The Biblical Counseling Network (BCN) will serve as a database of churches and individuals who are dedicated to Jesus Christ, the eternal message of the Gospel, and who take seriously the work of biblical counseling.
At ABC we believe there will never be too many wise, loving, and skilled biblical counselors and counseling ministries in the world. If you would like to be identified on the Biblical Counseling Network, then please complete the application form below. Once approved, you will receive a link to register your counseling ministry or church information. The annual fee is $50 and in registering you agree with ABC’s biblical counseling paradigm, statement of faith, and code of conduct. If you know of counselors or ministries who should be added to the Biblical Counseling Network, then please refer them to our website and encourage them to submit an application.
Counseling Disclaimer:
Finding a counselor who will biblically guide you in your struggle is important! That is why ABC has created a network of counselors and churches across the country who take seriously the work of biblical soul care. While ABC works diligently to screen any ministry or individual cited in the Biblical Counseling Network (BCN), it is important for you to personally research the church, ministry, or individual listed. Even though all of our referrals embrace a biblical counseling philosophy of care it is important to remember that styles, personality, and skill-sets may vary. If you search the BCN and find a ministry in your area, please exercise due diligence and contact them with pertinent questions. You may find a few questions to consider on our page entitled, “Questions to Ask When Choosing a Counselor”.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Counselor
Is God’s Word the source of their counsel? Is the Bible seen as being one truth among many other truths, or is it the most reliable place for real help? Find a counselor that is convinced that real truth applied to real problems brings about real change. Lives are changed as the truth of God, as revealed in His word, is applied to the toughest problems.
Is the counselor biblically sound? Most counseling errors stem from the fact that the counselor has views of God, change, problems, etc., which are shaped more by culture and Pop-Psychology than by God’s Word. Sound theology should shape their psychology rather than the other way around. You can review ABC’s philosophy and methodology here https://christiancounseling.com/mission-beliefs/
Is the counselor committed to growth and change, or are they more interested in endless discussions about the problem? Many counselors are good at “diagnosing” but don’t have answers for change. Seek out a counselor that is more concerned with God honoring change, than with labels.
Will the counselor lead me to answers found in God’s Word, or tell me the answers are within me? Most of the 250 commonly used approaches to counseling assume “…the answers are found within.” Find a counselor who understands that the Bible teaches that we need outside counsel from God and His revealed truth. They should point people to real answers, not more self-focus. Here is a helpful article written by John Piper that provides a Definition of the Essence of Biblical Counseling found on their website at https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/toward-a-definition-of-the-essence-of-biblical-counseling
Is the counselor well-trained? Find a counseling center or ministry that has well trained Biblical counselors. They should provide in-house training in biblical care in addition to the degrees they have already received. Please check out the ABC network to help locate a Biblical counseling center in your area.
Will the counselor honor my marriage? Seek to find a counselor that will handle the sacred nature of marriage as outlined in Scripture. If issues such as abuse or biblical grounds for divorce are present it is important for the counselor to invite the leadership of your church to be involved (with your permission) when appropriate.
Will the counselor honor my authority as a parent? Some counselors meet exclusively with children, and do not include parents in the process. Find out if the counselor will incorporate parents into the counseling process because we believe it to be the best way to implement real change. Biblical counseling equips parents to lead their children.