Course Description

This course provides students with the training and coaching to become a Level 1 Certified Biblical Counsellor through the Association of Biblical Counsellors (For information on Level Two click here). Our process consists of training, exams, collaboration, supervision, and continuing education. Once the certification process is completed, students will become a certified Biblical Counsellor and can renew their membership annually.

This eight-month intensive certification is designed to equip followers of Christ with the ability to apply the gospel in personal and specific ways to the heart and struggles of others. We will address both the theology and practice of gospel-centred counselling. Participants will be prepared to minister effectively to individuals, couples, and families with a biblical perspective on change in the context of community. Issues such as addictions, anxiety, anger, and depression will be covered.  This course is excellent for pastors, lay counsellors, small group/missional community leaders, ministry staff, and anyone wanting to learn how to better care for others.

Click here for a Sample Syllabus.

Students will:

• Develop a biblical philosophy of counselling that emphasizes the call of all believers to take part in the work of counselling and discipleship
• Participate in live Group Teaching Sessions via Zoom 
• Have access to a Certified Biblical Counselor mentor/coach
• Interaction with a cohort & partner
• Complete ‘Your Walk With God is a Community Project’ and ‘What Did You Expect’ Seminars with Paul David Tripp
• Private online discussion forum
• Feedback on your assignments 
• Accountability and community learning
• Acquire a basic understanding of the general and specific methods of biblical counselling
• Practice counselling with a counselee
• Cover various counselling related issues that include depression, anger, anxiety, addiction, and sexuality

Upon completion, students can continue on with Level Two Certification which provides further supervision and practical counselling experience.

Requirements

Course participants are expected to:

• Complete all weekly reading and assignments
• Attend or watch the live teaching and discussions
• Interact with their cohort
• Students must remain an ABC member for us to recognize certification upon completion

Students should estimate a commitment of at least five hours weekly for the completion of the eight month training and certification.

Counselling Practicum

During the second semester of training, course participants will be asked to counsel an individual, couple, or family of the participant’s choice for 10 weeks. The person counseled may be anyone from the course participant’s life (except for family) who is seeking counsel, including anyone the participant is counselling at this time. Counselling meetings may take place in the participant’s home, office, or online.

Reading and Journal

Biblical counselling articles and supplemental reading assignments will accompany each chapter of the training. Course participants are asked to read the appropriate articles weekly and before each live class in order to enhance student understanding of the material.

The Gospel Care Collective is a Training Centre in Partnership with the Association of Biblical Counselors.