Biblical Counseling Center
& Counselor Training Course
What is Biblical Counseling?
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 (Ps 119:160), 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.
Purpose of the Course
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. Students taking the online course for NANC certification credit must apply and be accepted before beginning the course. This course has been accepted for 6 units of credit at the Master's Seminary.
On Campus Classes
Classes meet for 12 weeks for Fall Semester, 11 weeks for Spring 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 3347 West Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93536, on the second floor in the Main Auditorium.
Who May Attend?
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.
Counselor Training
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.
Texts
Counseling by
Systematic Theology
Psychobabble by
A Theology of Christian Counseling by
Love to Eat, Hate to Eat by
Competent to Counsel by
A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual: A Homework Manual for Biblical Living,
From Pride to Humility
Leadership
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 approved by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, a leading organization of biblical counselors since 1978.
Cost
The biblical counselor training course is free. Total cost for materials: syllabus, $30.00. The texts may be purchased from us at cost (about $120.00, plus shipping), through Christian bookstores, on-line, or in your local area.
Wayne Erick Johnston
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 Johnston is the Director of Training Center Certification for the National Association of Nouthetic
Counselors.
For More Information
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.
Schedule (2010 - 2011 Edition)
Fall Semester
September 12 - December 12, 2010
Theology of Counseling
5:00 - 6:20 pm
The Biblical Counselor/Counseling Issues (semester 1)
6:40 - 8:00
*Free refreshments and snacks will be served during the 6:20 - 6:40 break.
| Week | Theology of Counseling | Counseling Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A New Testament Description of Biblical Counseling (Part 1) | Forgiveness Issues in Counseling |
| 2 | A New Testament Description of Biblical Counseling (Part 2) | Feelings / Emotions |
| 3 | Theology Proper | Depression |
| 4 | Anthropology | Trials and Suffering |
| 5 | Hamartiology | Sin, Disease, or Weakness? |
| 6 | Soteriology | Anger |
| 7 | Sanctification | Pride |
| 8 | Bibliology | Lust |
| 9 | Hope from God's Word | Death and Dying |
| 10 | Theology of Love | Marital Roles |
| 11 | Repentance | Marital Theology (Part 1) |
| 12 | Theology of Change | Marital Theology (Part 2) |
Spring Semester
January 30 - April 17, 2011
Counseling Issues (semester 2)
5:00 - 6:30 pm
Counseling Tools/Counseling Practice
6:50 - 8:00
*Free refreshments and snacks will be served during the 6:30 - 6:50 break.
| Week | Counseling Issues | Counseling Tools and Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Questions and Dialog (Part 1) | A Close Personal Walk with God |
| 2 | Questions and Dialog (Part 2) | Conseling Process I: The Big Picture |
| 3 | Worry and Fear | Counseling Process II: Effective Homework |
| 4 | Parenting I: Teaching and Training | First Session; Role of the Church |
| 5 | Parenting II: Love; Discipline | Data Gathering; Involvement and Empathy; Dealing with Sin; Restructuring |
| 6 | Parenting III: Communication | Discipleship |
| 7 | Parenting IV: What is God Looking for in Children; Other Issues | Resolving Conflicts; Language in Counseling; Instruction |
| 8 | Food | Guidance/Biblical Decision Making |
| 9 | Secular Counseling Systems | General and Special Revelation |
| 10 | Christian Psychology | Journals; Put Off-Put On |
| 11 | A Difficult Past | Serving a Difficult Counselee; Demons; Ministering the Scriptures vs. A Professional Medical Model; False Guilt; Terminating a Case |
3347 West Avenue J, Lancaster CA 93536 - (661) 942-2218