Certificate Program in Biblical Counseling
Special Announcement
Fairhope, AL--October 8, 2007--Dr. Ab Abercrombie, Director of the Biblical Counseling Institute, announced today that BCI has joined forces with the Smith Center for Leadership Development at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, expanding its training opportunities in the Western United States. BCI and the Smith Center will now jointly offer a Certificate in Biblical Counseling.
Abercrombie said: "It is exciting to work with an institution of international reputation offering a joint credential which will be recognized and valued throughout the world. It is our goal to provide our students with a challenging and meaningful curriculum, preparing pastors, professional counselors, and lay leaders for service in Biblical Counseling. Our association with the Smith Center at Southwestern will serve to advance that goal, growing the potential outreach of BCI dramatically."
BCI faculty members, Dr. John Babler and Dr. David Penley were instrumental in forming this association with the seminary. "John and David are tireless advocates of Biblical sufficiency. Their call and ministry provided the momentum that created this productive alignment with the Smith Center for Leadership Development. We look forward to a long and fruitful association," Abercrombie said.
Certificate Training Programs are now underway in the following cities:
Mobile, Alabama
Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Ft. Worth, Texas
For information on these program locations, visit our website: Training Calendar
To establish a Certificate Program in your location contact:
Ab Abercrombie, Ph.D.
ab@bcinstitute.com
About Our Training
The Biblical Counseling Institute offers an in-depth training program leading to a nationally recognized Certificate in Biblical Counseling. The program is open to pastors, vocational ministers, teachers, professional counselors, and lay leaders within the church.
Our focus and objective to prepare the Body of Christ for the ministry of reconciliation, restoration, and evangelism. To accomplish this goal, the BCI program is taught in three levels:
Level I
Level I deals first with the theological basis for biblical counseling through an examination of Scriptures that uphold the sufficiency and superiority of God’s Word. Also addressed is the spiritual preparation of the counselor and his/her readiness to assume the counseling task. Finally, this level provides an Introduction to Biblical Counseling by building a structure of biblical care including the use of Scripture in specific counseling situations, the role of the Holy Spirit, the process of transformation, and the purpose and power of repentance. The student receives an overview of counseling individuals, couples, and families with attention given to the actual application of biblical counseling technique. The following courses are required to complete Level I:
- BC100--Introduction to Biblical Counseling
Introduction to Biblical Counseling is the first required course for all students. The course introduces the student to basic concepts of Biblical counseling including problem identification and definition, treatment planning, and counseling techniques and intervention with individuals and families in crisis. Students are trained in the direct application of Scripture to specific problem areas, the process of repentance and restoration, the workings of the Holy Spirit in the counseling process, and the application of resources within the Body of Christ as an element of healing. Students also engage in self-evaluation, discerning their spiritual gifts and abilities for this type of ministry, along with assessment of their own spiritual condition, motivations, and readiness for direct ministry opportunities
- BC101--Biblical Counseling with Individuals
Biblical Counseling with Individuals expands upon the basic principles offered in the introductory class. With a focus on individual spiritual, emotional, relational, and behavioral concerns, the student is trained in specific techniques of care in a one-to-one relationship of discipleship, education, and counseling. Common issues of depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, anger, and addiction are highlighted with ongoing training in problem definition and treatment strategies. Specific case scenarios are offered along with role-play opportunities, helping the student practice the application of Scripture and Biblical principles in an ongoing relationship of growth and development.
- BC102--Biblical Counseling with Couples and Families
Biblical Counseling with Couples and Families trains the counselor to intervene with relationship problems present in pre-marital, marital, and other family relationships. A system of pre-marital counseling is taught along with techniques for addressing mild to severe marital conflict. Critical issues such as marital preparedness, Biblical structure for marriage, communication, and intimacy are explored along with methods for addressing crises such as infidelity and divorce. As with all course work, specific case consultation is provided along with role-play opportunities and supervision of technique using Biblical principles as the cornerstone of all intervention.
Level II
Level II covers the Practice of Biblical Counseling and provides insight into specific issues faced in counseling. Topics addressed include dealing with:
- Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Anger
- Unforgiveness and Bitterness
- Sexual Sin
- Alcohol and Drug Problems
- Marriage and Family Problems and Pre-Marriage Counseling
- Child and Adolescent Issues
- Divorce and Blended Families
The following courses are required to complete Level II:
- BC200--Advanced Biblical Counseling with Individuals, Couples, and Families
This advanced course provides even greater focus on the application of Scripture and theological truth in common counseling situations. Case studies, role play, and other forms of practice application, allow the student to address a variety of individual and family issues. Students also have the opportunity to present cases from their areas of ministry to be reviewed and addressed through peer and faculty supervision.
- BC201--Biblical Counseling with Children and Adolescents
Biblical Counseling with Children and Adolescents offers focused, specialized training for helping children and teens between the ages of six (6) and eighteen (18). The student is given specialized training on matters of childhood development and the unique challenges that come with this population. Much emphasis is given to the process of helping parents in the management of such issues within a Biblical framework for the home. As with all courses, the student will have the opportunity for case presentation, role-play, and supervision with specific case material.
- BC202--Evangelism in Biblical Counseling
Biblical Counseling is not only a tool for restoration and discipleship, but can be a productive area of evangelism for the professional counselor. In this course, the student will learn specific methods of spiritual inquiry, testimonial, and Scriptural texts relevant that help lead the client into an initial relationship with Jesus Christ. Since Biblical counseling is an effective tool only with believers, the capacity to discern and respond to the need for evangelism is crucial.
Level III
Level III provides an opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained in levels I and II. The successful completion of all three levels leads to a Certification in Biblical Counseling. In this final level of training, students receive supervision and consultation for specific case situations and must complete the following courses:
- BC300--Biblical Counseling with Complicated and Chronic Cases
This course provides the student experience in working with chronic and severe cases requiring specialized care and expanded resources. Situations such as severe depression, suicidal threat, addiction, psychosis, eating disorders, etc. are explored with emphasis on case study, supervision of actual cases, and role-play. This course will also train the professional counselor and pastor to interface with medical doctors, hospitals, treatment programs, and church resources to complete the continuum of care necessary to provide support and resolution for long-standing issues.
- BC301--Biblical Crisis Ministry
This course addresses the response of the Body in crisis situations. Counseling approaches for use in natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, earthquake, etc.), crime situations (homicide, sexual assault, terrorist activity, etc.), and personal crisis situations (sudden loss, abuse, etc.) are taught. This course is especially useful for Chaplains, disaster relief workers, crisis first responders, police and fire staff and ministers, or anyone dealing with unique and sudden trauma. BCI also offers a Sub-Certification in Biblical Crisis Ministry available with additional coursework.
This course is devoted entirely to the presentation of individual cases from the churches and practices of the participants. Each student will have the opportunity to present one case in detail and receive detailed analysis of his/her treatment process from the beginning assessment through the termination of counseling.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the coursework listed above, each certificate student must complete the following:
Each student must complete four (4) hours of supervision for each of the three levels (12 hours total), prior to graduation from the program. The supervision should be from a BCI faculty member or someone approved by the faculty prior to the initiation of supervision. This important component of the training ensures the counselor’s progress and readiness for certification by addressing actual case situations ongoing in their areas of ministry. The cost of the supervision is separate from the course fees and should be negotiated between the student and his/her supervisor.
Upon the completion of the Level III training and supervision, each student must take and pass a written examination, demonstrating mastery of the core theology and practice of biblical counseling.
Upon the completion of the Level III training, all students must submit a letter of endorsement from his/her pastor or church leader, evidence of church affiliation, and a signed profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Required Reading:
The Bible
Wonderful Counselor: A Return To Truth
Ab Abercrombie and Kerry Skinner
Counseling by the Book
John Babler, David Penley, and Mike Bizzell
Heart of the Problem
Henry Brandt and Kerry Skinner
Recommended Reading:
The Word for the Wise
Henry Brandt and Kerry Skinner
CHRISTIAN SHRINKS Answer ALL Your Questions...
Ab Abercrombie and Karen Abercrombie
Counseling: How To Counsel Biblically
John MacArthur
Think Biblically
John MacArthur
Share Jesus Without Fear
William Faye
Joy of Repentance
Kerry Skinner
Tuition and Expenses
Mobile, AL and Ft. Worth, TX—Training held at BCI’s training locations in Mobile/Fairhope, AL and Ft. Worth, TX will carry the following costs:
- Tuition: $250.00 per level of training or $750.00 for the entire program. Each level of training must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. Should a student be unable to attend a course or seminar for which he/she has already paid, their tuition will be applied to a future seminar in substitution for the one missed. Students who pay for the entire Certificate Program in advance will receive a 10% discount, reducing the total tuition to $675.00.
- Supervision: Each student must complete four (4) hours of supervised practicum with a BCI faculty member or approved supervisor, for each level of training (12 hours total). The cost of this supervision is the responsibility of the student and is not covered in the tuition cost of the Certificate Program. Each student will negotiate and pay his/her supervisor directly for the supervision time.
- Books and Resources: Each student is required to purchase and read the following texts:
Wonderful Counselor: A Return To Truth (Abercrombie & Skinner)
$25.00
Counseling By The Book (Babler, Penley, & Bizzell)
$15.00
Heart of the Problem (Brandt & Skinner)
$20.00
Other books and resources may be recommended (See recommended reading list), but not required.
Other Training Locations—BCI often establishes training groups in locations other than Mobile, AL and Ft. Worth, TX, when a substantial number of students make the commitment to support the program. For example, training groups have been established in Wisconsin and Florida that are ongoing presently. When the Certificate Program is developed in a distant location, tuition varies according to the number of participants, cost of facilities, and other expenses for faculty travel, lodging, etc. BCI will work with any sponsoring church, ministry, organization, or group of students toward creating an external Certificate Program. Beyond tuition, costs for books and resources would be the same and supervision would be negotiated individually between student and supervisor.
Individual Course Tuition—Students are permitted to take individual courses in Biblical Counseling without committing to the entire Certificate Program. Introduction to Biblical Counseling is a prerequisite to taking any other courses in the curriculum. When taking individual courses, the student must pay the individual course fee rather than the Certificate Program fees for each of the three levels. Students may elect to transfer individual courses into the Certificate Program at any time in the process and then, may modify their payment schedule from that of individual coursework to the Certificate Program structure.
