Courses & Training Library

Counseling is personal. There is only so much you can learn in a lecture. Once one absorbs the content of the lecture there remains the challenge of ministering God’s truth in a wise way to a hurting person. The best training occurs as an experienced counselor allows a trainee to watch, then participate, then lead. We realize this ideal is not always possible. Since so many were helped starting in 2003 when our first set of observations videos came out, we decided that the Lord might be honored with another set. These eleven videos are not ends in themselves. Watch them, think about what you saw, and evaluate. Care about the case details, but widen your gaze to see the larger process elements involved. As you do, we hope that the Lord encourages and strengthens you for this wonderful opportunity to minister his sufficient Word to hurting souls. Dr. Steve Viars counsels “Josh and Selena” struggling in their marriage. Hurts from prior relationships continue to influence their present. They are concerned that angry responses and a bitter heart will result in more chaos. Will this be another broken marriage? Dr. Amy Baker counsels “Ella.” Ella developed an emotional relationship with a co-worker. Before she had opportunity to confess it to her husband, he died suddenly. She is now consumed with guilt. How can she move forward? Dr. Rob Green counsels “Addison.” Addison struggles with pornography. He also endured significant suffering with his health that continues to influence his present. At the same time, Addison is not the most receptive counselee. How can we minister to resistant counselees while also caring well for them? Dr. Charlie Hodges counsels “Ashish.” Ashish says he is depressed. What does it look like to help a person in this life situation?

This training series offers the opportunity for an individual or group to observe 10 counseling sessions led by four seasoned biblical counselors. These four counselors, with the combined experience of more than 110 years of active biblical counseling, provide an instructive window into the planning, process, and the practice of the biblical counselor. Randy Patten counsels "Trey and Deb," a young couple with no children struggling in their communication, finances, and other common marriage problems. These first, second, and "graduation" sessions depict a process of how to get started and conclude a counseling case effectively. Dr. Steve Viars counsels "Andy & Julie," a couple with three children who has not been communicating or solving problems. These seventh and eighth counseling sessions with "Andy and Julie" focus on the counselor's critical task of addressing and dealing with heart issues. Dr. Amy Baker disciples "Annie," a single woman in her twenties frustrated with her life because she is not married. These first and second sessions portray how a biblical counselor can gather data, gain involvement, give hope, and use homework to implement God-honoring change. Dr. Bob Smith counsels "Doug & Karen," a married couple seeking counsel because of her medical situation and their failing marriage. These first, second, and sixth sessions depict how a biblical counselor, even without medical training, can bring great hope and help to those struggling with medical issues. Also included with this product are a welcome and instruction letter and PDF files of the counselor diagrams for several of the sessions.

Track 1 equips learners with the basic tools and knowledge necessary to minister the Word personally. Many will find this training helpful in their individual relationship with Jesus, their own relationships, and in their ministry to others. Track 1 demonstrates how biblical counsel is based on the sufficiency of the Scripture and it is application for Spiritual growth. This training satisfies the training requirement for ACBC certification . Participants will learn the key elements for personal ministry as well as receive introductory teaching on the heart in the sanctification process. We will teach about Other common counseling issues including biblical communication, roles in marriage, anger, and depression.

Track 1 was amazing. You have started to minister the Word personally, but you find that need more help. Track 2 builds on the foundational training by discussing additional tools needed to counsel well. We choose topics commonly discussed in the counseling room. For example, learners will be further equipped in understanding our identity in Jesus, how to bring the gospel implications to generate Christ-centered sanctification, and more in-depth instruction concerning the role of the inner man in the change process. We will also provide biblical instruction on topics such as crisis counseling, same-sex attraction, and the importance of our union with Christ. Learners will be best served if they take Track 1 first.

The more that we minister, the more we realize we need additional training. This track meets that need. Track 3 provides additional instruction that equips learners to face some of the more advanced issues that arise in counseling. You will learn biblical principles about overcoming bitterness, putting the past in its place, dealing with sexual abuse, and even how to stay healthy spiritually as a counselor. You must take Track 1 (or another foundational track) before you are able to take this track and it is recommended that you also first take Track 2. You will gain the most value from this track if you have taken Track 1 and 2 previously. Serving in a formal counseling setting will also help you understand how these sessions apply in life.

We all need progressive sanctification in our counseling. Counselors never stop learning. Track 4 meets the need for continuing education. Each year we create a new track 4 from scratch. We offer ongoing training on hard cases, current issues in the biblical counseling movement, and topics relevant to leading a ministry and training others. This track is ideal for the person who wants to keep their ministry skills sharp and it provides the perfect opportunity to learn while your newer staff and friends take the other tracks. This track is ideal for counseling center leaders seeking to provide continuing education for their counseling staff. You will gain the most from these sessions if you have taken Tracks 1-3 and you are actively engaged in counseling others.

This track helps individuals pursue ACBC certification. We teach about and guide you through each question on the theology and counseling exams. We understand that writing the exams is difficult; that is why we have writing time built into our schedule. Additionally, we will “grade” sample questions to show you some of the most common mistakes people make. You will have access not only to teachers who are ACBC certified, but also graders for ACBC. We recommend that you complete Phase 1 and have been cleared for Phase 2 by ACBC before signing up for the course.

Track 6 delivers robust training relevant to counseling women in today’s world. It discusses topics from the perspective of a female counselee and counselor such as a biblical understanding of complementarianism to helping those who were sexually abused and learning how to grow in biblical discernment. You will be served best if you take Track 1 (or another foundational track) before you attend this track.

This track satisfies the ACBC lecture requirements needed in order to apply for both of these advanced specializations. The virtual option will be offered during our February conference as well as in our instructor-guided conferences throughout the year.

The Bible is replete with examples of crisis situations—frequently called “trouble.” Dr. John Henderson, noted speaker and author of "Abuse: Finding Hope in Christ," will be helping counselors understand and minister the Bible’s solutions to adult survivors of severe past trauma. Dr. Henderson will be joined by other FBCM instructors for this training to help counselors minister with the heart of our Savior.

The 2023 Preconference, The Grace of Lament in Counseling, is a 6 hour series that seeks to help counselors minister with the heart of our Savior. Mark Vroegop, author of "Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament," was joined by other Faith Biblical Counseling Center instructors for this one-day training.

The 2022 Preconference, "Counseling with the Heart of Christ," featured Dane Ortlund, author of "Gentle and Lowly." Pastor Ortlund’s book was named the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors’ 2020 book of the year. Pastor Ortlund was joined by other Faith Biblical Counseling Ministry instructors for this one-day training to help counselors minister with the heart of our Savior. As the trailer for this series, we've included as a free bonus - as well as a preview of some of the themes covered in the Preconference - the complete live interview Brent Aucoin conducted with Dane Ortlund leading up to the Preconference.

WHY PLAN? We understand that man plans, but the Lord directs his steps. So planning does not, by itself, guarantee plans will happen. However, strategic planning has been used and it has been blessed by the Lord to accomplish many things. In this preconference your church leaders (pastors, elders, deacons, and other key lay leaders) will be equipped with a process that can be used in your church to encourage God’s people to attempt to further the cause of Christ. This conference is most beneficial if a team attends together. HOW PLANNING HELPS MINISTRIES GROW Effective planning can help churches achieve goals and objectives. These can be as basic as updating existing programs and services all the way to successful facility expansions and developments. Ministry planning is not only for large churches. All churches can benefit greatly from the process of congregationally planning and implementing steps to grow and change. Strategic planning can assist in uniting congregations and strengthening the depth of discipleship throughout your ministry. A unified ministry plan is a great motivator to encourage outreach and stimulate church growth. Churches that implement a strategic ministry plan often experience positive church growth regardless of the relative health and stability of the community. What separates The Nehemiah Strategy from other programs is that its foundation rests clearly upon the Word of God. Understanding that the whole idea of strategic planning flows out of the character of God should be a great encouragement to any ministry leader who has desired to make God-honoring plans. Since we began offering this training program in 2004, many churches, large and small, have used this teaching to implement successful plans. It is our prayerful hope that understanding the biblical mandate to effectively plan will be a blessing to your ministry efforts. WHY FAITH USES STRATEGIC PLANNING Since 1977, Faith Church has invested in developing a counseling and training ministry. This ministry was a foundational part of a long-range strategic planning process. A key component of the planning process is a five-year plan that outlines initiatives in the areas of outreach, assimilation, discipleship, ministry to other churches, personnel, and finances. This process and implementation has assisted Faith, by God’s grace, to achieve its objectives. In 1997, 2002, 2008, and again in 2013, the church body began new phases of planning. Each plan has been more detailed and aggressive. Critical to the effectiveness of Faith’s plan is a process based on God’s Word that involves the entire church body as well as the surrounding community. WHY PLAN? We understand that man plans, but the Lord directs his steps. So planning does not, by itself, guarantee plans will happen. However, strategic planning has been used and it has been blessed by the Lord to accomplish many things. In this preconference your church leaders (pastors, elders, deacons, and other key lay leaders) will be equipped with a process that can be used in your church to encourage God’s people to attempt to further the cause of Christ. This conference is most beneficial if a team attends together. HOW PLANNING HELPS MINISTRIES GROW Effective planning can help churches achieve goals and objectives. These can be as basic as updating existing programs and services all the way to successful facility expansions and developments. Ministry planning is not only for large churches. All churches can benefit greatly from the process of congregationally planning and implementing steps to grow and change. Strategic planning can assist in uniting congregations and strengthening the depth of discipleship throughout your ministry. A unified ministry plan is a great motivator to encourage outreach and stimulate church growth. Churches that implement a strategic ministry plan often experience positive church growth regardless of the relative health and stability of the community. What separates The Nehemiah Strategy from other programs is that its foundation rests clearly upon the Word of God. Understanding that the whole idea of strategic planning flows out of the character of God should be a great encouragement to any ministry leader who has desired to make God-honoring plans. Since we began offering this training program in 2004, many churches, large and small, have used this teaching to implement successful plans. It is our prayerful hope that understanding the biblical mandate to effectively plan will be a blessing to your ministry efforts. WHY FAITH USES STRATEGIC PLANNING Since 1977, Faith Church has invested in developing a counseling and training ministry. This ministry was a foundational part of a long-range strategic planning process. A key component of the planning process is a five-year plan that outlines initiatives in the areas of outreach, assimilation, discipleship, ministry to other churches, personnel, and finances. This process and implementation has assisted Faith, by God’s grace, to achieve its objectives. In 1997, 2002, 2008, and again in 2013, the church body began new phases of planning. Each plan has been more detailed and aggressive. Critical to the effectiveness of Faith’s plan is a process based on God’s Word that involves the entire church body as well as the surrounding community. Faith’s planning process is relevant to small and large ministries, because it is not centered on a construction project. Instead, it allows initiatives both large and small to be accomplished with the active involvement of the ministries constituents.

An eight hour series that explores how Faith Church has attempted to use community outreach as an effective tool for gospel witness. The speakers explain how the church has developed a heart to build multiple community centers, a skate park, and how the church has established partnerships with the city and other social services to make our community a better place to live. Finally, we explain how these initiatives have resulted in salvation decisions and Christian growth among believers.

Is your ministry ready to begin counseling hurting people in a meaningful and God-honoring manner? We developed this training to assist ministries desiring to begin a structured Christ-honoring counseling program. A counseling ministry can be one of the best ways to expand ministry influence and make a difference for the cause of Christ.