It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers... (Ephesians 4:11 NIV)

Spiritual Gift of Pastor/Biblical Counseling Defined

In one sense, pastoring is the office reserved for those men who meet the biblical criteria (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). In another sense, there is a pastoral gift also commonly known as shepherding or biblical counseling that God gives to people in the church beyond the pastors/elders. These people protect, guide, counsel, and disciple other people.

People with the Gift of Pastor/Biblical Counseling

The person with a pastoral gifting has a love for people that compels them to meet with people to care for them and guide them with biblical instruction. People with this gift find great joy in seeing people mature in their faith and overcome besetting sin and discouragement.

Pastor/Biblical Counseling in Scripture

Jesus is called the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11-14; 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) and the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). Also, the Bible gives us snapshots of Jesus sitting with people to pastor them, such as his interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Paul is another example of a pastor or biblical counselor (Acts 20:17-35).

Do you have this gift?

• Do you have a deep love for people that compels you to care for them?
• Do you enjoy meeting with people to listen to their life story and provide them biblical counsel?
• When you hear that someone is hurting is your first instinct to try and meet with them to be of help?
• Are you able to point out sin and folly in someone's life in a loving way that they receive as helpful?
• Do you enjoy meeting with Christians to help them mature in their faith?
• Do people pursue you for counsel and instruction?