13 guidelines, provided by Timothy Keller, for godly communication, backed up by their scriptural basis, reminding of the various areas that can be worked on for improvement.
Communication Guidelines
read more
Handouts
Go to resourcesBrowse Free Resources
The Sin Test
A compilation of helpful questions for use in probing the heart for places where sin might be harbored. This can be helpful in drawing out and identifying sin.
Data-Gathering: 40 Questions for Sexual Problems
40 questions for counselors to ask when working with a counselee who struggles sexual problems. This could also be given as homework to be filled out by the counselee.
Seven Steps of Parenting
A weekly log for parents to record their implementation of seven elements of good parenting. Examples include praising the children and being a proper example.
Solutions to Fear
A handout of Scripture passages specifically related to eight common fears with suggestions for how to overcome them.
Self-Sacrificing Love
A handout detailing 20 aspects of the self-sacrificing love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The negative, positive and extra aspects of such love are detailed in rich description.
Questions Mentors Ask
A list of 15 questions for use in counseling and discipleship. These questions are helpful for anyone seeking to come alongside someone and help them articulate what is in their heart.
Reading Report Form
A one-page reflection sheet that can be used in accompaniment with any reading assignment. This sheet is designed to help counselees engage with and apply the material.
Self-Awareness and Self-Examination
A handout of questions for self-examination based on Psalm 139:23-24. Questions focus on three areas: one’s relationship with God, stewardship in life, and interactions with others.
Respecting Your Husband…
A 12-question quiz for wives to examine whether their actions communicate respect or disrespect to their husbands. Each question includes the biblical basis for self-reflection.
Fruits and Root Issues of Sin
A simple guide to aid counselees in identifying the root issues of a particular sin and reflecting upon the fruit that sin produces in their life.
Recovery Plan After Failure
An 11-step guide for counselees if failure in fighting a sin occurs. This handout helps one think biblically about the sin and reminds of the grace and forgiveness of God.
Problem-Solution Sheet
A worksheet with a 4-step graphic organizer designed to aid counselees in reflecting on a particular problem they face, their current response to it and how to respond biblically.
The Path of Repentance
A 7-step guide to lead counselees through the process of genuine repentance before God.
How to Meditate: The MAP Method
A simple method for teaching how to meditate on a particular passage of Scripture using the acronym MAP. MAP stands for Meditate, Analyze and Personalize.
Identifying Personal ‘Idols’
An in-depth guide for examining personal expectations and desires that, when unmet, can lead to various Idols of the Heart. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WHEREVER THERE ARE QUOTES THE LETTER “P” SHOWS UP INSTEAD.
Is Masturbation a Sin?
A brief article discussing several biblical principles for understanding how to think about this facet of sexuality.
Personality Inventory Chart
An extensive assignment for family members to reflect on themselves and one another. Topics include identifying qualities and characteristics, determining patterns of conflict, and understanding communication styles.
Identifying Pride
A suggestive list of how pride can influence people to sin in particular instances. This list culminates in a prayer of repentance for the specific ways one has acted in pride.
Manipulation Test
A 20-question quiz for parents to aid them in determining the degree to which their children may be manipulating them. This quiz is adapted from The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo.
Journal of Upsets
An adaptable journal for recording when and where events in life provoked a person to become upset or react in a sinful way, calling for reflection and proactive thinking about the event.
Idolatry Repentance Plan of Action
A worksheet providing points of reflection for thinking about sinful patterns and setting goals for new behaviors. This follows the biblical model of “putting off” and “putting on.”
“Log List” Matthew 7:3-5
An 8-step guide for identifying possible logs in the eye of one who wants to help someone caught in sin. This helps establish a proper heart attitude before approaching another brother.
The Panic “Fear” Attack
A handout for understanding panic and fear attacks based on 2 Tim 1:7 and 1 John 4:18. It defines panic and fear attacks, offers clues for identifying them and explores common causes.
Depression Homework Assignment Samples:
14 possible homework assignments for counselees who struggle with depression. Suggestions include establishing routine, serving others and giving thanks.
Family Budget
A simple spreadsheet with suggested categories for use in establishing a family budget. Helpful for providing guidance and establishing a wise financial plan.
Giving Hope
A handout of 13 passages of Scripture that provide hope for believers.
50 Questions to Ask Your Wife
A list of 50 questions for husbands to ask their wives. These questions will help them grow in understanding of the woman God has given them and how they can love and serve her better.
How Do I Rate As An Encourager?
A 30-question quiz requiring reflection on what it means to be an “encourager” and the extent to which one manifests those qualities in their relationships.
Four Rules of Communication
A 2-page handout walking through four rules for God-honoring communication. This handout is based on principles from Ephesians 4:25-32.
Fear Homework Assignment Samples:
11 possible homework assignments for counselees who struggle with issues of fear, worry, and anxiety. This list includes reading assignments, scripture memory and journaling activities.
Computer Purity Covenant
A contract of 11 affirmations and vows to be made by a person before God and man to maintain purity when engaged with computer usage.
Communication: Discussion Questions
An outline guide for walking through a plethora of scriptures concerning communication, calling for reflection and journaling on these specific passages. THIS ONE IS WEIRD IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS NOTES THAT SHOULD GO ALONG WITH JIMS MESSAGE OR SOMETHING. MAYBE DUMP IT? ALSO TYPOS IN POINT IV
Christ-Centered or Child Centered?
A handout contrasting characteristics children learn when the home is focused on Christ or when the home is focused on them. This handout is adapted from The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo.
Child-Centered or God-Centered Home?
A 10 questions survey related to how children function within a particular family unit. Are parents setting a godly agenda or are children really ruling the home?
Conference Table Guidelines
A handout outlining the purpose and procedures for Conference Table discussion. This handout is useful for counselees to review before beginning a discussion during the week.
Built to Last: The Greatest Risk You’ll Ever Take – Marriage Homework
A great assignment for improving or strengthening a marriage. Seven reflections questions for each spouse to work through and then discuss over a dinner date.
Biblical Process of Change
A graphic organizer depicting how thoughts and motives drive our feelings and choices resulting in the production of good or bad fruit. This handout is based on Eph 4:22-24 and Col 3:1-17
Counselor’s Checklist
A checklist of 13 quick and easy reminders concerning the counselor’s role and objectives during a counseling session.
Is Your Repentance Genuine?
This worksheet highlights the characteristics of worldly sorrow in contrast to godly sorrow. Help the counselee examine his life and seek by God’s help to move from being characterized by the top part of the list (worldly sorrow) to the bottom part of the list (godly sorrow).
2 Corinthians 5:9
A graphically-driven handout to accompany biblically-based teaching from 2 Corinthians 5:9. MAYBE DUMP THIS ONE. IT DOESN’T SEEM SELF EXPLANATORY. OTHERWISE AT LEAST GIVE IT A TITLE?
Worry Homework
9 possible homework assignments for counselees who struggle with worry. This list includes reading assignments, scripture memory and journaling activities.
Are You a Fool?
A survey for self-reflection on 19 characteristics of the wise person portrayed in the book of Proverbs contrasted with their negative counterparts.
Anger/Heart Journal
A side by side journal for reflection on situations that provoked anger and the heart attitude behind someone’s response.
Unfaithfulness Assignment
A handout of reading and reflection assignments for anyone seeking to rebuild their marriage after an affair. This includes specific exercises for both the offending and the offended parties.
Business Travel Plan for Avoiding Sexual Temptation
A handout of practical steps to take for anyone wanting to proactively plan to avoid situations of sexual temptation while traveling without their spouse.
Teach Us To Number Our Days Ps 90:12
A spreadsheet for recording activities for every hour of the week. This is a useful assignment for counselees struggling with time management, prioritizing or laziness.
Submission… What is it?
A handout describing the characteristics of biblical submission: what it is not and what it is. This is adapted from The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace.
Child Rearing
A short handout describing 7 basic principles of godly parenting. This should be used in conjunction with the Seven Steps of Parenting weekly log. TONS OF TYPOS IN 3-6
Using Homework Effectively
A two-page guide for counselors detailing six goals they should keep in mind as they assign homework to counselees.
2 Ways to Handle Hurts
A graphically driven handout to accompany biblical teaching on responding when hurt, contrasting possible natural responses with responses that rely on God’s supernatural grace.
Things You Can Do To Resolve Conflict
A handout reviewing 15 ways to work toward conflict resolution This list helps to shift the focus away from what the other person ought to do and on to one’s own responsibilities.
Ten Scriptural Convictions Children Need to be Taught
10 basic scriptural convictions that Christian parents should instill in their children. Each conviction is given with various supporting passages that are suggested for memorization.
(Approximately) 100 “Go to” Texts for Biblical Counseling
100 foundational texts that speak to a wide-range of common counseling scenarios. These texts are organized by topic and can be quickly referenced by a counselor.