Quotes by James MacDonald

Any counseling that does not pursue spiritual formation through an intimate relationship with Jesus by faith as one of its chief goals is not worthy to be called BIBLICAL counseling.

When it comes to biblical counseling, friendship is central to the counseling relationship because it is a key aspect of the Gospel. Pauls words display it; Jesus actions approve it. In Jesus Christ, friendship has its ultimate – that is, its paradigmatic – display. He sacrificially gave Himself for the good of those he befriended – people who were awkward and troubled types, people who did not offer Him anything particularly desirable in return.

So often, its others around us who can see where God wants to grow us even before we see it ourselves.

Small groups are the place to push past Bible knowledge and on to life application so that we can see peoples lives transform more and more into the image of Christ.

If our counseling is truly Christ-centered, then the topic of forgiveness will inevitably come up in the journey toward growth and change.

If spiritual formation is the purpose of the church, then personal transformation should intentionally be the purpose of the small group ministry. Bible study is great. Fellowship is wonderful. Evangelism is essential. But changing and growing to be more like Christ should be the purpose of the small group ministry.

Many pastors would rather preach Gods Word and keep their distance than invest in a personal one-on-one counseling ministry. Most pastors counsel because they have to, not because they want to.

Word-centered people who enter counseling will be more likely follow the guidance set out in Scripture. Because they know more of the depth of their sin, they are more willing to allow other church members to help them stay on that right path.

Counseling is ultimately not about the counselee or the counselor, but about the Divine Counselor.

We are less interested in the number of disciples and more interested in the quality of discipleship.

Human sin is stubborn, but not as stubborn as the grace of God and not half as persistent, not half so ready to suffer to win its way

The body of Christ is about doing life together, and by doing life together sin is revealed.

I experience transcendence when something infinite reminds me I am finite.

To disrespect a person made in the image and likeness of God is a lot worse than desecrating a flag. We should be offended and repulsed in the same way when Gods image bearers are desecrated – abused, beaten, neglected, discriminated against, and not loved and taken care of as they should be.