayne Mack, Professor of Biblical Counseling, Director of Strengthening Ministries Training Institute, ACBC Africa; Pastor/elder, Lynnwood Baptist Church

If you are a counselor your counsel has no authority if it is not built upon a solid biblical theology. In A Theology of Biblical Counseling, Dr. Heath Lambert has made a significant contribution to biblical counseling by demonstrating how good theology must inform both the theory and the practice of Christian counseling. Every sincere Christian counselor should read and digest this book!

Dr. John D. Street, Chair, MABC Graduate Program, The Masters College and Seminary; President, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)

There is no other book like this.... Dr. Lambert does a wonderful job of using case studies to connect biblical counseling to each area of theology in very practical way.... This book makes me excited about the future of biblical counseling (and I dont excite easily).

Jim Newheiser, Executive Director of the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship

A Theology of Biblical Counseling is a delight to read. Heath Lambert shows us with great wisdom and skill that evangelical theology and practical ministry go together beautifully! If you are looking for a readable, bite-sized volume that relates powerful biblical truth to the everyday challenges of Christian living, this book is for you.

Lance Quinn, Senior Pastor, Thousand Oaks Bible Church

Due to its maturity and depth, A Theology of Biblical Counseling is sure to become a text used by friends and foes alike. Get it. Read it. Ponder it. Discuss it. Give it away. May it be used to advance the cause of Biblical Counseling and the Kingdom of the risen, reigning King of Kings.

George C. Scipione, Director of the Biblical Counseling Institute of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

A Theology of Biblical Counseling is an invaluable book for biblical soul care within the church. Theologian John Frame has written that true theology is application. Lamberts book is certainly an example of this truth in how it applies theology to real-life discipleship counseling scenarios. In his work, he clearly shows us just how the Scriptures can be sufficient for counseling issues of the heart and life.

Dr. Stuart W. Scott, Professor of Biblical Counseling, The Masters College

One of the most important books written on biblical counseling in this generation. Heath Lambert does an excellent job of addressing crucial biblical truths in a practical and understandable way. This book will be helpful for everyone from the beginning counselor to the seasoned practitioner or professor.... I wholeheartedly commend it to you.

Dr. Stephen Viars, Senior Pastor, Faith Church

Also by Heath Lambert

Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace

ZONDERVAN

A Theology of Biblical Counseling

Copyright 2016 by Heath Lambert

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition March 2016: ISBN 978-0-3105-1817-4

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Lambert, Heath, 1979

Title: A theology of biblical counseling : the doctrinal foundations of counseling ministry / Heath Lambert.

Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2016.

Identifiers: LCCN 2015039601 | ISBN 9780310518167 (hardcover, printed)