Biblical Counseling is a process of realignment:
bringing those aspects of life that have fallen outside God’s
proposed boundaries into agreement with His teachings, commands,
callings, principles, and promises. It is impossible to counsel
someone into “healthy alignment” when using the
template of the world. As a result, a counselor must become
intimately knowledgeable and responsive to the Word of God
and to the leading of the Holy Spirit if he/she is to be effective
in the delivery of godly care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I become a professional counselor by taking the BCI courses?
A: No. Professional counselors are subject
to the requirements of their individual states. Typically,
a professional counselor is one who has completed a Master’s
or Doctoral degree from an accredited university or seminary,
with specific training relevant to licensing requirements in
various states. He/She then must work under supervision for
a specified period, before taking and examination for licensure.
Instead, BCI offers Continuing Education
for counselors who are already enrolled in a graduate program
through a university or seminary; or those who have already
completed their degree. BCI’s training is specifically
centered upon the use of Biblical Counseling as an approach
to counseling practice and does not replace undergraduate and
graduate training leading to licensure.
In many cases, the training offered through BCI will be accepted
for Continuing Education Credit for graduate level and licensed
mental health professionals.
Q: What is Laity Care?
A: BCI believes that the Body of Christ is uniquely equipped
to heal, disciple, train, and support its members. Lay leaders
within the church can be a vital part of that process. For this
reason we train Laity Care Leaders who, under the supervision
of their pastor and church staff, can offer support, counsel,
and discipleship to the hurting members of a church body.
A Laity Care Leader, as defined by BCI, is not a Professional
Counselor or Minister. Instead, he/she is equipped to respond
biblically to individual and family situations in his/her life
and within the church, as directed by church leadership.
BCI helps churches establish Laity Care Centers
where members from the church and outlying community can come
for support and training for various life problems that can
be fully addressed through God’s Word. Operating under the auspices of the
local church, these Laity Care Centers expand the church’s
capacity to educate, counsel, and disciple its members.
Q: I am already a trained minister of God’s
Word. How would BCI enhance my capacity to counsel others?
A: Pastors and ministers are very busy individuals and most
have been trained to refer family and psychological issues to
outside resources. BCI believes that the pastor and minister
is the best qualified to address a spiritual problem. We want
to help trained servants reclaim their spiritual ground and provide
biblical responses to the needs of their congregation.
BCI will help the pastor make quicker assessments
of the problem, respond with biblical interventions, and then
use the resources of his church to support the ongoing development
and discipleship of these individuals. We will help you refine
your use of God’s
Word within the context of counseling so that it goes directly
to the core of the issue.
Q: What are the costs associated with the training?
A: One day seminars are $100.00 and include the Handbook for
that course. Two-day seminars are $195.00 and also include the
relevant Handbook. Case supervision (a requirement for a certificate
in pastoral care or biblical counseling) is negotiated between
the student and supervisor. Other books and articles may be assigned
during the course of the certificate program leading to additional
expenditures for the student.
Q: Do I have to sign up for the entire certificate program or
can I take individual courses?
A: You do not have to commit to or complete the entire certificate
program to participate in the BCI training. However, each student
must take one of the three introductory courses before taking
others:
- BC 100 Introduction to Biblical Counseling (Professional
Counselors and Graduate Students).
- PC 100 Introduction to Biblical Counseling and Pastoral Care
(Pastors and Vocational Ministers).
- LC 100 Introduction to Laity Care and Discipleship (Lay Leaders).
Q: Does BCI focus on psychological techniques in counseling?
A: No. Our calling and message is grounded in the sufficiency
of Scripture, the working of the Holy Spirit, and the healing
capacity of Jesus Christ through the Body.
Q: Does BCI offer Continuing Education Units for professional
counselors?
A: BCI will offer a certificate of completion
for each course as evidence of your attendance and will work
with various state and national organizations to provide continuing
education credits. However, requirements vary from state to
state and within the different professional categories. If
CEU’s are important
to you, make sure you review the requirements of your state and
profession before continuing.
Q: What makes the BCI credential unique?
A: The BCI curriculum in each category (Professional Counselors,
Pastoral Care, and Laity Care) is demanding, requiring between
one and two years to master. Upon completion, the student will
receive a certificate that provides recognition within the field
that is noteworthy. Your certification in Biblical Counseling,
Pastoral Care, or Laity Care will be known internationally as
a credential that is a product of rigorous preparation.
While credentials and membership exist that
require no study or minimal study, the BCI certification will
be known as an advanced credential that signifies the graduate’s
devotion to the pursuit and application of knowledge as given
by God through His complete and Holy Word…
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
