Equipped to Counsel is an 8-month class designed to help you apply the gospel to deep heart struggles and walk alongside those who are suffering. It beautifully blends biblical theology with practical, real-life ministry. Through this course, you will: Develop a biblical philosophy of the Christian life that centers on active involvement in a community of believers. Form a biblical approach to care that emphasizes how every believer is called to take part in counselling and discipleship. Gain a clear understanding of what biblical counselling truly means. Grow in your understanding of both general and specific methods used in biblical counselling. Walk through a variety of relevant issues, including depression, anger, anxiety, addiction, and sexuality. Cultivate a genuine love for those around you and build an active, daily prayer life. Have questions? We've got you covered. Please email: hello@careandcounselling.ca

Whether you are a professional counsellor, a ministry leader, or simply someone who wants to grow in discipling and caring for others well, this course is for you! We offer both a Certified and Non-Certified pathway to fit your goals. If you aren't sure which track is the best fit for you, please contact us before registering—we would love to help you decide!

The Association of Biblical Counselors Level 1 (ABC1) credential is awarded to individuals who successfully complete all course requirements in accordance with ABC standards. You can learn more about the certification process by visiting the link below. + Certification Details

The Equipped to Counsel course will be held in person at Central Community Church | Chilliwack Campus. Our Address: 46100 Chilliwack Central Road Chilliwack, BC

Classes for Equipped to Counsel run every other Thursday night from 6:00PM to 8:30PM starting September 17. In addition to our bi-weekly classes, we also offer an optional monthly study group. This is a wonderful, casual way to connect and engage with your peers as you process the material and work through the course requirements together. Classes: September 17 October 1, 15, 29 November 12, 26 December 10 January 7, 21 February 4, 18 March 4 April 1 Graduation Thursday, April 22 | 6.00 PM - 8.30PM We encourage you to review the full schedule ahead of time to ensure you can commit to attending these bi-weekly sessions throughout the 8-month course.

Certified This pathway leads to the ABC1 credential, awarded to those who meet all of ABC's training standards. This track is highly recommended if you are pursuing formal recognition in biblical counselling. Enrollment requires tuition payment and a commitment to the following course requirements: Reading: The Equipped to Counsel textbook and selected Journal of Biblical Counselling articles. Videos: Two video series (approximately 10 hours each) with an accompanying writing assignment. Assignments: Two exams, four writing assignments, and a 10-session mini-practicum experience with counseling journals. Expect to invest 7+ hours per week over an 8-month period to complete the course.

Non-Certified The Non-Certified pathway is designed for those who wish to participate in the course for personal growth or ministry enrichment. While you will attend the same classes and engage in the same coursework as the Certified pathway, this option does not require tuition payment and does not result in academic credit or ABC certification. Reading: The Equipped to Counsel textbook and selected Journal of Biblical Counselling articles. Videos: Two video series (approximately 10 hours each) with an accompanying writing assignment. Assignments: Two exams, four writing assignments, and a 10-session mini-practicum experience with counselling journals. Expect to invest 7+ hours per week over an 8-month period to complete the course.

Certified Pathway Central Attendee: CAD$650 Non-Central Attendee: CAD$1150 This fee covers your Equipped to Counsel textbook, ABC tuition, and your annual ABC membership fee—which secures your enrollment and unlocks full access to exclusive resources, ongoing training, and official certification. You will receive a registration link to process this payment once your application has been accepted. Non-Certified Pathway Central Attendee: CAD$100 + US$149 (ABC membership fee) Non-Central Attendee: Ineligible for this course pathway. This fee covers your Equipped to Counsel textbook and is payable through a registration link we will send you after your application is accepted. Please note: Your ABC membership fee (US$149) is required and will need to be paid directly to ABC. Required Additional Cost (Both Pathways) CCEF Online Subscription: US$21  This subscription is required for both pathways and gives you direct access to all necessary online course readings. It is paid directly to CCEF, and we will email you instructions on how to set this up.

To complete your application, you will need to meet the following criteria and have your materials ready: Church Attendance: You should be actively attending a church (whether that is Central Community Church or another local congregation). Two Letters of Recommendation: You will need one letter from a Pastor or Elder, and a second letter from a Spouse or Friend. Fees: You will need to pay the required fees upon successful application, which varies depending on whether you choose the Certified or Non-Certified pathway. Important Note: Please wait to submit your application using the link on this page until you have received both recommendation letters and are ready to upload them.

You will need to submit two references: one from a Pastor or Elder, and a second from a spouse or close friend. Pastor or Elder: Please provide a brief pastoral assessment of the applicant’s relationship with God, spiritual maturity, character, and suitability for biblical counselling. Specifically, please comment on how you know them and for how long, their involvement in your church, their heart towards others, their commitment to Scripture, and teachability. Lastly, how you intend to guide and support them as they develop in their role as a biblical counsellor.  Friend or Spouse, if married: Please provide a letter of recommendation stating how long you have known each other, and why he or she believes you are a good candidate for certification. Please provide contact information. For both: Please also share if there are any concerns or reservations you have regarding this applicant’s aptitude for this certification program. Please share any feedback that would help us better understand their potential challenges or areas for growth.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you get stuck, have questions about the requirements, or just aren't sure what your next step is, please reach out to us at hello@careandcounselling.ca. We’re more than happy to walk through it with you.