Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling
Job 12:13 “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.”
Info about receiving counseling
What kind of problems can biblical counseling help me with?
Whether you need direction or you are struggling with hurts, fears, destructive habits, difficult relationships, and/or hardships of life, the CBC stands ready to assist you on your journey to greater soul stability and to a life of loving God and your neighbor more effectively. Most every life issue is addressed in Scripture; for those which are not specifically described, these will be addressed from a biblical wisdom perspective with relevance to that specific situation. The goal is to always seek God’s wisdom to determine what is good, better or best.
Where do I begin?
- Fill out an online form here
- We will contact you regarding your interest and schedule your initial appointment
- Meet with your counselor regularly
What can I expect from the counseling ministry?
- Regularly scheduled meetings with your counselor typically one hour in duration.
- A committed counselor who will provide compassion and accountability to guide you through the areas that brought you to counseling.
What is my commitment if I come to counseling?
Our goal is to graduate all counselees after having dealt with the issues that brought them to counseling. Therefore it is our expectation that the counselee will:
- Attend counseling sessions faithfully unless providentially hindered.
- Come to each session prepared to learn. Bring Bible, notebook and pen.
- Complete appropriate growth assignments in between sessions.
What is the cost for counseling services?
No charge for students and staff. However since the counseling process may involve growth assignments for the week, some assignments may require the counselee to purchase material.
What are the credentials of a CBC counselor?
All WOL CBC counselors are certified by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) or are in the process of becoming certified. All Biblical Counseling Interns (counselors in training) are in the process of becoming certified. Both counselors and interns rely on the wisdom of God as found in Scripture and act as skilled, compassionate guides that offer new perspectives and training that transforms futures.
For more regarding ACBC info go to: https://biblicalcounseling.com/.
What is the Center for Biblical Counseling view on medications?
We view legal medications as an issue of conscience [Romans 14], which means the counselee chooses what to do regarding taking medication. It is not within scope of the WOL CBC ministry to recommend using, or not using, or to discontinue using legal medications.
What is the setting where counseling takes place?
Counseling is in a private setting. We have individual counseling rooms in our counseling center where you and your counselor will meet.
Can I request a specific counselor to meet with or do I have to take the one I’m given?
Yes, you may request a specific counselor, however it might lengthen your wait time.
Biblical Counseling Internship (BCI)
The Biblical Counseling Internship (BCI) at Word of Life is a two-year program designed to train and equip believers in the ministry of Biblical counseling. One of the primary ways in which this is accomplished is through the mentoring of the interns in the field of biblical counseling. Upon acceptance into the program, each intern is required to continue their schooling online or pursue certification in biblical counseling through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). The advantage of the Biblical Counseling Internship is the combination of learning the fundamentals, while getting first-hand experience in counseling ministry. The program’s structure is designed to include a variety of resources for the interns to develop a biblical philosophy and methodology of counseling and discipleship. Some of the resources include in person classes, training conferences, group discussions, special Q&A sessions, observing experienced counselors, one on one mentorship, and the opportunity to observe and lead small groups. Then at appropriate time, with supervision and accountability have your own student counseling cases.
Many of those who have joined this internship have done so with different interests and focuses on ministry. Some of them desire to take what they’ve learned and use it in the context of their local church, some others want to learn how to better serve their communities and the people around them, and some even want to use it to go into missions.
“The Biblical Counseling Internship is a tool that God has used to help me grow and become more effective at making disciples.”
Ariel Hidalgo Biblical Counseling Intern (2020-22)
For more information, email: NYBIBiblicalCounseling@wordoflife.edu
WHAT IS WORD OF LIFE CENTER FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING?
The Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling is a ministry of Word of Life Bible Institute. We exist to provide Biblical counsel and guidance through life’s difficulties for students and staff seeking God’s direction for their lives. The Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling does not claim to identify psychiatric disorders or use psychotherapeutic methodologies. Nor do we give medical or legal advice.
The Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling intentionally aligns with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) in our Biblical counseling philosophy, model of care, and training.
What is Biblical Counseling?
Foundational to the counseling ministry of the Center for Biblical Counseling is the belief that the revelation contained in the Scriptures concerning God, humanity, and people’s problems and their solution is the only adequate foundation on which to build a counseling model that is truly Biblical. The Center for Biblical Counseling, therefore, practices and teaches a counseling approach and methodology which grows out of an understanding of biblical doctrines regarding human nature and development, behavioral changes, and problem solving.
Why Biblical Counseling?
Often times people are doing just fine in many parts of their life while at the same time they may be struggling in another area with various degrees of severity. There are times in life when people just need a helping hand or fresh perspective to bring clarity to a problem area that is not making sense. People in situations like this find it helpful for someone to come alongside, to be an encourager and show a way forward through the hope found in the Scriptures. That is what we do at the Center for Biblical Counseling.
OUR GOAL
What is Biblical Counseling?
Association of Certified Biblical Counselors
ACBC is the certification organization that WOL CBC has adopted for the certification of all of its counselors. A number of helpful features are found on this website, including a “Find a Counselor” feature that allows you to locate ACBC counselors by zip code.
https://biblicalcounseling.com/
Biblical Counseling Coalition
On BCC’s site you will find books, resources, podcasts for the biblical counselor. BCC also has a "Find a Counselor" feature to help you locate counselors by zip code.
https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/
Biblical Counseling for Women
Biblical Counseling for Women is a very helpful site where you will find helpful blogs, articles and resources for the counselor and for the person needing counsel. Julie Ganschow is the head of this ministry.
https://bc4women.org/
Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF)
CCEF offers quality resources including impactful videos, effective counselor training and produces the Journal of Biblical Counseling, an excellent resource for Biblical Counselors. They also have a “Find a Counselor” feature that allows you to locate CCEF counselors by zip code, https://www.ccef.org/find-a-counselor-near-you/
https://www.ccef.org/
Expository Counseling Training Center (ECTC)
The ECTC “equips saints for transformation” to develop in the knowledge and skill of "Expository Counseling”.
The director, Dr. Nicholas Ellen is the Senior Pastor of Community of Faith Bible Church in Houston Texas and Senior Professor of Biblical Counseling at the College of Biblical Studies. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Word of Life Bible Institute.
https://mycounselinqcorner.com/dr-nicolas-ellen/
Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries - Lafayette, Indiana
Faith Baptist Church is a premiere counseling center and counseling training ministry located in Lafayette, IN. Annually, they host a counseling training conference in February.
https://www.faithlafayette.orq/counseling
Faith Resources
Faith Resources is an online resource ministry of Faith Church in Lafayette, IN. The great benefit of this online bookstore is that they only stock books that have been reviewed for solid content and theological accuracy.
https://store.faithlafayette.org/
The Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship (IBCD)
The IBCD offers training through their Care & Discipleship program, as well as counseling resources, events, and other free resources that are helpful to anyone interesting in learning how to better help others.
https://ibcd.org/
CURRENT BIBLE INSTITUTE INFORMATION
FOCUS GROUPS
Focus Groups will have roughly 4-6 openings.
Sign-ups will close November 3rd (Unless there are still openings)
FOCUS GROUPS FOR WOMEN
Leader: Anna Van Horn
You may have clicked on this group because fear and anxiety have touched your life in some way. In a broken world, we live with the reality that life brings situations with the potential to reveal the inner concerns of our hearts. We will discuss how the Bible informs our thinking about these things. Topics to be covered include the definitions of fear and anxiety, the fear of man, fear in the Bible, how to engage our concerns well, and more.
Required Textbook: Welch, Edward. When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2010.
Leader: Krystel Schwab
Our world is full of noise surrounding the issues of who we are as women, what we should be doing, and how we should think about ourselves. But what does God have to say about women? How can we as women uniquely display the glory of God in living out His design? Maybe you have questions about how to apply Scripture to you as a woman, or you simply want to grow as a beloved daughter of the King. This group will be an opportunity to learn, study together, and discuss how we as women can portray Christ in our homes, churches, and communities. We will be utilizing a variety of books, articles, and podcasts.
Leader: Anna Sales da Silva
In this Focus Group, we will be working from the ground up by first exploring God’s purpose and design for our sexuality, exposing lies about sex, and learning how to fight against sexual temptation. As part of this group, you will be committing to meeting every other week and reading or listening to assigned articles or podcasts to continue learning between our times together.
FOCUS GROUPS FOR MEN
Leader: Ariel Hidalgo
Most of us would agree that, at one point, we have become anxious thinking about our finances, how others perceive us, or even things like sickness and death. Fear is no stranger to us. In this Focus Group, we will discuss this topic in depth using the following steps: one, defining fear and anxiety; two, identifying the areas where we are most prone to struggle; three, learning what the Bible says about the topic; and four, developing personal strategies to address anxiety and fear.
Required Textbook: Welch, Edward. When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2010.
Leader: Hadriel Sales da Silva and Josebraham Ganawah
In this focus group, we'll be learning more about God's design for man through the Scriptures. If you have questions such as – what is a man? what is my role as a man? am I living according to God's design for me? in which areas do I still need to grow as a man? – this focus group might be a good fit for you! As part of the group, you'll be committed to attending the meetings, completing the reading, and interacting with the material. We will be utilizing different books and articles throughout our time together.
