Meeting with your pastor

Why You Should Talk to Your Pastor

Getting guidance from your pastor is a vital piece of our counseling plan.

The triage model of 1) parents, 2) church community, and then 3) Victory Academy is essential to the success of our program.

Why do we encourage you to talk to a pastor?

God’s Word points us in that direction

Hebrews 13:17 advises, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (ESV).

These words sound a little strong, maybe even offensive, to independent Americans, don’t they?

But this instruction helps us understand that we, as sheep, need shepherds. Peter reminds pastor-shepherds in 1 Peter 5:2 to “shepherd the flock of God.” Your pastors have been called to watch over your church, so it would be good for you to seek them out as you make critical decisions about your family.

We need the input of others

Proverbs 13:10 contains this little gem: “With the well-advised is wisdom.”

Simply stated, we need advice and counsel from others. I hope we’re able to admit this: We lack wisdom.

I sure do.

Unlike God, we can’t see “every-single-thing” “all-the-time.” God has made us interdependent, not independent, and so we need the wisdom and “eyes” others can provide.

Then there’s Proverbs 15:22: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

So, would you be willing to check in with one of your pastors? They are almost always glad to help, and they will hopefully walk with you through the difficult decisions you’re seeking to make.

Dave Bender
Certified Biblical Counselor,
Family Ministries at Bay City Baptist Church,
Green Bay, Wisconsin