(https://www.pastoralcounseling.

org/)

–Biblical Counselor
BECOMING A BIBLICAL
COUNSELOR

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What is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical counseling is a form of counseling that has been around for centuries. Originally called
Nouthetic counseling, it is practiced by church members without any special training or certi cation.
Being a Biblical counselor means following in the footsteps of the apostle Paul. He wrote that one needs
to teach, instruct, and correct one’s fellow Christian. The basis of Biblical counseling is that everything a
person needs to understand life and work through any dif culties can be found in the Bible. Biblical
counseling is practiced by a number of groups. Not all of these groups provide formal instruction, but
some, such as the Institute for Nouthetic Studies, does offer a certi cation.

The reason the term Biblical counseling is often used today instead of Nouthetic counseling is because
it’s less intimidating. The word “Nouthetic” is not immediately recognizable, even by those who have
read the Bible, and many may think that they’re required to hold a degree in religion in order to offer
Nouthetic counseling (https://www.pastoralcounseling.org/specialization/nouthetic-counseling).
Biblical counseling, however, is a friendlier term that is not as intimidating. The two terms are, however,
interchangeable and refer to the same thing.

Biblical counseling is not a licensed form of therapy or counseling. Being a Biblical counselor does not
mean you’re quali ed to offer any sort of formal counseling.

Popular Programs:
Associates Degree Programs
Colorado Christian University
 Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLgcjxWm41ovP9XZZZ8Cf___5wC
(https://www.pastoralcounseling.org/)
CepunEwxu9FY95fy8WCN30pdDzvmggdXNg2G4WjeABa76ANTKNzthfGPIXZZZlGb54w15sBrX
1czSqeZWvcXZZZtOzzoA9qJyDWw___yMkPryhVkHix7I=)

Liberty University
–Biblical Online
Counselor
AA - Psychology: Christian Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncUCX9CJ6JorLCXZZZK46nVyAdMe8dFMx4APdbKhT0Fe4ItLnZt3Yv8N
HpcmfS3iasPwNCkGU2LJsEuCVvARSGdkxNs=)

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Colorado Christian University
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLgcjxWm41ovP9XZZZ8Cf___5wC
CepunEwxu9FY95fy8WCN30pbmQTlFJhJWT5dTZ8F___jdsLYLbyhLhESfXZZZOJXZZZVKMXZZZ
6ysaWEfFEAia0gAIbG3DBpMz1R9dGsk7w4KhVpjn9F4upM=)

Liberty University Online

BS - Psychology: Christian Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncaZXZZZlqXfYjFQYta3Z50yv___EIi___ndEzf1NhmiS1ZqDa1GUIvVXZZZGr
XZZZk0FWwVe6JZfHBNehURXZZZn6enhKX0uBqqjXno=)
BS - Religion: Biblical & Theological Studies (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncdrPHxN5GlrWGQQBIQrtdKMZDroskOdztn7VjcXZZZCYYvLasD4fMMl
AL0Zzl___gzNJAqSnYTRnU90pYcbIRCHHKTQU=)

Master's Degree Programs

Liberty University Online
M.Divinity: Biblical Studies (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncagFtBtdFLxfzGi8yf5g1DUvF6rkzdBFqcGx6nXzYzKLYMVZJalxgECfgDyt
MXUpaZHy12WycbJVqRxnrlrZJyM=)
M.Divinity: Pastoral Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqnccpuExm2iHVJYKV1txPpkYRJ6rOlRq5wDb9pEfZMuyjW2eSoLF1xDPDsv
EuOZTMXTukkF8bVaTudpDZ4JbzMDMM=)
MA - Christian Ministry: Pastoral Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncXXObBXZZZg1HcDhvDtX___DCTXZZZTVMcL3gx0IvNYjNLWIlDva6XAa
Bkh3TkxrQw4llYnsE1LR15dKnwfkqrJxBcvFxiQ=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
 q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncRXZZZMlSn1Rbpn6XHnAmFKCxTA0XBwAV9TjRO___UBp___0w98HQay
mucjN5___EqatgODeV6MnI9uXZZZ0b6XYI4qVhi0Q1e4=)
(https://www.pastoralcounseling.org/)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Crisis Response & Trauma (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncV3wVhlwquSGqDpd6wNNGuzYklhV9HVeLsaXzYDZiLIQKVGjC2RJ6tlg
–Biblical Counselor
AfJaWXZZZ09vHhkioagXZZZjMwzq1FNJtf3nM=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Discipleship & Church Ministry (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncQMSgSaIXZZZcVAB9KCThxAVtrAo8qIU___6MtuAfczSdpzyMAJ___LDQT
mXZZZFmmfPf1LFqRvkbHx9DyK7cr5AHBTGNphmM=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Leadership (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncS0S8WplhiKOuWTgDl3KXyk5YlahUfxmyllGfh5gs5edzXZZZfLW9FXUp9
CXZZZEoPXZZZBm3zcCzmmdT___fKhgKGzfMbo___TY=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Life Coaching (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncUHinncFoUAfI5Qh4qpsmEI2If1CIP6u60DE52yom7x8f654Lfm___ZSFBL
dpJn7ykhLtCCAhxbZNIiaGJcbPH37M=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Marketplace Chaplaincy (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncYzWSMlIy06sEe5yiRs8dSLWQcowcR___Kw8gfBrtORrsLOHw3f5IMPv5I
h8GLYXZZZHHUOJFhnqXZZZuay2SaUYVYl8JIc=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Marriage & Family (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncQy4qj3QDkM0EGQoe6V69tLXZZZ7HJ9FarHPo7KtBTCG8VVZxI2ElLA
CmGivryi8ZCqiJT6evOMH5fETlnjsj4l768=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Military Resilience (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncdkxnh1XABG5pSuCUomSGI9X7I65koiohH5rpd1BGFCNV851lxCW64cd
qGCEK1ojOfbvo6deOVWO7yE7wMhkDPU=)
MA - Pastoral Counseling: Theology (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncYvLKUIiW1jHhHQV4tWLDFv1BTSLEKSFMqrQOtlUzywtqhyRu7lMOC0
7NAmSrIjgOWoXZZZhodI3G0IYLKU6glx7Kk=)

Doctorate Degree Programs

Liberty University Online
Doctor of Philosophy - Counseling - Pastoral Care and Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncZtCFEKPmqGKWqVFRG3G6iJsuvTQP75tHi6FLegDt0t___O5aTJ8W1uN
aZRMc1KhyovF0OMGnjNPSXXBTYgqwhhaU=)
PhD - Pastoral Care and Counseling (/direct-listings?
url=gzwxUmPCNoJ39pcg8nw2ZBYBSDkDNT___DhcW6KggMQLjumvH6a___psJZVKsy5cOFVCxb
q50dVwc04C6eeMSIqncVluPfH6nj5IV78VqoyfGo9pbXpVf1WxPRJ0X2p8dRMTrZYbpwUXZZZtJ
9T9iwxR7ieEzCrUXZZZbldEJ2FZqXWYc3bQk=)
Who Can Be a Biblical Counselor?
(https://www.pastoralcounseling.org/)
Quite simply, anyone who wants to be a Biblical counselor can consider themselves one. Biblical
counseling is based on the idea that all one needs is a deep understanding of the scripture to offer
counseling. While it’s true that many who consider themselves Biblical counselors are ministers or
–Biblical
other typesCounselor
of church leaders, this isn’t a requirement. Any person who feels as though they have been
called to offer Biblical counseling to another may do so.

Because all Biblical counseling is to be based on the Bible and the scriptures, there is no need for any
courses on behavioral study, counseling, therapy, or psychology. Because of this, few Biblical counselors
hold degrees in counseling. In fact, the practice of Biblical counseling is expressly against bringing these
secular studies and treatments into the discussion. All counseling should focus on identifying sin,
changing behavior to overcome that sin, and making one’s life more in line with what the Bible outlines.

A person who practices Biblical counseling will often work through the Three C’s with someone they
feel is in need of counseling.

First, they will confront the person. This should actually be done in a very non-confrontational way,
despite what it sounds like. Someone who is acting as a Biblical counselor has a duty to point out to
another when they are committing a sin or acting in a way that goes against Biblical teaching. This
confrontation should be based on the Bible and religious teachings, not on personal feelings. It’s
important to do your best to refrain from judging the person or feeling superior—that’s just as sinful in
the eyes of those who practice Biblical counseling.

The confrontation should come out of concern, the second C. Being concerned for another member of
the congregation should always be the driving force behind a confrontation. Biblical counselors are
concerned about the consequences of sinful actions and do their best to reach out to them by using the
Bible to illuminate any sins the person appears to be committing. Unlike with traditional counseling or
therapy, Biblical counselors make no attempt to be detached or emotionally uninvolved. Biblical
counselors show their concern and their love for the person they are counseling.

The third C is for change. This is the goal of every Biblical counseling session. The idea is that, by
showing concern and by confronting the other person, you can convince them to see the sins they are
committing and change their behavior. This change will come from within and from their faith, not from
any type of therapy.

In some cases, you may not feel quali ed or con dent enough to engage in Biblical counseling with
another member of the congregation. That’s perfectly ne—in this case, it’s important to speak with a
minister or other church leader. They may be able to guide you on how to approach the person, or they
may approach the person themselves.

Since all members of a congregation can practice Biblical counseling, it’s often true that the roles will
reverse themselves at some point. The person you confront out of concern and hope to change may be
the person who later comes to you offering Biblical counseling for behaviors they’ve seen in you that
have troubled them.
Requirements to Become a Biblical Counselor
(https://www.pastoralcounseling.org/)
Becoming a Biblical counselor rst and foremost requires studying the Bible and the scriptures. You will
need to be very familiar with this text because it will form the basis of your counseling. In many cases,
you will need to be able to identify the sin that the person is committing and know which of the
–Biblicalcharacters
different Counseloror stories in the Bible is the best to use when approaching the person. By drawing
parallels between the Bible and the person’s behavior, it’s often easier to help highlight how and why
they are acting inappropriately.

Because everything comes from the Bible, there is no educational program or training to undergo to
become a Biblical counselor. You may want to take courses in religion, and many ministers who hold
bachelor’s or master’s degrees do practice Biblical counseling. However, you don’t necessarily have to
have a degree or even be ordained. Doing so often means gaining much of the knowledge of the Bible
that you would need in order to provide effective Biblical counseling, but that knowledge can be gained
in other ways.

For example, you will most likely want to join Bible study groups, and you may want to work through
some of the courses in Biblical counseling available online. These online courses are offered through
several different groups, including the Institute for Nouthetic Studies, the Association of Certi ed
Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and the Biblical Counseling Institute.

You’ll need to have a few speci c personality traits to be a good Biblical counselor. First, you’ll need to
be a good listener. Much of Biblical counseling is listening to the other person and responding to them in
the most helpful way possible. You need to be a good conversationalist—much of Biblical counseling is
simply talking. This skill can be learned, but until you’re really comfortable talking about faith and sin,
especially pointing out someone else’s sin, your counseling may be awkward and, in the end, fairly
ineffective.

Finally, you’ve got to be very strong in your own faith and do your best to practice it in all ways of your
life. Many religions stress that all people sin, and as a Biblical counselor, it’s important to remember that
you’re not better than the person you’re counseling. Judging them or feeling superior is going to make
the person feel antagonized, which will quickly end the session.

Earning Practical Experience

To gain practical experience as a Biblical counselor, simply provide counsel to others. If you want to
study the Bible and become a more experienced Biblical counselor, you may want to work with your
minister or other church leader. You may then have the chance to sit in on counseling sessions (with the
permission of the other person, of course) so that you can get an idea of what Biblical counseling
involves.

Of course, this isn’t completely necessary—you don’t even have to consider what you’re doing as formal
Biblical counseling, and many don’t. They’re just talking to others about problems and using the Bible as
a way of solving those problems. Some people have years of practical experience as a Biblical counselor
and don’t even realize it.
Is There a Biblical Counseling License or
(https://www.pastoralcounseling.org/)
Certi cation?
While you can become certi ed as a Biblical or Nouthetic counselor through the Institute for Nouthetic
Studies or through the ACBC, the certi cation is not an of cial certi cation or license recognized at the
–Biblical Counselor
state or national level. The certi cation simply demonstrates that you have completed a Biblical
counseling program. You will not be able to use one of these certi cates to meet the requirements for a
job as a licensed counselor, therapist, or other position. However, these certi cations do hold some
weight with a number of churches and others who practice Biblical counseling.

Organizations Who Support Biblical

Counselors
Many who want to connect with other Biblical counselors and learn how to provide high quality care
may do so by joining the Association of Certi ed Biblical Counselors. Members can take advantage of
the different resources offered online and attend an annual conference where they have a chance to
connect with others in the eld. The Institute of Nouthetic Studies also provides resources for those
who wish to base their counseling on the teaching of the Bible and Christ. Other notable organizations
who support Biblical Counselors are listed below:

Organization/Association Contact Information

Association of Certi ed Biblical Counselors 2825 Lexington Road

(http://www.biblicalcounseling.com/) Louisville, KY 40280
502-410-5526

Association of Biblical Counselors (http://christiancounseling.com/) 209 N. Industrial Blvd. Suite

237
Bedford, TX 76021
(877) 222-4551

International Association of Biblical Counselors (http://www.iabc.net/) 11500 Sheridan Blvd.

Denver, CO 80020

American Academy of Biblical Counselors 5100 N. Illinois

(http://aabiblicalcounselors.org/) Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 416-7334

American Association of Christian Counselors (http://www.aacc.net/) P.O. Box 739

Forest, VA 24551
(800) 526-8673
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