An explainer video of the potential careers in Biblical Counseling
Watch this 10 minute overview for a speedy orientation. "Go therefore and make disciples..." (Matthew 28:19).
What my students are saying
It has been my privilege to serve students who are now making disciples around the world.
Earn Your Diploma
We invite you to apply to the Biblical Counseling Academy today. Think forward to next year - you too can be counted among our graduates who are committed to A Gentle Voice in Soul Care.
Small Cohorts
We want to serve you best, therefore the enrollment & application process is selective. Our goal is to train & certify those who have a clear calling to the ministry of Biblical Counseling. Are you called?
Nolan
“Thank you, Pastor Jeff, for hearing the call of God on your own life, to go about and begin a ministry that would prolong the future generations who would advocate for the sufficiency of the Bible, because it’s so desperately needed in our day.”
Belinda
“Being trained as a biblical counselor has been a dream of mine for a long time, many years, and I being in Japan had not had the opportunity to do that until the Biblical Counseling Academy and the online program. So thank you so much for that.”
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. To Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen," Ephesians 3:20 says. It is God who is able and who has enabled me. " And again, I’m just so thankful that the Lord has called me to this ministry of counseling.”
Melisa
“I love how Pastor Jeff has kind of coined the phrase that he sends people to the Wonderful Counselor. And that’s what I get to do, and it’s such a beautiful thing to see these women’s hearts change, and I get to watch and be a part of that, and to come alongside them and watch them grow in the Lord, and I’m just a vessel being used by the Lord, all for His glory.”
“God has allowed me to not only learn His Word, but to love it, and then to be able to live it out. So, I have such a heart connection to biblical counseling, and when I was introduced to it I was like, ‘Yes, this is it.’ The Lord finally answered my prayer of wanting to be used, and wanting to share the hope that I have, and just the transforming power that He did within my life.”
Dr. Hilliard
“Things I learned that were most important to me were the difference between Biblical Counseling and the integrationists’ approach to Christian counseling. I mean, that impacted me quite a bit, because I used to do a little bit of counseling as part of my family practice, and I wish I had known this a long time before.”
“Something most impactful I learned in biblical counseling was the difference between providing encouragement and loving confrontation, and that it’s not us that does the loving confrontation. It’s God’s Word, and wanting to bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit.”
How the program is delivered
We have secured premium software that will bring you results.
You will enjoy learning step-by-step, day-by-day by God's grace! The Learning Management Software is a system proven to get you over the finish line. Your goal is to become a Certified Biblical Counselor. The digital classroom will ensure your success.
Self Paced. No Pressure.
Foundations Training with Audio and Video Content
Group Zoom Calls w/Jeff Christianson Monthly
Digital Assessments, Quizzes, Forms
PDF Blueprints, Guides, Charts, E-books and Various Downloads
We will help you step-by-step on your path to certification.
01.
Biblical Studies
Classroom instruction through audio lessons, video, and reading assignments will ensure that you are Biblically literate. It's our goal that you know Jesus and make Him Known through the study of the Word of God!
*This is the equivalent of 6 College Credits and offers a tuition value of $2160.00
02.
Evaluations & Exams
We help you pass your evaluations and exams with tutorials. It is important that you understand the Bible academically, but that you also have heart knowledge. We test your head, heart and hands.
*This is the equivalent of 3 College Credits and offers a tuition value of $1080.00
03.
Counseling Practicum
This is where the rubber meets the road. As one Bible teacher says, "Your Bible should be bound in shoe leather." In other words, let's walk out your faith in the counseling setting. This is where you are mentored for 50 sessions in real soul care moments.
*This is the equivalent of 6 College Credits and offers a tuition value of $3,500.00
A look at the inside of our digital classroom
01.
Grab your books!
This is your foundation. The online classroom experience includes audio and video content delivered by Pastor Jeff, your Dean. We will have a series of additional lectures from professors, authors and experts as our guest instructors. You will build a library of books where you will enjoy classics and modern texts covering the foundations of Biblical Counseling. Be ready to read, write and enjoy the curated digital content step-by-step (2 Timothy 2:15).
These exams and evaluations are part of the core training. There are two professors who will grade your exam to ensure nothing is missed. Often, there will be push back from your exam reader asking you for further clarification. Most students seeking certification get stuck at this point and give up (because these exams are not easy). But not you! I will assist you through each exam question. You will have tutorials that are designed to ensure your success.
03.
Supervised Counseling - Practicum
In this important phase of your certification journey, we will work as a group over Zoom calls to discuss the counseling situation. When you sit with an individual for 1:1 soul care, you make notes of your progress. Supervised Counseling is where we discuss your 1:1 ministry so that you can improve. All sessions are guarded with confidentiality a protocol to protect us from evil speaking (1 Peter 2:1, Titus 3:2, Ephesians 4:29, 31, James 4:11).
FAQ's
When Can I Enroll In The Biblical Counseling Academy?
We're thrilled to have your interest in the Biblical Counseling Academy!
The 2025 Cohort is open NOW by admission application.
How Long Does It Take To Get Certified?
This program is self-paced. We will nudge you forward on a one-year success path. You can accelerate it or delay it, that's entirely up to you.
You have to take enough risks in life, this course shouldn’t be one of them. Try the tuition-based course of study for a full two-weeks (14 days), and if you do the work, implement and still don’t see results - simply show us your work, and we’ll be happy to refund your entire tuition.
We’re so confident that you’ll love BCA that we offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. This gives you ample time to test out the program and work through the 14 days of BCA.
If, after 14 days of working through the first several weeks of content, and you don’t feel totally motivated and confident in God's call on your life to be training in Biblical Counseling and Soul Care, simply reach out. Show us you’ve put in the work, and you’ll be eligible for a full refund. Read the entire Refund Policy here.
How Does IABC and BCA Work Together?
The Biblical Counseling Academy (BCA) is a Certified Training Center that grants degrees in Biblical Counseling. We are authorized by the International Association of Biblical Counselors to offer training. The IABC accepts our student's transcripts and diplomas toward Board Certification (Certified Biblical Counselor).
The Relationship Between Biblical Counseling Academy (BCA) and the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC)
At BCA, we are honored to partner with the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC) as one of their Certified Training Centers (CTC). IABC plays a vital role in ensuring that each counselor has a mentor providing academic instruction, exam grading, accountability, supervision, and ongoing support. As a CTC, BCA is focused primarily on delivering the educational foundation required for IABC certification.
Path to IABC Certification Through BCA
After completing the education, exam, and supervision phases at BCA, students become eligible to apply for IABC Certification. There are no alternative routes to becoming certified with IABC except through an IABC Certified Training Center like BCA.
Membership with IABC
Before applying for certification, IABC requires all applicants to be members in good standing. Membership ensures that students align with IABC’s doctrinal beliefs and counseling practices. Membership is also extended to donors and supporters who recognize and endorse IABC’s role in the Christian church.
Steps to Certification
Once you’ve earned your BCA diploma and are a registered IABC member, you are eligible to apply for IABC Certification. This process requires a new application, including references and a background check. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded both your diploma in biblical counseling and IABC certification.
Ongoing Education and Recertification
IABC requires annual recertification, which involves completing Continuing Ministry Education Units (CMEUs). These CMEUs can be conveniently obtained through BCA. This ensures that counselors continue to grow in their skills and stay current with biblical counseling practices.
Fees and Tuition
Each Certified Training Center operates on a tuition-based system, with fees varying by CTC. At BCA, tuition for continuing education is discounted for our alumni.
In addition, IABC requires the following fees:
- Membership: $60 per year (waived once certified)
- Background check: $48 (every three years)
- Certification: $99 annually to remain in good standing
We hope this clarifies the relationship between BCA and IABC. We are blessed to have you as part of our student family, and we look forward to supporting you on your journey toward becoming an IABC Certified Counselor!
Is This the Right Training Program for Me?
This course is for everyone in the body of Christ. Our students include Pastors and ministry leaders, caring homemakers, responsible business men and women. Students young and old are included in each cohort. All of us are called to offer counsel regularly one to another. Each of us needs a word of counsel periodically. These studies are designed to assist us in learning to give godly counsel, as well as develop discernment in evaluating counsel that we or others might be receiving. May the Lord Jesus use these studies to enlarge our vision of Him as our Wonderful Counselor.
What’s the difference between a Biblical Counseling model and an Integrationist model?
Yes, there are significant differences—and serious concerns. At the Biblical Counseling Academy, we embrace aBiblical Counseling modelwhich affirms that the most faithful and effective counsel a believer can offer is theexplicit text of Scripture—explained and applied. This model is grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture and the ordinary means of grace: one believer sharing God’s Word with another in the context of the local church.
The heart of biblical counseling is discipleship. It flows from the pulpit in the preaching of God’s Word and is extended through personal ministry as believers help one another apply that Word to real-life situations. Biblical counseling relies onScripture as the sole authorityin understanding the human condition, sin, suffering, and sanctification. It addresses the counselee throughexplicitly biblical categories:
Being made in the image of God
Moral responsibility
The reality of sin and righteousness
The commands of God
The power of the gospel
The hope of sanctification in Christ
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
—2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV
In contrast, theIntegrationist modelseeks to combine Scripture with secular psychological theories—borrowing categories and techniques from psychiatry, therapy, and modern psychology. While it may appear helpful or harmless, this approach isfundamentally flawed. Here’s why:
Integration attempts to merge two opposing worldviews.
Biblical counseling begins with man’s deepest problem—sin, and God’s solution—redemption in Christ. Secular models often redefine sin as dysfunction or disorder, and view the self—not Christ—as central to change. These frameworks areincompatible at their core.
Integration displaces Scripture’s sufficiency.
When biblical truth is placed alongside secular theory, it often gets overshadowed or reinterpreted through a worldly lens. Over time, the authority of Scripture is diminished. As Dr. Al Mohler has said:
“It seeks to integrate what can’t be integrated.”
Integration makes promises it can’t keep.
The claims of integrationism often outpace what it can deliver. The hope of true transformation can’t be found in human insight—but in Christ alone, by His Spirit, through His Word.
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
—Colossians 2:8, NKJV
At BCA, we train only biblical counselors—our pastor-teachers are not integrationist. We hold fast to the conviction that true and lasting help comes from God’s Word rightly understood and faithfully applied.
We’re not questioning the motives of integrationists—many sincerely desire to help others. But we are concerned about theirtheological frameworkandcommitments. Our goal is to counsel in a way that honors Christ, builds up the Church, and applies the gospel to real problems withSpirit-empowered truth.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
—John 17:17, NKJV
What Are Your Doctrinal Distinctives?
THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which the church operates and is the basis for which the church is governed. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is sufficient.(Isaiah 28:13;Nehemiah 8:8;John 17:17;II Timothy 3:16-17;Hebrews 4:12;I Peter 1:23-25;II Peter 1:3-4,21).
We believe in the person of God the Father, an infinite, eternal, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 33:27;Psalm 90:2,102:27;John 3:16,4:24;I Timothy 1:17;Titus 1:3).
We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, Who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ(John 16:8-11;Acts 1:8;Romans 8:26,15:13,16;II Corinthians 3:18;Hebrews 9:14). We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide(John 16:13,14:16-17,16:8-11;Romans 8:26). We believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit as a distinct and separate experience to that of regeneration, occurring either subsequent to or simultaneous with salvation, evidenced by a greater dynamic in the Christian’s life, enabling that person to be a bold and more effective witness. The supreme evidence of the Spirit-filled life is the fruit of the Spirit, love. We believe in the present day ministry of the Holy Spirit in regard to the exercise of all biblical gifts of the Holy Spirit according to the instructions given to us(I Corinthians 12-14).
SIN
We believe that all people are sinners by nature and choice, falling short of God’s standard and breaking His commandments – and therefore are under God’s righteous judgment. Yet, God saves and gives new life to all who come to Him in repentance and faith, trusting in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. At the cross, Jesus Christ died in our place as our substitute, absorbing God’s wrath that should have come upon us. Because Jesus died for the sins of the world the invitation to believe is open to all, and whoever desires may come unto Jesus for new life and the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 11:28;John 3:16;Acts 3:19,20:21;Romans 3:23;Ephesians 2:1-3,8-9;I John 2:2;Revelation 22:17).
MALE LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH
We believe in the pattern and principle of male leadership and responsibility in both the home and the church, according to the sacrificial example of Jesus. We believe this limits the roles of pastoral leadership and doctrinal authority to qualified men (I Corinthians 11:1-12;I Timothy 2:1-15). We believe in the universal church, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the head and all who are born again are a part of the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-13;Ephesians 4:15-16).
You will need to invest in a relationship with the International Association of Biblical Counselors. BCA exists to train you and set you on the best possible path toward successfully passing the IABC Certification requirement
IABC Membership Fees: There are certification fees involved with the International Association of Biblical Counselors of around $200.
Books: You will invest approximately $140 for physical books in the BCA program. Kindle books are substantially less expensive.
Extension: BCA offers you the continuing education option if you need to extend your training beyond your one-year enrollment period. It's called BCA Momentum, a private community for the Biblical Counseling Academy alumni. Get clarity, community, strategies, and all the support you need for each season of your Biblical Counseling journey. From getting help picking up where you left off in BCA - from acing the exams to becoming certified, to getting advanced training and specialization certifications — BCA Momentum has everything you need to up-level your training! This is a $97 monthly membership giving you access to the BCA student portal and the Student Success Team.
More testimonials from past students or members
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Missy
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Nathan
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Jillian
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Nice to meet you!
My name is Jeff Christianson, the Dean of Biblical Counseling!
I started training Biblical Counselors in 1998 at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, California under the care of my mentor, Pastor Chuck Smith. The privilege to be a staff pastor at CCBC for over 10 years has abounding fruit that remains! It was at CCBC that I met and married my wife, Jennie. During those years I was trained and discipled by Pastor Bob Hoekstra in Biblical Theology, Growing in Grace, and Counseling God's Way. Pastor Bob charged me, "Jeff, continue to make disciples using the Counseling God's Way curriculum!" Both of my mentors are now home with the Lord and I take their charge seriously by making disciples wherever I go.
The approach of this school of ministry is that of a pastor, not of a researcher. I am committed to serving the local churches, pastors and their counseling teams. My primary desire is to explore the word of God with you on these important matters of counseling, discipling, and personal ministry. This Academy is not a research university detailing the various systems of psychological theory. Others have done excellent work in this area. The general references made to psychological theory in this course of study are given to provide spiritual contrasts and biblical warnings. In fact, we have a course called, "Psychology Versus the Bible"!
Today, I serve as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. I am the current President of the International Association of Biblical Counselors, a Professor of Biblical Counseling at Horizon University, the Romans Professor at Calvary Chapel University, and the Founder and Chair of the Biblical Counseling Academy where I will serve you as your Dean of Biblical Counseling and Soul Care!
As a Biblical Counseling Academy, we exist to help you know Jesus and make Him known. If you don’t find value in the training sessions, you’re eligible for a full refund. Simply reach out to [email protected] within the time frame listed and we’ll send your money back. Requests for a refund must be received, in writing, within 14 days of purchase.
These brief testimonials will give you an idea of how students are glorifying God as they complete their studies & make disciples!
Meet our pastor-teachers.
We want all those who are in Christ to be “mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28), to be transformed more into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18), and to be assured of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:16–19).
"...speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
Ephesians 4:15-16
Be The First To Be Notified!
At Biblical Counseling Academy, we recognize that every student is unique. Some are looking for doctrinal alignment with their church or pastor. Others prioritize educational excellence. Some prefer to hunt-and-peck their way through YouTube and Google (DIY learning). Others prefer a clear, guided pathway with expert support.
That’s why we created the “Student Fit & Values-Based Intake Form.” It’s not a sales interrogation. It’s a prayerful reflection tool to help students clarify what matters most — and for us to serve you with excellence by guiding them toward the best-fit training path.
*By signing up to our waitlist, you agree to receive occasional emails with additional biblical encouragement, resources, and updates. We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your information. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails.