When church members seek out pastors for counseling, they often need guidance, encouragement, or deeper intervention. These “pocket questions” will help you assess the root issues, provide meaningful care, and determine if professional counseling is needed.
Understanding the Reason for Seeking Help
Understanding why someone has sought counseling is the first step in providing the right kind of support. These questions help identify the urgency of their concern and any previous advice they’ve received.
- “What prompted you to reach out today?”
- “Have you spoken to anyone else about this issue before? If so, what advice did they give?”
- “How long have you been struggling with this concern?”
Emotional & Mental Health Check-In
Assessing emotional well-being is crucial to understanding their mental state. These questions help gauge emotional stability, underlying struggles, and any urgent concerns.
- “How would you describe your emotional state over the past few weeks?”
- “Do you often feel… (use the words they provided in the previous question)?”
- “Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself or others?” (If yes, seek immediate professional help.)
Spiritual Well-Being
Faith plays a significant role in healing and perspective. These questions explore their spiritual struggles and practices that may provide comfort or insight.
- “How is your relationship with God right now?”
- “Are you finding comfort in prayer and Scripture, or do you feel distant from God?”
- “Is there a specific passage or spiritual practice that has helped you in the past?”
Relational & Social Health
A strong support system is vital for emotional and spiritual well-being. These questions help determine whether relational stressors are contributing to their struggles.
- “Are there any strained relationships in your life that are adding to your stress?”
- “Do you have a strong support system (family, friends, church community)?”
- “Do you feel isolated or disconnected from others?”
Past Hurts & Unresolved Trauma
Unresolved trauma can shape current struggles. These questions provide insight into past experiences that may still be impacting their emotional health.
- “Are there past experiences that might be influencing how you’re feeling today?”
- “Have you had previous counseling or support for any past trauma?”
- “Would you be open to talking about how past wounds are affecting your present challenges?”
Decision-Making & Life Direction
Major life decisions can create stress and uncertainty. These questions help them process their choices and discern God’s direction.
- “Are you currently facing a major life decision? If so, what options are you considering?”
- “Do you feel confident in God’s direction for your life right now?”
- “What fears or doubts are making this decision difficult for you?”
When to Refer for Professional Help
While pastors provide essential spiritual and emotional support, some concerns require professional intervention. If any of these issues arise, referring them to a Christian counselor is important:
- Persistent or severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
- Addiction or substance abuse concerns
- History of abuse or trauma that remains unresolved
- Mental health conditions requiring clinical intervention
- Patterns of destructive behavior affecting their well-being
Encouraging Next Steps
Providing hope and direction is key in pastoral counseling. These questions help the individual take practical and spiritual steps toward healing.
- “How can we invite God into this journey?”
- “Would you be open to meeting regularly to continue this conversation?”
- “Would you consider seeking additional support from a Christian counselor or mentor?”
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with spiritual guidance, emotional support, and professional help when needed, healing is possible. As pastors, your role is to listen, guide, and point individuals toward both faith-based and practical resources.
If additional counseling support is needed, Christian counselors at Seven Oaks Therapy are available to help.