My Journey As A Counselor: CJ Zachariasen
Author: CJ Zachariasen
I believe I was always being prepared by the Lord to be a biblical counselor. Of course, I didn’t realize it until I was older. But as I look back on even my childhood years, I know that each situation in my life was teaching me about hardships. And even though my spiritual life was quite shallow then, I always felt Jesus was with me and cared for me.
Many years ago, when our family attended CHEFC (Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church), Ron and I desired to help people who were suffering. We had experienced many of our own difficult situations. For two of our children, I spent countless hours on the phone, calling all over the United States, hoping to find counseling for our specific needs. But, I found no one to help. I certainly wish I had found resources like biblical counseling. Since I didn’t, I longed for help that was not to be found. I believe that is another way I was being prepared to be a biblical counselor.
Although we didn’t have guidance for such a ministry at our church, God was planting a seed in us. Ron did quite a bit of investigating into counseling ministries, but none of them seemed to be a good match for our church, CHEFC. Eventually, in 2008, God sent Jason Poling to our church and as a pastor, he fulfilled the ministry position for biblical counseling. At that point, Pastor Jason taught a soul care class and several of us attended training in Lafayette, Indiana with the ACBC organization.
Over the past 10 years I have taken tracks 1,2,3 and 5 each once and track 6 twice and track 4 three times. I have immersed myself in biblical counseling books, the monthly meetings and training at the Eastern Iowa Biblical Counseling Coalition and various internet resources. I believe I have been counseling for about 9 years. The first couple of years were really tough because no matter how much training you have, being in the counseling room is a daunting responsibility. My regular bible study time, prayer time, reliance on the Holy Spirit and specific planning for my counselees was absolutely crucial to grow as a counselor.
Each counselee is unique and therefore their needs are unique. Consequently, the Holy Spirit may lead a session very differently than how you have planned. This teaches you to listen carefully and be flexible. Biblical counseling is all about changed hearts which only God can do. That makes biblical counseling a thrilling ministry. God’s work to heal, change and grow hearts through faith is a stunning process to be part of. And when you walk with someone in counseling, God works in your heart also. That is a praise!
As biblical counselors address more current issues such as gender identity, it may seem that biblical counseling will get harder. But the truths of the Scriptures have addressed the same issues since the beginning of man. Biblical counseling will always need the Wonderful Counselor to heal broken people. And may we be faithful to His leading.