On the very first page of the Introduction, one of the authors (TJ) suggests that one of the
reasons that ministry leaders need to concern themselves with the law is that “the moral
revolution has been moving steadily through the legislatures and courts” (p. 1). While this
is true, this reviewer agrees with the authors in that the even more compelling truth is that
the moral revolution is moving even quicker through the court of public opinion, because
the law is a reflection of the culture. As a research-practitioner, this reviewer has seen
firsthand how biblical counselors (in parachurch or church ministry contexts) are either
foolishly bold or complacently conservative because of misconceptions. Such a tug-ofwar is eerily reminiscent of the Christian struggle between legalism and licentiousness, and therefore, this book, in the hands of an astute biblical counselor with their supervisors and/or church oversight committees, can foster courage with prudence, wisdom with love, as they are called to practice in all spheres of their lives. All they have to do is pray and read together, and answers to the questions posed on page 2 will be clear—or as clear as can be on how to “honor God by honoring their governing authorities . . . while . . . not dishonor[ing] God by neglecting the work of the ministry” (p. 2) in this overly-complicated fallen world. Given the importance of this content and the urgency in which it to be applied, this reviewer’s three-part recommendation on behalf of our organization (ICCCED+T) is that (1) every church partner sending counselees mandate it to be required reading for the pastor and others involved in the referral-making process, (2) every biblical counselor certified by our organization be expected to put it into practice, and (3) the authors write frequent editions to update each stakeholder of what is necessary in these turbulent times

Review By: Dr. Ronnie Eng, author of Faith Working Through Love: Biblically-Grounded, Trauma-Focused, Evidenced-Based Practices for Holy Matrimony

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.