Biblical Counseling Pastor

Philosophy of Biblical Counseling at Doxa

Biblical counseling at Doxa (doxa.church) is not a separate or therapeutic service—it is discipleship applied to the struggles of life. We believe that God created man in His image for His glory, that sin and the fall explain the root problem of human struggle, and that God’s Word is fully sufficient to bring hope and transformation through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, the goal of all counseling is the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31), not merely personal relief or self-fulfillment. The counselor helps people respond rightly to both sin and suffering in ways that honor God, trusting in Christ as the solution and depending on the Spirit for true change. Counseling flows within the context of the local church, harmonizing with preaching, discipleship, and shepherding ministries, so that counselees are not treated as clients but as brothers and sisters in Christ, called to grow in obedience and faith.

This philosophy means the Pastor of Biblical Counseling must function as a shepherd who both personally counsels and equips others to counsel, always keeping counseling integrated with the wider discipleship ministry of the church.

Key Distinctives:

• God’s Glory as the Goal: Counseling exists to magnify God, not simply to relieve burdens. Human flourishing flows from rightly ordered worship.


• Sin & Suffering as the Problem: Counseling addresses sin and its effects as the root issue, helping counselees respond biblically in both sin and suffering.


• Scripture as Sufficient: God’s Word is our sole authority for counseling—offering diagnosis, direction, and hope for change.


• Christ as Solution, Spirit as Agent of Change: True transformation comes only through Christ’s redeeming work and the Spirit’s sanctifying power.


• The Church as the Context: Counseling is discipleship within the church family, not an isolated or professionalized service.


• Clear and Compassionate Method: Counselors speak the truth in love—exhorting, admonishing, and encouraging with patience and clarity.

Position Title: Biblical Counseling Pastor 

Reports To: Executive Pastor 

Employment Status: Full Time, Salary Exempt 

Summary: This position will function as a shepherd who both personally counsels and equips others to counsel, always keeping counseling integrated with the wider discipleship ministry of Doxa Church. 

Qualifications:

• Clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ with a growing, vibrant relationship with Him.


• Member of Doxa Church, fully embracing its doctrine, mission, and worship philosophy.


• Elder-qualified lifestyle and reputation (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1)


• ACBC certification or equivalent (or in process with intent to complete).


• Spiritually mature, humble, trustworthy, marked by servant-heartedness and ability to hold confidence. 


• Collaborative and able to partner well with other pastors, ministries, and leaders for the overall disciple-making mission of the church.


• Able to teach, train, and equip others with both clarity and compassion.


• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.

Experience or Education:

• M.Div. preferred; a masters degree in Biblical Counseling with residency completed is acceptable.


• Serving in pastoral ministry for at least four years, with experience in congregational care.


• Demonstrated counseling ministry experience that reflects the sufficiency of Scripture and commitment to biblical discipleship.


• Experience in training and developing others in biblical counseling.
  
  

Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include:    

Counseling & Soul Care

• Provide ongoing biblical counseling (2-4 cases weekly), modeling compassionate, Word-centered, Christ-exalting care.


• Partner with Congregational Care Pastor on pre-marriage counseling ministry (recruiting, training, assigning, and equipping couples).


• Build and support a robust Soul Care Group ministry to address specialized areas of need (grief, addiction, marriage, parenting, etc.), ensuring these groups are integrated with discipleship and pastoral care. 

Equipping & Training

• Lead and shepherd ~2 direct reports, the Doxa Counseling Leadership Team and the Counseling Team.


• Develop and maintain counselor training pathways, including equipping for certification. 


• Train leaders, small group facilitators, and ministry volunteers in how to apply biblical counsel within their discipleship contexts.

Partnership in Discipleship 

• Ensure counseling harmonizes with the broader discipleship philosophy of Doxa.


• Partner with elders and ministry leaders so counseling supports and strengthens preaching, small groups, and other shepherding efforts.


• Establish and support clear pathways between counseling and ongoing discipleship for individuals and families.

Pastoral Responsibilities

• Serve as a full member of the pastoral team, contributing to the spiritual leadership and care of the church.


• Develop and manage the annual biblical counseling ministry budget.


• Participate in regular pastoral duties (preaching, sacraments, weddings, funerals, pastoral visitation).


• Assist in carrying out the mission and pillars of Doxa Church, joyfully serving in “all-hands” ministry as needed.