Are Pastors Equipped to Do Therapy? 

Pastors Irwyn Ince and Mark Vroegop discuss the limits of a pastor’s role and how to know when to refer someone in the church for professional counseling. Even pastors who’ve received formal counseling education may not have sufficient time for in-depth therapy sessions, and complex trauma and deeper issues may at times necessitate professional assistance.
Ince and Vroegop note this doesn’t absolve pastors of their responsibility to shepherd the members of their congregations, however. They can build relationships with Christian therapists, help finance counseling, and maintain spiritual support for their congregants. Ultimately, involving a supportive church community throughout the healing process, both inside and outside therapy sessions, can significantly benefit someone's recovery.
They also consider how the church's perception of therapists has evolved, acknowledging the distinct wisdom and biblical perspective many offer.
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