About

Join us this fall at Word of Life in upstate New York for the Essentials of Biblical Counseling & Discipleship Conference. Whether you desire to grow in discipleship ministry, be better equipped to care for others, or pursue certification in biblical counseling, this training conference is designed to help you take the next step. This year, we will offer two tracks: the Fundamentals of Biblical Counseling Track and an Advanced Track, which builds upon the foundations of biblical counseling. The Advanced Track will address more complex marriage and family counseling issues, equipping participants to bring biblical wisdom and care to some of life’s more challenging relational struggles. The Fundamentals Track also meets the Phase 1 training requirements for certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). Please note that you do not need to complete the Fundamentals Track before taking the Advanced Track; however, the Fundamentals Track is required for ACBC certification.

Dates

Both tracks will span a total of 30 hours over three weekends. Sessions begin on the Friday (3:00-9:00 PM) and run through the Saturday (8:30 AM-5:00 PM) for each weekend.

  • October 16-17, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 4-5, 2026

Remote Participation Option

For those out of state, outside of driving distance, or part of a local church group, there are remote options available. Please contact Rachel Foreman at rmforeman@wol.org for assistance and further details.

Key Speakers

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Joe Schenke

Director, Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling
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Jeff Stappenbeck

Discipleship and Care Pastor, New Hope Community Church
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Randy Curtis

Director of Mobilization, Word of Life International Ministries
Ariel Hidalgo

Ariel Hidalgo

Associate Counselor & Intern Coordinator, Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling
Karen Smith

Karen Smith

Dean of Women, Word of Life Bible Institute
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Phil Moser

Pastor, Fellowship Baptist Church
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Jeff Butler

Local Church ACBC Certified Counselor, Serves Veterans Transitioning from Combat
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Scott Foreman

Chief of Staff at Word of Life Fellowship

Rachel Foreman

Assistant to the Director of Counseling at Word of Life's Center for Biblical Counseling