Biblical counseling is experiencing a significant transition in its vibrant and rich history.  As with any discipline, development and maturity are necessary variables in forming a viable identity.  This is certainly true in the realm of biblical soul care.  The movement formally began in 1970 with the landmark book, Competent to Counsel, written by scholar and theologian, Dr. Jay Adams.  His day was one in which prominent theorists in secular psychology were flourishing, creating a new pressure on pastors to surrender their duties as counselors.  If pastors wanted to participate in counseling, they were forced into a paradigm in which they received their training via the lens of secular theory, and were by and large sent to secular settings to acquire their practical experience.  Dr. Adams, during his education in seminary, was forced into this position, but in good conscience as a pastor, could not relent to this new model of soul care.  It was here, through the courage, wisdom, and faith of Dr. Jay Adams that the nouthetic and biblical counseling movements were birthed.  

Following the leadership of Dr. Adams, other pioneers emerged in the movement; people like David Powlison, Ed Welch, Paul Tripp, John Bettler, Howard Eyrich, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Lou Priolo, Steve Viars, and Richard Ganz.  For at least 35 years, these men and women have helped the movement evolve into a significant influence in the Church.  Their insights and corporate commitment to Scripture continue to facilitate growth in an ever-growing.  It is in the wake of such dedication, devotion, wisdom, and creativity that the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) formed.

ABC is a membership organization that offers biblical counseling literature, resources, and training to pastors, professionals, and all believers within the Church.  Our aim is to continue to honor the high standard set by our predecessors by producing rich, Gospel-centered materials that will (1) glorify God and (2) equip the Body of Christ.  We have several ministry concentrations that include The Center for Pastoral Life and Care, The Center for Church Equipping, Hope Prison Outreach, and the Biblical Counseling Network.  Each of these branches have a single vision:  to teach people how to live in the context of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it pertains to the realities of life.  ABC's mission is to equip, encourage, and empower all believers, everywhere to live and counsel the Word.  We are also committed to facilitating a deeper understanding of biblical counseling as well as identifying ideas, presuppositions, methods, and principles that have been adopted by the Christian community which merit further inquiry and debate with regards to biblical compatibility.  We are honored to walk hand in hand with many respected ministries who embrace similar convictions, and seek nothing greater than to honor Christ and His Word.  We hope that you will be blessed (and challenged) as you take part in this wonderful movement, and may we, together, grow in Christ as we pursue Truth with the intent to spread the very Truth we continually discover.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Lelek
President