Welcome to the Biblical Counseling Certification at Redeemer Bible Church. Rooted in the absolute sufficiency of Scripture, this comprehensive training will show you how God’s Word powerfully addresses life’s deepest struggles. We have built this program to equip you to serve the body of Christ through compassionate, biblical counsel. While the process requires genuine commitment, it is also a deeply enriching journey designed to foster your own spiritual growth and maturity. The path to certification at RBC unfolds in three distinct phases, outlined below.

RBC’s biblical counseling training provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding people and life’s challenges through a biblical lens. Students in the certification track will gain both the theological insight and practical skills necessary for confident and effective care. Key areas you will be equipped in are:

• Principles and Practices of Biblical Counseling – Understanding the biblical foundation for counseling, the role of Scripture, the importance of compassionate care and the step-by-step process of counseling.
• Theological Foundation – Study the biblical categories that build a deep understanding of God, man, sin, salvation and the way to understand life.
• Understating and Teaching the Bible – Study the principles of interpterion and how to deeply explain scripture.
• Comparison of Secular Models – Evaluating secular approaches to counseling in contrast to a biblical worldview.
• The Process of Change – Learning how God transforms hearts and lives through His Word and Spirit. o Trials and Suffering – Addressing suffering from a biblical perspective and offering hope through Christ.
• Issues in Family and Marriage – Navigating relational struggles, conflict resolution, and biblical roles within marriage, family and parenting.
• Mental and Physical Health – Understanding how Scripture speaks to emotional and psychological struggles, as well as the relationship between spiritual and physical well-being.
• Various Common Issues – Applying biblical wisdom to topics such as anxiety, depression, addiction, anger, grief, and more.

Beyond these core topics, students will also develop vital practical skills—including active listening, biblical confrontation, encouragement, and guiding others toward lasting spiritual growth.

Certification is the required standard for anyone serving in RBC’s counseling ministry, ensuring that every person seeking help receives consistent, Scripture-rooted care—even in the most challenging situations. Beyond upholding a high standard of excellence for ministry, the certification process itself is a deeply enriching journey that fosters profound personal spiritual growth and maturity.

We welcome anyone with a desire to grow in biblical counseling to step into this training. Because this journey benefits both the individual and the church, we offer certification to:

• Believers from Other Churches: We are honored to partner with you. You are fully welcome to complete this certification to equip yourself for ministry within your own local church.
• RBC Members: This certification is your essential first step toward serving in our counseling ministry. (Note: Because we carefully shepherd our counseling team, certification is required but does not guarantee placement; a separate ministry application will follow).
• Those Seeking Personal Growth: You do not need to be pursuing formal ministry to attend! We welcome anyone simply wanting to deepen their walk with Jesus and learn how to better care for their friends and family.

Not at all! You do not need to commit to the full certification process to attend the Principles of Biblical Counseling course. We warmly invite anyone who simply wants to grow to join us and engage with these life-changing topics at their own pace. Click below to register for the class.

You will not walk this rigorous journey alone. The Redeemer Biblical Counseling Training Center is here to guide and support you every step of the way. To make the process seamless, every student is provided with a personalized online portal to track their progress and communicate directly with our team, including the Pastor of Biblical Counseling.

The first phase immerses you in the essential theology and methodology of biblical care. Students will:

• Attend the Core Course: Complete a minimum of 30 classroom hours in our Principles of Biblical Counseling course.
• Engage with Key Texts: Read 1,000 pages from a carefully curated reading list to deepen your biblical framework.
• Observe Real Ministry: Complete 10 hours of counseling observation videos, gaining firsthand experience by watching seasoned counselors navigate real-life counseling sessions.

This phase transitions from absorbing information to articulating truth. It is designed to solidify your knowledge and affirm your readiness to serve. Requirements include:

• Theological & Practical Essays: Write 46 short essays (graded on a pass/fail basis). Rather than just testing knowledge, these essays are designed to encourage deeper study and help you develop a clear, confident way to explain biblical principles to others.
• Character Affirmation: Submit evaluations from trusted individuals who can attest to your character, spiritual maturity, and readiness to care for others.

The final phase is where your training becomes hands-on ministry. You will step into the counseling room with the full support and guidance of our leadership. Students will:

• Counsel Under Supervision: Complete a required number of 60-minute practical counseling sessions.
• Receive Direct Mentorship: Counsel designated individuals while meeting regularly with the Pastor of Biblical Counseling.
• Refine Your Skills: Participate in ongoing mentorship meetings to review session worksheets and refine your practical care skills through pastoral feedback and guidance.

Students who complete the full training process will be issued an official Biblical Counseling Training Certificate. This credential signifies your successful completion of RBC’s rigorous curriculum and your readiness to practically apply God's Word to the complex challenges of life.

We are excited to see how God uses this training to transform your heart and equip your hands for ministry. If you are ready to embark on this journey, apply today!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the commitment further, please contact our team at certification@redeemeraz.org.