Deep Waters: The Life-Story Interview

Shepherding and Crisis Care

Proverbs 20:5 compares the purpose in a person's heart to deep water that understanding draws out. This course teaches the life-story interview: how to structure it, what questions to ask, and what to listen for, including shaping influences, recurring heart themes, and the places where the gospel needs to land. For pastors and counselors who want to understand the whole person behind the presenting problem.

30 minutes

6 units

3 sections

Start This Course, Free

Free, and it stays free.

What You'll Work Through

Each unit is a conversation, not a page to read. The tutor asks you to explain, apply, and work with the material until it holds.

Chapter 1: Why We Draw Out the Heart

Section 1.1: Deep Water and the Purpose of the Interview

Proverbs 20:5 as the interview's anchor: the heart as deep water
The threefold purpose of the life-story interview

Chapter 2: What to Listen For

Section 2.1: Chapters, Shaping Influences, and the Un-List

Dividing a life story into four chapters by developmental stage
Listening for shaping influences and the un-list where people get stuck

Chapter 3: Drawing Out and Meeting the Gospel

Section 3.1: Gentle Drawing Out and Proposing a Next Step

Noticing a tone shift and asking permission before pressing in
Identifying un-list items and proposing one next step, reframing to Scripture without rushing to fix