Biblical counseling is based on the idea that the Bible is God's chosen tool to equip believers for every event in life
(2 Timothy 3:16-17), the final authority of truth, and the means by which He sanctifies us (John 17.17). The Word is
sufficient to enable change in all areas it addresses (1 Peter 2:1-3). God is faithful to cause the Word to be living
and active, reaching a depth of the soul not accessible by man: the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13).
The objective of biblical counseling is to answer the question, “What does the Bible say about that?” It uses the hope
and truth of the Word to enable the counselee to become a doer of the Word in their struggles in life.
When each counseling case is completed, the counselee understands their life problem or issue of difficulty in the light
of the truths of God's Word. By God's grace they have put into practice the actions required by the Word for that area of life.
It is a joyful time because not only has the problem been solved, it has been solved in a God-honoring way. Counselor and
counselee rejoice together because God has done what only He can do: cause real change in His child's life through the Scriptures.
Along the way, the counselee develops a stronger, closer, and more personal walk with their Lord.
This training program exists to equip other mature believers to become more proficient at applying the Word of God to their lives. This is beneficial both in their own lives and in the lives of others. The classes are practical and interactive. The Scriptures are exalted as the source of truth and are our focal point. This course is approved by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors and fulfills the education requirement toward certification as a biblical counselor through NANC.
| Theology of Counseling |
| A New Testament description of biblical counseling (parts 1 and 2) |
| Theology of God (parts 1 and 2) |
| Theology of man |
| Theology of sin |
| Theology of sanctification |
| Theology of the Word |
| Theology of sin/disease/weakness and psychology/psychiatry |
| Hope from God's Word |
| Theology of love |
| Repentance |
| Theology of change |
| Death/dying |
| The Biblical Counselor |
| A close personal walk with God |
| Our view of God |
| Our view of man/our view of self |
| A biblical response to sin |
| Our mission as counselors |
| The Word of God and the counselor |
| Counseling Issues (semester one) |
| Discipleship |
| Trials and suffering |
| Feelings/emotions |
| Marital roles |
| Marriage theology and common issues |
| Counseling Tools |
| Questions and dialog (part 1) |
| Questions and dialog (part 2) |
| Journals |
| Useful studies of specific passages of Scripture |
| Homework options |
| Exhortation/encouragement; Speaking God's Word with love and authority |
| Counseling Issues (semester two) |
| A difficult past |
| Lust |
| Worry |
| Pride |
| Depression |
| Anger |
| Communication |
| Food |
| Parenting 1: teaching and training; love |
| Parenting 2: discipline |
| Forgiveness |
| Parenting 3: communication |
| Parenting 4: What is God looking for in children?; other issues |
| Counseling Practice |
| The goals: God honoring change and put off sin / put on righteousness |
| The process: the big picture |
| The process: evaluation |
| The process: preparing for each session |
| The process: the counseling session |
| Actual case dialogs and homework |
Classes meet for 13 weeks per semester, and run for a total of 3 hours per week. They will meet on Sundays and will include homework assignments that require 4-6 hours per week outside of class. Classes will be held at 42329 45th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93536. Those taking the class via DVD receive the entire semester of class DVD's along with the syllabus at beginning of each semester.
Theology of Counseling
5:30 - 6:50 pm
The Biblical Counselor/Counseling Issues (semester 1)
7:00 - 8:20
Counseling Issues (semester 2)
5:30 - 6:50 pm
Counseling Tools/Counseling Practice
7:00 - 8:20
In general, any believer with a working knowledge of Scripture and a desire to be trained to become part of the counseling ministry at VBC, their own local church, or another NANC certified counseling center, may attend. An approved application is required prior to the beginning of class. For our students, this is an opportunity for us to begin a professional relationship of interaction and growth regarding life and God's Word. To apply, please complete and return the attached student application.
Anyone completing the course is eligible for counselor training. The trainee is allowed to 1) observe counseling, then 2) counsel under the observation of the instructor, then 3) counsel under the supervision of the instructor. This practical time of training and counseling give the new counselor the necessary preparation to participate in the Valley Bible Church Biblical Counseling Center or other local church ministry.
Counseling by
Psychobabble by
A Theology of Christian Counseling by
When People are Big and God is Small by
Love to Eat, Hate to Eat by
Competent to Counsel by
A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual: A Homework Manual for Biblical Living,
The Valley Bible Church Counseling Center ministry is under the authority and supervision of the elders at Valley Bible Church. The Counseling Center Training Program is also certified by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, a leading organization of biblical counselors since 1978.
The biblical counselor training course is free. Total costs for materials each semester: class DVD's: $17.00; syllabus: $13.00. The texts may be purchased from us at cost ($100.00 plus shipping) or through Christian bookstores on-line or in your local area.
Wayne has been counseling people from the Word of God at VBC since 1998. His studies include a BA in Biblical Studies and MA in Biblical Counseling from The Master's College. He has taught Sunday School and served as deacon at VBC since 2001. Wayne is the instructor of the counselor training courses.
Are you interested in being part of the VBC counselor training program? Do you have questions about the training program or biblical counseling in general?
If so, you can reach Wayne Johnston by email.