Christian Counseling and Training Center
The Christian Counseling and Training Center is a non-accredited, non-denominational Christian ministry established in 1981. Christian Counseling and Training Center is authorized by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to offer courses for certification or renewal of certification and is one of four organizations in Virginia to have such authority. The center trains biblical counselors and teachers to assist local churches and to help meet related needs. The organization describes its purpose as “to bridge the gap between faith and life so that as the individual’s relationship with God grows, they begin to live for God’s glory. As change takes place, they experience His peace and joy.” At the center participants study “the character of God, His holiness, His grace, and God’s purpose for life. As we examine our intimate relationships, we look at the emotions of anger, fear, and guilt within the context of the Biblical concept of love. We evaluate actions and the motives behind those actions and explore how change takes place.” Christian Counseling and Training Center distinguishes between the biblically based training and counseling that it offers and Christian counseling. The Bible is the basis of all training and counseling at Christian Counseling and Training Center, as opposed to Christian counseling, which employs a secular counseling model that integrates biblical material. In addition to offering counseling and classes, sponsors events at local churches and sends individuals on missions around the world. Christian Counseling and Training Center offers a quarterly newsletter that published online.
Christian Counseling and Training Center offers counseling for teenagers and adults as well as training classes for counselors and teachers. Two year training classes are followed by an internship. Some of the programs offered at Christian Counseling and Training Center are classes in basic Christian discipleship and ministry, training in biblical counseling skills, biblical counseling to anyone in need, weekend seminars as requested by churches, and an annual seminar that is open to the community. There are three discipleship classes lasting eight weeks each. A belief in the Bible is required for participation in classes, but there are no denominational affiliations specified. There are fees for all classes, and a donation is requested for individual counseling.
Christian Counseling and Training Center offers three main programs. Its Discipleship Training Program is a one year program designed to point students in the direction of a caring God who always grants grace and mercy. Students learn the dynamics of problems and biblical responses to those issues. A student can finish this work in less than nine months. Students may begin their studies at the beginning of any quarter. Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded a Diploma in Discipleship. The Biblical Ministries Training Program requires successful completion of the Discipleship Training Program. This two year program expands student knowledge by providing a practical “hands on” experience. The training includes coursework, observation of counseling cases, mentoring opportunities, and workshops focusing on numerous case studies. This training is appropriate for anyone involved in church or para-church ministries, including Church Leadership, Sunday School Teachers, Small Group Leaders, Prison Ministries, Re-entry Programs, Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Homeless Ministries, Food Pantry Ministries, or other ministries that involve discipleship and caring for people. Upon completion of this two year program the student receives a Certificate of Completion for the Biblical Ministries Training Program. The Biblical Counselor Certification Program is a one year program that further trains students in Biblical Counseling and requires successful completion of the Discipleship Training Program and the Biblical Ministries Training Program as prerequisites. The internship program provides additional “hands on” experience in the areas of counseling and mentoring. Once this program has been completed, graduates are certified by the Christian Counseling and Training Center as a Biblical Counselor.
Christian Counseling and Training Center
3602 Floyd Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
(804)-358-1343
Sources:
Christian Counseling and Training Center
Christian Counseling and Training Center newsletter
Profile prepared by Jaclyn Allen
May, 2009
