TRAINING & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Live Onsite, Live Online & At-Your-Own Pace

To assist local churches and pastors to effectively and biblically counsel one another, LCBCC has developed four training courses certified by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors: Change That Sticks, Transformed by Truth, Marriage & Family, and Contemporary Issues. Each of these four course contains approximately 24 sessions covering in depth an extensive list of topics which are relevant and necessary for effective biblical counseling. The four courses provide students with a 200 plus page manual, complete with outlines, reading lists, resources and counseling assignments ready to use in ministry and saturated with sound biblical theology. All who successfully complete the four courses will receive an LCBCC counselor certificate that can be used to pursue certification with ACBC or IABC.

The guiding conviction of the Lowcountry Biblical Counseling Center is that counseling for a Christian is to be viewed as intensive, personalized, biblical discipleship, and is best facilitated by a godly, mature believer in the the context of involvement in the local body of Christ under the oversight of the elders of the flock (see Col 1:28-29; Rom 15:14; Col 3:16; Matt 28:18-20; Eph 4:11-13).

This training is useful for those seeking certification and those wanting to improve their ability to help others biblically,as well those seeking biblical answers for themselves in areas of struggle. Many of those who have attended attest to this. Consider if any or all of these courses are for you.

Sincerely,

Tim Bryant, Director

Track 1 “CHANGE THAT STICKS” (Foundations of Biblical Counseling)

Track 2 “TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH” (The Theology of Biblical Change)

Track 3 “MARRIAGE & FAMILY (Marriage, Parenting, Singleness, & Divorce)

Track 4 “CONTEMPORARY ISSUES” (Biblical Solutions to Modern Problems)

Cost is $160 per track or you can bundle all four tracks for a $90 savings ($550 total for all four). You can participate live in Charleston, South Carolina, or live through our simulcast classes (contact us about our next semester), or at your own pace online.

FOUR COURSE OVERVIEW

TRACK 1 – Change That Sticks ($160)

This 22 session course gives students the essentials in biblical counseling. It is divided into three sections. Section one addresses three essential doctrines in counseling: the doctrine of the Scriptures, the Church, and Sanctification. Section two covers how to biblically counsel and experience positive change in five common emotions that make up 80-90% of all problems that people bring to counseling: anger, anxiety, depression, guilt, and bitterness. The final section covers extensively a biblical methodology for biblical counseling built largely upon the Apostle Paul’s writings: 1) build the relationship, 2) collect the data, 3) inspire hope, 4) interpret problems biblically, 5) instruct how to change, 6) implement a plan through homework, and 7) call for daily commitment.

TRACK 2 – Transformed by Truth ($160)

This 24 session course helps students discover how biblical theology impacts counseling theory leading to an effective approach on how people change. Specifically covered are the doctrines of God, man, sin, salvation, and the devil. Also covered in this course are several common counseling issues: addiction, eating disorders, grief, suffering, and those who have the symptoms associated with OCD. The course ends covering the essentials on how to establish a biblical counseling ministry in the local church and learning to practice discernment in an age of therapy.

TRACK 3– Marriage & Family Counseling ($160)

This 24 session course has four separate sections: marriage, parenting, divorce, singleness. The marriage course (“Unity in Marriage”) contains 16 sessions devoted to helping couples pursue and enjoy God’s purposes for marriage as per Genesis 2. The course topics include conflict resolution, communication, roles, companionship, responsibilities, sexual intimacy, and finances. The parenting course (“Parenting by Faith”) is devoted to applying eight essentials as per Ephesians 6:4. Topics include: vertical goals, prayerful dependence, close companionship, godly example, structured environment, daily conversations, consistent consequence, and gentle correction.

TRACK 4 – Contemporary Issues ($160)

This 24 session course is designed to give students a biblical approach to counseling a variety of topics impacting contemporary culture and life. This course will teach you how to provide biblical leadership and counsel for the following issues: sexual temptation (including pornography, homosexuality, lust, internet safety tips) suicide, cutting & burning - self-injury, making wise decisions, indecisiveness, crisis counseling, ADHD, excuse making & victim mentality, bipolar, humility & pride, self-esteem, co-dependency, sexual abuse (child & adult), major marital conflict & spousal abuse, and the rebellious teen.

This training is for both those students desiring an LCBCC certificate of achievement, and for those students just wanting to more fully apply the concepts to their life, ministry and relationships. Once you achieve the LCBCC certificate you are eligible to pursue certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors or the International Association of Biblical Counselors.

Track I Syllabus & Course Requirements

The Basics in Biblical Counseling (“Change That Sticks")

In-Class Sessions Topics (24 sessions):

The Biblical Basis for Counseling; Scripture Has the Answers; The Sanctification Process; Clearing the Guilty Conscience; Learning to Forgive; Anger: Its Causes & Cures; Depression: Avoiding Despair in Difficult Times; Overcoming Fear, Worry & Anxiety; The Seven Elements of Biblical Counseling: Building the Relationship, Collecting Needed Information, Inspiring Biblical Hope, Exposing Root Problems, Discovering God's Solutions, Developing a Plan of Change, Calling for Commitment

Required Reading:

• The Christian Counselor’s Manual by Dr. Jay Adams (Ch 2, 6, 7, 9, 12-14, 16-19, 21-22, 24-29, 33, 36 - 241 pages total)
• Counseling: How To Counsel Biblically by Dr. John MacArthur, Dr. Wayne Mack and the Master’s College Faculty (½ the book, Part I and III – 149 pages)

Read the following pamphlets:

• Godliness Through Discipline by Dr. Jay Adams
• Christ and Your Problems by Dr. Jay Adams (These are important pamphlets to assign counselees to focus them on the reality that biblical change is possible but requires some commitment and work on their part.)

Read five of the following pamphlets:

• “What To Do When…” pamphlets by Dr Jay Adams: Fear, Worry, Marriage, Anger, Depression, etc.
• CCEF Pamphlets on Anger, Depression, Worry, or Forgiveness.
• Lou Priolo pamphlet on: Bitterness

Read one of the following and complete a LCBCC Book Report

• Uprooting Your Anger by Dr. Bob Jones (A very thorough and biblically practical book on dealing with anger at others, self, and God)
• War of Words by Dr. Paul Tripp (An incredible resource on the why and how of biblical communication. This will teach you how to let God use your words as His ambassadors, especially in influencing conflict situations. )
• From Forgiven to Forgiving by Jay Adams
• Leaving Yesterday Behind by William Hines
• Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick
• How to Overcome Evil together with How to Handle Trouble by Dr. Jay Adams
• Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by John Piper and Justin Taylor

Read through the following Track 1 core homework assignments and become familiar with them as useful tools for biblical change: (These assignments are in either the homework section of the Track 1 Manual or out of A Homework Manual for Biblical Living, Vol. 1 by Wayne Mack – as indicated below)

• Put Off – Put On Dynamic Study – Track 1 HW
• Anger (Help for Overcoming Sinful Anger, Bitterness, Resentment) - Track 1 HW
• Study Guide for Overcoming Depression – Track 1 HW
• Understanding and Overcoming Fear - Track 1 HW
• Suffering – pg 170-172, Mack
• Faith Motivation vs. Feeling Motivation – Track 1 HW
• Weekly Activity Schedule - Track 1 HW
• Four Rules of Communication and Journal –Track 1 HW
• Sample of Personal Log List -Track 1 HW
• Study Guide for Overcoming Depression – Track 1 HW
• Pride (Overcoming the Sin of Pride) – pg 144, Mack
• Self-control – pg 157, Mack
• Structuring Your Life for Biblical Change – pg 168, Mack
• Personal Data Inventory – Track 1 HW
• Communication Self Tests – Track 1 HW
• Getting the Big Picture, Responding to Situations of Life, Clarifying Responsibility –Track 1 HW
• Mind Set on the Spirit (Anxiety Assignment) –Track 1 HW
• Weekly Counseling Progress – Track 1 HW
• Forgiving Sins Against Us – Track 1 HW
• Four Memos When Seeking Forgiveness – Track 1 HW
• From Conflict to Christ Journal – Track 1 HW
• The Many Faces of Anger – Track 1 HW

Memorize the following scriptures:

• INVOLVEMENT – 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8
• INSPIRATION – 1 Timothy 4:10
• INFORMATION – Proverbs 18:13
• INTERPRETATION – James 1:14,15
• INSTRUCTION – 2 Timothy 3:16,17
• IMPLEMENTATION – Matthew 28:18-20; Proverbs 14:23
• INDUCEMENT – 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Track II Syllabus & Course Requirements

Theology of Biblical Counseling ("Transformed by Truth")

In-Class Session Topics (24 Sessions)

Theology and Counseling; How to Study the Bible for Change; The Attributes of God and Counseling; Man and Sinfulness in Counseling; The Doctrine of Salvation and Counseling; Psychology vs. Biblical Counseling; Dealing with the Devil in Counseling; Human Emotions and Chemical Imbalances; Addictions; Grief and Suffering; Eating Disorders; Abortion Counseling; Establishing a Counseling Ministry in the Local Church

Required Reading:

• Counseling: How To Counsel Biblically by Dr. John MacArthur and the Master’s College Faculty (parts II and IV – 185 pgs)
• Theology of Christian Counseling by Jay Adams (chapters 1-12, 16-19, 23)
• What to Do on Thursday by Jay Adams (This is an important book in becoming skilled in rightly interpreting and applying the Bible as you biblically counsel others.)
• Motives by Ed Welch (pamphlet from CCEF)

Read one of the following and complete a LCBCC Book Report:

• Future Grace by Dr John Piper
• Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
• Love to Eat, Hate to Eat by Elyse Fitzpatrick
• Psychobabble: The Failure of Modern Psychology and the Biblical Alternative by

Dr. Richard Ganz

• Addiction: A Banquet in the Grave by Dr. Ed Welch
• Blame It on The Brain by Dr. Ed Welch
• Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
• The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

Read any 3 Pamphlets out of the following:

• Eating Disorders: The Quest for Thinness by Edward T. Welch
• Facing Death with Hope: Living for What Lasts by David Powlison
• Grief: Finding Hope Again by Paul David Tripp
• Just One More: When Desires Don’t Take No for an Answer by Edward T. Welch
• Motives: “Why Do I Do the Things I Do?” by Edward T. Welch
• OCD: Freedom for the Obsessive-Compulsive by Michael R. Emlet
• Priorities: Mastering Time Management by James C. Petty
• Self-Injury: When Pain Feels Good by Edward T. Welch
• Suffering: Eternity Makes a Difference by Paul David Tripp
• What to Do When You Know You Are Hooked by Jay Adams

Be Familiar with the Following Scriptures in the NASB and the Associated Question

• 1 Timothy 4:6 - WHERE DO BIBLICAL COUNSELORS GET THEIR COUNSEL?
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 - WHAT IS THE DIVINE PERSPECTIVE OF CHANGE?
• Romans 3:10-12, 18 - WHAT IS WRONG WITH MAN?
• 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 2:20 - WHAT IS THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR MAN’S PROBLEM?
• Acts 20:20 - HOW DOES BIBLICAL COUNSELING MINISTRY HELP FULFILL PAUL’S 20/20 VISION FOR THE CHURCH?
• 1 Peter 5:6-7,10 - CAN YOU NAME A FEW OF THE FIVE FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS OF THOSE WHO ENDURE OBEDIENTLY IN SUFFERING?
• Galatians 5:22-24 – ARE FEELINGS IMPORTANT IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? HOW ARE THEY PRODUCED?
• James 1:14-15 - WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF ADDICTION?
• 1 Peter 3:3-4 – WHAT CAN FREE THE WOMAN ENSLAVED BY A FEAR OF FOOD & FAT?
• Matthew 11:28-30 – WHAT IS THE BASIC PROBLEM & SOLUTION TO LEGALISM?
• 2 Peter 1:3-4 - DO BIBLICAL COUNSELORS NEED TO INTEGRATE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CHANGE?

Be able to complete a memorization test like the following:

1. Fill in the blanks below for 2 Peter 1:3-4:

“3 Seeing that His divine power has granted to us ___________ pertaining to life and _________, through the true __________ of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent __________, so that by them you may become partakers of the _______ _________, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by _______.”

2. This passage is helpful in answering which of the following: (choose one)

a. DISCERNING IF A CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR BELIEVES IN INTEGRATING WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CHANGE.

b. KNOWING WHAT THE CAUSE OF ADDICTION IS.

c. KNOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF FEELINGS IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE & HOW THEY ARE PRODUCED.

Track III Syllabus & Course Requirements

Marriage & Family Counseling (Singleness, Marriage, Parenting, Divorce)

In-Class Session Topics (60 pts) (24 sessions)

1) Unity in Marriage: The Cause of Conflict, How to Change Biblically, Faith-Motivated Love in Marriage, Biblical Communication, Biblical Roles: Husband & Wife, Managing Responsibilities, Leaving and Cleaving & Levels of Intimacy, Sexual Satisfaction, Financial Unity

2) Parenting by Faith - Eight Essentials: Establishing the Right Goals, Prayerful Dependence, Close Companionship, Godly Example, Structured Environment, Godly Conversations, Consistent Correction, and Gentle Correction

3) Singleness & Dating: Dealing with Loneliness, Practicing Active Contentment, Finding a Spouse Biblically

4) Divorce & Remarriage: Before Divorce, Biblical Perspective on Divorce, Overcoming Shame, Despair, Bitterness, Anger and Loneliness

Required Reading (30 pts)

Read THREE of the following (preferably one in each area - marriage, parenting, divorce) and complete a LCBCC Reading Report for one of the books (see example):

• Strengthening Your Marriage, by Dr. Wayne Mack
• The War of Words by Paul Tripp
• Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
• The Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott or The Complete Husband by Lou Priolo
• Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp or Teach Them Diligently by Lou Priolo
• Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage in the Bible by Dr. Jay Adams
• Handbook of Church Discipline by Dr. Jay Adams

Read through all of the assignments in your manual. You will want to become familiar with the counselor resources in your manual because you will find these useful in counseling and assigning effective homework that facilitates Biblical change.

For Further Study (optional)

Read through Strengthening Your Marriage God’s Way & Your Family God’s Way (Mack). Choose eight of the chapters and answer all the questions at the end of those chapters. Explain why you chose those eight in particular. For all other chapters simply read and list what you believe are the three most important concepts taught in each chapter.

Verses to Be Familiar with (10 pts): Choose 15 verses from the sessions that you believe are key in instructing and encouraging married couples in biblical change. Be able to write down the Scripture reference of the passage (not the entire passage) and a brief reason why you chose this as a key passage in marriage counseling.

Track IV Syllabus: “Contemporary Issues of Biblical Counseling”

In-Class Session Topics (60 pts) (24 sessions)

Review of Biblical Counseling Basics; Deeper Look at Idols of the Heart; Helping the Sexually Tempted (including Pornography, Homosexuality, Lust, Internet Safety Tips); Suicide; Cutting & Burning - Self-Injury; Making Wise Decisions; Indecisiveness; Crisis Counseling; ADHD; Excuse Making & Victim Mentality; Bipolar; Humility & Pride; Self-Esteem; Co-Dependency; Sexual Abuse (Child & Adult); Major Marital Conflict & Spousal Abuse; the Rebellious Teen

Required Reading (30 pts):

Read the following books and complete an LCBCC Reading Report for one:

• Seeing with New Eyes by David Powlison
• Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp

Read through all of the assignments in your manual. You will want to become familiar with these counselor resources because you will find these useful in counseling and assigning effective homework that facilitates Biblical change.

Other Recommended Reading (optional):

• The Secret of Self-Control by Richard Ganz
• Leaving Yesterday Behind by William Hines
• Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick
• Idols of the Heart: Vanity Fair by David Powlison (article- upon request)
• Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick
• From Forgiven to Forgiving by Dr. Jay Adams
• The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Image by Dr. Jay Adams
• How to Overcome Evil or How to Handle Trouble by Dr. Jay Adams
• From Pride to Humility by Stuart Scott
• Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
• At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry by Steve Gallagher
• The Way of Purity by Steve Gallagher
• Only God Can Heal a Wounded Heart by Ed Bulkley
• Finally Free by Heath Lambert
• CCEF Pamphlets: Motives, Self Injury, Domestic Abuse, ADD, Stress, Eating Disorders, Homosexuality, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Assault and more.

Verses to Memorize (10 points) Ezek 14:3; Titus 3:3-7; Rom 12:1-2; Eph 4:22-24; Rom 6:11, 21-22; Job 2:10; 2 Cor 4:7-10; Prov 16:9; Deut 29:29; John 12:27-28; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:31-32; James 3:16; Acts 20:24; 1 Pet 5:6-7; Gal 5:22-24; Gal 6:8-10 (You do not have to memorize each word for word, but be able to match the reference with the listed passage. You do however need to choose 6 verses total from the list and be able to write those out from memory. If one passage has 3 verses than that counts for three of the verses.

LCBCC Book Report

TITLE OF BOOK READ:

1. Write down what you believe were the three most important principles presented in your reading that you need to apply to your life and ministry to others.

2. Take each of these three principles and give one main biblical verse that clearly supports the principle and answer the following for each verse:

a. How Is This Passage Instructional to Me?

1. What are these verses telling me to do as I respond to today’s temptations, pressures and people? (Use and define the very words the verse uses.)

2. Describe when and how this might specifically and strategically be applied to current temptations, pressures and people?

b. How Is This Passage Motivational?

1. Based on these verses why should I work hard at stopping this sin(s) and putting on obedience? (Try to list as many things this passage is calling me to believe and think in order to sober me to the danger of disobedience and/or the pleasure of obedience.)

2. How are these beliefs and thoughts different than what I tend to be motivated by and believe and think when I respond to temptations, pressures and people? How would “hearing” these thoughts in temptation strengthen your resistance to sin?

c. End with Writing Brief Prayers of:

a. Adoration – Worshipping God for His greatness and goodness in Christ

b. Confession – What sins did you commit today? Don’t hide them.

c. Thanksgiving – What good things has God given you today? Don’t

overlook the small things!

d. Supplication – Ask God to help you and others in specific ways.

3. Was there anything the author presented that you have questions about or disagree with? Explain.