Jay E. Adams (January 30, 1929–) is a Reformed Christian author who received his doctorate in preaching but is mostly known for his book, Competent to Counsel, in which he states that any Christian is more competent to counsel than any secular psychologist. He recently wrote Sermon Analysis — A Preacher's Personal Improvement Textbook and Workbook. He has published more than 100 books, which have been translated into 16 languages.

Adams advocates the counseling method known as Nouthetic Counseling, which he claims is practiced in the Bible. This counseling process is unique to pastoral counseling and Christian Counseling because it seeks to counsel man solely from the Bible. Nouthetic Counseling advocates three main steps: To confront, to have concern and to lead to change. Adams has been instrumental in the founding of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors and Timeless Texts, which now publishes his books.

Schools to adopt the Nouthetic approach to counseling include, Central Baptist Seminary, Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Bob Jones University, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Calvary Bible College and Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Master's College. Although Adams originated his teachings at Westminster Theological Seminary, that institution has modified his approach.