Solomon Lecture Series, Lecture 13: Homework in biblical counseling

The following post contains some highlights from the thirteenth lecture in the Solomon Lecture Series, presented by Dr. John Woodward. The entire lecture series is available, here, at Grace Fellowship International.

In this lecture, Dr. John Woodward discusses the importance of assigning homework in biblical counseling. He also provides a very comprehensive list of resources that the Exchanged Life counselor can use to develop homework assignments.

Galatians 6:2 mandates that we show genuine concern for our client’s (heavy) burdens. However, in verse 5 we see that each should bear their own (reasonable) load. There is a balance between what we do for the client and what they should do for themselves. Rescuing people can sometimes delay them coming to the Cross. There is a place for homework, which constitutes a reasonable load for the client.

Having the client develop a Scripture reading plan is critically important. Dr. Woodward warns about legalism associated with self-help attitude that can sometimes be associated with the spiritual disciplines. The spiritual disciplines should be viewed from the standpoint of being opportunities and not legalistic burdens. Your personal perspective is a matter of the heart. 

There is value in reviewing the client’s progress with homework. There is an accountability relationship that is needed to help fine tune the client’s progress and offer encouragement.

It is important for the counselor to develop a homework library that addresses salvation, if needed for Phase I. Homework sources are also needed to address brokenness, surrender, identification with Christ for Phase 2, freedom in Christ for Phase 3, and topical discipleship for Phase 4. Dr. Woodward spends the bulk of the lecture presenting various sources for homework.