Learn to Counsel · FBC JAX

Counseling Training Certification

The Grace Center for Biblical Counseling provides training for those interested in becoming a biblical counselor. Our desire is to thoroughly equip the people of the church to be faithful and well-trained in serving God’s people through biblical counseling with excellence. Along with The Grace Center for Biblical Counseling requirements, The Grace Center also adheres to the standards of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. If you would like to find out more about ACBC or becoming an ACBC certified counselor, please visit ACBC’s website at www.biblicalcounseling.com or review the training resources below.

Training Resources

Pathway Through Certification

Pathway Through Certification is a free, online program that will walk you through the ACBC Certification process! You can think of Pathway like an interactive checklist. It won’t provide all the materials necessary for certification, but it will be a helpful tool that encourages you on your journey and guides you along the way. To enroll in this program, fill out the form below, click here and then follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

Phase 1 Training Videos

View 30+ hours of counseling training videos with Dr. Ernie Baker, our Pastor of Counseling and Discipleship. We have included the Biblical Care and Discipleship Class notebook here.

Dr. Keith Palmer’s ACBC Theology and Counseling Exam Questions/Outlines

DOWNLOAD ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide

DOWNLOAD ACBC Counseling Exam Study Guide

Dr. Ernie Baker’s ACBC Theology Exam Questions/Outline

DOWNLOAD ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide

Dr. Ernie Baker’s Theology Q & A Audio Sessions

Week 1 • ACBC Wednesday Class (January 8, 2020)

Week 2 • ACBC Wednesday Class (January 15, 2020)

Week 3 • ACBC Wednesday Class (January 29, 2020)

Week 4 • ACBC Wednesday Class (February 12, 2020)

Week 5 • ACBC Wednesday Class (February 19, 2020)

Week 6 • ACBC Wednesday Class (February 26, 2020)

Week 7 • ACBC Wednesday Class (March 4, 2020)

ACBC Approved Reading List

The following books will be helpful to you as you complete your ACBC exams. Individuals pursuing ACBC Certification are required to read 1,000 pages or more from the following resources, 300 pages of which must be from the Biblical Counseling & Theology text category.

Biblical Counseling & Theology
A Theology of Christian Counseling by Jay Adams
A Theology of Biblical Counseling by Heath Lambert
Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof
Systematic Theology by John Frame
Christian Theology by Millard Erickson
Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie
Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns
The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible by B.B. Warfield
Words of Life by Timothy Ward
Created in God’s Image by Anthony A. Hoekema
Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare by David Powlison
A Fight to the Death: Taking Aim at Sin Within (Strength for Life) by Wayne Mack
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
God’s Greater Glory by Bruce Ware
When People are Big and God Is Small by Ed Welch

Counseling & Anger
Uprooting Anger by Robert Jones
Anger & Stress Management by Wayne Mack
The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo

Counseling & Sorrow
Out of the Blues by Wayne Mack
Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd Jones

Counseling & Anxiety
Courage: Fighting Fear with Fear by Wayne Mack
Fear, Worry, and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Counseling & Avoidance
Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Ed Welch
The Heart of Addictions by Mark Shaw

Counseling & Conflict
The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns
Pursuing Peace by Robert D. Jones

Introduction to Biblical Counseling
The Christian Counselor’s Manual by Jay Adams
Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically by John MacArthur
Seeing with New Eyes by David Powlison
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp
The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
The Biblical Counseling Movement after Adams by Heath Lambert
Counseling the Hard Cases edited by Stuart Scott and Heath Lambert
Counsel Your Flock by Paul Tautges
Blame It on the Brain? by Ed Welch
How People Change by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp
Putting Your Past in Its Place by Steve Viars
Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams
Speaking the Truth in Love by David Powlison
Counseling & Family Peacemaking for Families by Ken Sande
This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
When Sinners Say I Do by Dave Harvey
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott Big
Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Köstenberger
The Faithful Parent by Stuart Scott and Martha Peace
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp
You Never Stop Being a Parent by Jim Newheiser and Elyse Fitzpatrick

Personal Growth Project

Access video files here.

ACBC Reading Log

Please record the books you have read from the ACBC Approved Reading List, along with the author and exact number of pages from each book. 1,000 or more pages must be read, with at least 300 pages from the Biblical Counseling & Theology texts. Please submit this form with your ACBC Application.

Access files here.

ACBC Observation Log

You are required to observe an ACBC counselor for a minimum of 10 hours. Be sure to provide the information requested below, even if you have watched DVD’s

Access files here.