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

Joe Schenke
Director, Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling

Jeff Stappenbeck
Discipleship and Care Pastor, New Hope Community Church

Randy Curtis
Director of Mobilization, Word of Life International Ministries

Ariel Hidalgo
Associate Counselor & Intern Coordinator, Word of Life Center for Biblical Counseling

Karen Smith
Dean of Women, Word of Life Bible Institute

Phil Moser
Pastor, Fellowship Baptist Church

Jeff Butler
Local Church ACBC Certified Counselor, Serves Veterans Transitioning from Combat

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




