Podcast episode 26

Charging Fees for Biblical Counseling? - Deborah Dewart

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Although this article was not originally written for a podcast, we offer it here for those who don't have time to read it. If you prefer to read it, you can do that here.

See the timestamps below to skip to different sections:

00:00 BIBLICAL CONTENT + BIBLICAL CONTEXT

03:29 BIBLICAL TIMES

04:06 MINISTRY, MOTIVES, AND MONEY

08:27 GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS LEADERS

14:16 OTHER BIBLICAL EVIDENCE

19:57 WHO IS THE “COUNSELEE”?

21:20 WORLDLY MODEL

25:07 LEGAL LIABILITY

29:54 COUNSELING OR DISCIPLESHIP?

30:28 CONCLUSION - “COME TO THE WATERS”

Should a ministry relationship, either in its initiation or continuation, ever be conditioned on the payment of a fee?

Should the fulfillment of a biblical responsibility to care for God’s people ever be conditioned on the payment of a fee?

In recent years, many churches and Christians have started to question modern psychotherapy and return to God’s Word as sufficient for counseling other believers. Although we rejoice at this development, a related question lurks in the background. Is it biblical to charge fees for biblical counseling? Is this question quickly answered “yes” by a simple reference to scriptures saying the “laborer is worthy of his wages”? (See Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:15, Luke 10:7, Matthew 10:10, 1 Timothy 5:18, 1 Corinthians 9:14.)

Knowing this topic may generate heated debate and disagreement, I begin with some personal observations as a former psychologized counselee. My journey through the maze of psychotherapy ran nearly thirty years. I was much like the sick woman who came to touch the garment of Jesus after spending all she had and suffering under the care of doctors who could not heal her (Mark 5:25-34). I poured out thousands of dollars to psychiatrists and psychologists who had no answers. The church sent me away, referring me to “greener” counseling pastures. Just having a “friend” cost dearly. Is this how God intends for His undershepherds to care for His sheep? Jesus told John three times to “feed My lambs” (John 21:15-17). Did He intend for His lambs to be charged for the meal?

This was originally published by Christian Discernment Publications Ministry, Inc. (© 2007) and has been republished by permission, due to its valuable insights.