Counselling Under The Cross

Martin Luther was not only a theologian, a writer, and a preacher, he was a pastoral counselor who longed for peace with God. Now, 500 years after he posted his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, his teachings on gospel-centered and cross-focused pastoral care can transform our approach to soul care, and teach us that daring faith in Christ alone can change our life today and give us peace forever.

In Counseling Under the Cross, biblical counselor and noted author Bob Kellemen mines the riches of Luther's letters of spiritual counsel to give readers a new understanding of how Luther engaged in the personal ministry of the gospel. He guides pastors, counselors, lay leaders, and friends toward a deeper understanding of the gospel that will directly impact their personal ministry to others. Through lively vignettes, real-life stories, and direct quotes from Luther, readers will be equipped to apply the gospel to themselves and others, and learn that pastoral care is what every believer does in one-another ministry.

As one of the most influential figures in Christian history, Luther was not only the father of the Reformation, he was also the father of "gospel-centered counseling." As sons and daughters in the faith, we have much to learn from him. Counseling Under the Cross equips us to apply the gospel richly, relevantly, and robustly to suffering and sin so that we find our hope and help in Christ alone.

• On the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses, Bob Kellemen provides a historic Christian roadmap to pastoral care for modern pastoral and lay counselors from one of Christianity's most influential figures.
• Highlights Luther's personal and pastoral motivations, going beyond his theology and ministry to explore his personal search for peace with God and his pastoral concern that his flock grasp the grace of God in Christ.
• Equips pastors and counselors to apply the gospel richly, relevantly, and robustly to suffering and sin through lively vignettes, real-life stories, and direct quotes from Luther.
• Encourages readers that pastoral care is every believer's call in one-another ministry and trains them to speak gospel truth in love.
• Explores Luther's unique contributions to the body of Christ beyond his work as a pastor and theologian, including his work on reconciliation, sanctification, and comprehensive counseling that he democratized for all Christians.
• While writing his PhD dissertation on Martin Luther's pastoral counseling, Kellemen was transformed through Luther's gospel-centered and cross-focused pastoral care. In Counseling Under the Cross, Kelleman hopes readers will come to know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and see that his love that surpasses knowledge.