I have appreciated Steve Prokopchak’s audio seminar and workbook, Counseling Basics: Helping You Help Others.
Dove International introduces him:
“Steve serves on the DOVE International and DOVE USA Apostolic Councils and has been involved in the Christian counseling field for over 30 years. He earned a Master of Human Services from Lincoln University. He is the author of several books, including Called Together, a premarital counseling workbook. He also travels throughout the world teaching and imparting to the lives of many, especially leaders.”[1]
In his book, Called Together, man as spirit, soul and body is presented as biblical and significant in building a strong marriage in Christ.
Steve and Mary explain:
“We know God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Just as God is three in one, so is man whom He created. God has designed man with flesh, our body which will return to the dust of the earth (Genesis 3:19); soul, or will, emotions and intellect (Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 10:28); and spirit (Psalm 51:10; John 4:23-24; 1Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12).
“This illustration will help to clarify God’s design for marriage. If the marriage is built in the fleshly realm (the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh—1 John 2:16, KJV), it will not endure. Before long this marriage will experience tremendous difficulty. There is much more to a relationship than the physical act of sex.
“When a marriage is built in the soul realm, it may also be short-lived. Two college graduates may be able to communicate on a very intelligent level, but this alone will not be enough to sustain the relationship. If a decision to marry is made out of a strong will or during an “emotional high,” this too will soon fade.
“However, when a marriage is built in the spiritual realm, it is off to a powerful start. The Bible clearly indicates that God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit agree as one (1 John 6:8). Amos 3:3 states, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (emphasis added). This agreement must first take place in the spiritual realm.”[2]
The dichotomist would agree with these observations but restrict them to adjectives or adverbs: physical, psychological, and spiritual. We believe that there are nouns behind these adjectives and adverbs.
Steve’s blog mentions his other books and ministry endeavors:
“Steve and Mary wrote Called Together, a unique pre and postmarital workbook designed for couple-to-couple mentoring use. Called Together Mentor’s Seminar is free online here. Their follow-up book, Staying Together, Marriage: A Lifelong Affair is designed to challenge and change married couples. Steve’s newest book, soon to be released is titled, Identity: The Distinctiveness of You. Steve also authored a series of booklets called People Helping People on counseling topics suitable for small groups. He co-authored the book The Biblical Role of Elders for Today’s Church and Battle Cry for Your Marriage. He is the author of the books Counseling Basics and In Pursuit of Obedience. Steve has had articles published in Ministries Today magazine.”[3]
JBW
1. https://dcfi.org/steve-mary-prokopchak/
2. Called Together, p. 131 https://store.dcfi.org/product_authors/mary-prokopchak/
Biblical Psychology 