The Biblical Counseling Movement after Adams [eBook]

Those inside and outside of the biblical counseling movement recognize growing differences between the foundational work of Jay Adams and that of current thought leaders such as David Powlison. But, as any student or teacher of the discipline can attest, those differences have been ill-defined and largely anecdotal until now.

Heath Lambert, the first scholar to analyze the movement’s development from within, shows how refinements in framework, methodology, and engagement style are changing the face of the biblical counseling movement as we know it—producing a second generation of counselors who are increasingly competent to counsel. Find out how the biblical counseling movement has changed and improved and how the present-day leadership differs from the leadership of the past, in a respectful effort to evaluate and advance the efficacy of biblical counseling.

HEATH LAMBERT (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of pastoral theology and coordinator of the department of biblical counseling at Boyce College of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lambert is also pastor of Biblical Living at Crossing Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and sits on the review board for The Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and the Biblical Counseling Coalition’s council.

“Having been a part of biblical counseling for some twenty-five years, I greatly appreciate and whole-heartedly endorse Dr. Lambert’s incredible work. He informs the novice, the veteran, and the critic on how the great heroes of the biblical counseling movement have built upon one another. He shows how an understanding of the movement must proceed from both historical and biblical contexts. And, as he reflects on the past one hundred years of church history, Lambert contributes a clear perspective on present day biblical counseling by demonstrating its strengths and weaknesses. He does this work in a way that leaves readers challenged, more unified, and strengthened in their faith and resolve concerning the sufficiency of the Scriptures.”
—Stuart W. Scott, Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling, Southern Seminary; author, The Exemplary Husband and Biblical Manhood

“Like any significant church movement throughout ecclesiastical history, the biblical counseling movement has been subject to many changes and considerable growth. It has become a worldwide, multi-cultural agent of change for the Church of Jesus Christ. Heath Lambert has written an amazing account of key influences that God, in his perfect sovereignty, has brought about in this movement. This factual account is an important contribution to understanding how and why the biblical counseling movement has had such a profound and lasting impact. It is a must read for anyone who desires to understand this movement.”
—John D. Street, Chair, MABC Graduate Program, The Master’s College and Seminary

“This book is an excellent resource for explaining the history of the biblical counseling movement, including the successes and failures along the way. Heath Lambert presents a great framework for all who want to grow and advance biblical counseling.”
—Dennis Lee, Program Manager, Hebron Center Addictions Recovery Program

“A thoughtful analysis of the development of a growing discipline, The Biblical Counseling Movement After Adams offers a careful assessment of the intriguing history of the biblical counseling movement. Dr. Lambert goes to great lengths to help the reader understand the rich heritage of biblical counseling, transitions in its development, and wise recommendations for its future. Definitely an insightful read!”
—Jeremy Lelak, President, Association of Biblical Counselors 

“I deeply appreciate the impact Jay Adams’s teaching has had on my life, writing, family, and ministry. His emphasis on progressive sanctification, of continually growing and changing as followers of Christ, has been especially meaningful. This volume is a fascinating story of how Jay’s students, building on his remarkable foundational work, have caused the biblical counseling movement to grow and change for God’s glory. Thanks, Heath!”
—Randy Patten, Executive Director, National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC)