Training
Biblical counselor training is for those who desire to develop an understanding and application of biblical counseling and the impact it has on the community of believers.
**For Salem Heights Church attenders, taking the Equipped to Counsel classes in no way guarantees or obligates you to join our counseling team.**
Salem Heights Church has been certified with the Association of Biblical Counselors as a Regional Training Center where we can provide the certification of students seeking national recognition through the Equipped to Counsel course.
Salem Heights Church Biblical Counseling Ministry can also provide continuing education for already certified counselors.
EQUIPPED TO COUNSEL
Course Description: This 8-month class is designed to equip followers of Christ with the ability to apply the gospel in personal and specific ways to the heart and struggles of others. We will address both the theology and practice of gospel-centered counseling. Participants will be prepared to minister effectively to individuals, couples and families with a biblical perspective on change in the context of community. Issues such as addictions, anxiety, anger and depression will be covered. Space is limited.
Both Wednesday evening (6:00-8:30pm) and Thursday morning (9:00-11:30am) class times are available.
The next Equipped to Counsel classes will begin September, 2026.
Option One: Certificate of Completion from Salem Heights Church Biblical Counseling Ministries
- Class, materials, proctoring of assignments, observation, Made to Minister Conference registration
- Completion of all assignments will earn a certificate of completion through Salem Heights Church Biblical Counseling Ministries. You also have the option of attending class and not completing assignments. Choose the level of work that best fits your needs.
Cost: $255
Option Two: National Certification and Membership through The Association of Biblical Counselors
- Class, materials, proctoring of assignments, observation, Made to Minister conference registration, practicum and certification through the Association of Biblical Counselors
Cost: $730
EQUIPPED TO COUNSEL FAQ
Our passion for equipping churches leads us to provide a unique training opportunity through the Association of Biblical Counselors. Equipped to Counsel is an 8-month course designed to train followers of Christ to apply the gospel in both personal and issue-specific ways so that we, as the body of Christ, can learn how to wisely and biblically disciple suffering people. We address both the theology and practice of gospel-centered counseling. Participants are trained to minister effectively to individuals, couples, and families from a biblical perspective on change in the context of community. Issues such as addictions, anxiety, anger, and depression are explored. This class is for ministry leaders, pastors and others that desire to practice biblical counseling.
1. 14 expected in-person trainings on either the selected evening or morning class time
2. Textbook, articles and videos to self-study, homework that is graded by an instructor
3. Weekly interaction with your group leader and classmates
4. Additional learning, topical workshops, remote sessions, coaching, and interaction with your instructors
5. Opportunities for video observations
6. One-year subscription to the Journal of Biblical Counseling ($21 subscription paid directly to CCEF)
7. A Salem Heights Church Biblical Counseling Ministries (SHC) certificate upon completion OR
8. The Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) certification upon completion
9. For ABC students, $25 of your fee will be paid directly to ABC upon submission of your ABC application
Online enrollment begins July 1 and remains open until September 8. Apply early before classes fill up!
We plan to meet on Sep 23/24, Oct 7/8, Oct 21/22, Nov 18/19, Dec 2/3, Jan 6/7, Jan 20/21, Feb 3/4, Feb 18 (Thursday evening community workshop), Feb 24/25, Mar 10/11, Mar 31/Apr 1, Apr 14/15, Apr 28/29, May 12 (Wednesday evening celebration). Class dates are subject to change. The same material is covered on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, so choose which time is more convenient for you.
Although we only meet a couple of times a month, there is still an expectation of reading on the weeks we don’t meet. See the syllabus for more information.
If you don’t know, please register for the Salem Heights Church Biblical Counseling certificate of completion. We will give you more information in the first class session. You may change your track up until October 15.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELING
Course Description: This 8-session course is designed to help students apply theology specifically to marriages and families, enhance their skills in counseling and one-another care, develop more experience by discussing a broad range of counseling case studies, and receive supervision on counseling case studies. For students who hold ABC Certification, this course will cover 8 CEUs. Space is limited.
2026 Class Dates: January 14, January 28, February 18, March 4, March 18, April 8, April 29, May 13
Registration has closed.
Prerequisites & Cost
Prerequisite: either completion of Equipped to Counsel or pastor permission is required
Cost: $59
BIBLICAL COUNSELING COMMUNITY
Course Description: Are you a biblical counselor or care ministry leader seeking ongoing training, support, and connection as you care for those in your local church? Join us monthly for interactive instruction on relevant topics with optional group supervision and case consultation.
Class Dates: September 17, October 15, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 18, April 8, May 6
Class Time: Thursdays, 9:00-11:15am
Prerequisites & Cost
Prerequisite: actively serving as a biblical counselor or in another care ministry.
Cost: $99
MORE INFO
Please email training@salemheightschurch.org with questions. Thank you!
"GET TRAINED AS A
BIBLICAL COUNSELOR"