Over the course of his forty-five-year ministry, Jay Adams penned a significant collection of books on counseling. Some of his books are more well-known than others. Competent to Counsel is his best-known work. Next, we could list The Christian Counselor’s Manual and Shepherding God’s Flock. (I recommend all three.)
A lesser-known work is Adams’s Teaching to Observe. Although significantly smaller than the above-mentioned books and not nearly as popular, Teaching to Observe nevertheless provides a helpful reminder for those who would engage in Christian counseling. 
Biblical Teaching is Essential to Counseling
Most importantly, counselors need to see that teaching is an essential aspect of counseling. The counselor is not a professional “listener” who draws out solutions to the counselee’s problem from the counselee himself. This approach to counseling was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987), who argued for a client-centered approach to the counseling task.
While biblical counselors will be excellent listeners, it is clear in Rogers’ approach that he misunderstands the nature of human need. The answers to our problems do not lie within us, but within God’s divine revelation in Scripture.
The counselor, therefore, must be one who makes it their aim to impart genuine spiritual knowledge to the counselee with the aim of enabling the counselee to believe and obey the knowledge he has received. Listening well enables counselor to make a correct assesment of the problem and apply the right biblical remedy.
Implied in the above statement is that it is not enough merely to instill knowledge. The teaching that Adams’ is highlighting must be biblical. This means the counselor must use Scripture according to its intended purpose, taking each passage in its context, explaining it thoroughly, and applying it to the counselee’s situation accordingly.
The counselor must also be equipped to teach the whole Bible, not just selected portions he is familiar with. Although this kind of teaching will grow in fullness and depth, biblical teaching in counseling will be clear, direct, and to the point.
Finally, and most importantly, biblical teaching in counseling will always have the glory of God as its primary and pervasive aim. Adams’ succinct and helpful definition of Christian teaching is, “the vital communication of God’s truth, in God’s way, for God’s purposes” (68).
The phrase “Teaching to Observe” might be a little confusing at first glance. The phrase is taken from Christ’s ‘Great Commission’ in Matthew 28:20: “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” The book is not a guide to instructing others on how to improve their observation skills. Nevertheless, this book is both clear and helpful.
I was challenged in three specific ways.
Be a Well-Equipped Counselor
First, I was challenged to be a well-equipped teacher in counseling other believers. To be a well-equipped teacher, however, means that I must be diligent in constantly studying the Scriptures so that I might more effectively apply God’s truth to counselees. There should be a healthy longing to know more of the Scriptures and to have a growing grasp of its truth so that my counsel might be true, useful, and ultimately effective in the life of the counselee.
Be God-Centered in Your Counseling
Second, I was helped by Adam’s clarifying definition of Christian teaching and his discussion of what makes teaching distinctively biblical. These principles will keep me on task and focused in my labor as a counselor. It is amazing how short, clear definitions like these can clarify one’s responsibilities as a counselor. I was especially helped by the “God-centeredness” of Adam’s definition: all counseling is done for the glory of God and according to God’s Word.
Aim at Fruitful Listening
Finally, I was challenged by Adams’s discussion on fruitful listening. The only way to grow in grace and knowledge in my own soul is to “take care how I listen,” and rid my heart and life of those hindrances that keep me from truly learning: sin, worldly pleasures and worries, fear, and the like. Not only must I be aware of what makes for true learning in the lives of my counselees, but I must also make sure that I am listening well to Christ’s commands and instructions. Otherwise, my counseling will be hypocrisy and will, sooner or later, be revealed as such.
On the whole, Adams’ Teaching to Observe is clear, easy to read, and at only 131 pages, serves as an accessible introduction to the goals and methods of biblical counseling.
