The Limits of Pastoral Care: When Counseling Isn’t Appropriate

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Pastors provide spiritual guidance, but there are times when counseling crosses into territory best handled by trained professionals. In this episode, Josh and Sam explore the limits of pastoral care—when ethical, legal, and practical concerns make it necessary to refer someone elsewhere. From mental health crises to marital conflicts beyond a pastor’s expertise, knowing when to step back is crucial for both the pastor and the person seeking help. We’ll discuss red flags, healthy boundaries, and how pastors can support without overstepping.

- Substance abuse and addiction
- Children, teens, and other vulnerable people
- Meeting with one spouse with marital troubles
- Reporting crimes and other abusive situations
- People who use regular counseling to feel better without getting better
- Conflict of interest with church employees

Resources:

The Revitalization at Shadowbrook Church

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Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others.

But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation.

- A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel.
- Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff.
- Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them.
- Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel.

Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation.

He knew exactly where to turn.

Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship.

Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified.

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