IABC Ministry Update

At the International Association of Biblical Counselors, we are continually advancing our expanding organization, and your input is warmly welcomed. IABC firmly upholds the belief that blending psychology with the Bible while remaining faithful to God’s Word is impossible. Our genuine conviction lies in the truth that the Bible contains all we need for the healing of the heart, soul, mind, and spirit of God’s children, as described in 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” We are unwaveringly committed to the understanding that the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God transforms the people of God. If you share the belief that God is just as capable of healing the wounded heart in our present age as He was during Jesus’ time on earth, then you will discover a source of wonderful fellowship and encouragement within IABC. We encourage you to keep in touch, explore our website at iabc.net, and consider joining us for one of our Bible conferences.

2024 Annual Conference

Speaking of conferences, you are cordially invited to join us at the 2024 IABC Annual Biblical Counseling Conference—an event dedicated to exploring the Sufficiency of Christ and His Word. This year, we are blessed to be hosted by Horizon Christian Fellowship in Indianapolis, Indiana (July 25-27, 2024). This gathering promises enriching fellowship and a rejuvenated commitment to the timeless truths of the Scriptures. Save the date and take the opportunity for early registration at IABC.net to benefit from our special discount. We extend a heartfelt invitation to all individuals seeking an understanding of the Sufficiency of Christ and the enduring impact of His Word. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the depth and richness of this conference.

IABC is Committed to the Lord as Counselor

In Psalm 32:8, God communicates directly to His people through His servant David. Here, God declares, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Ps. 32:8, NASB). God assumes the vital roles of instructor, teacher, guide, and counselor for His people. The promise is clear—He will personally undertake the task of instructing, teaching, guiding, and counseling. God assures, “I will guide you,” or as various translations phrase it, “I will counsel you.” It is a declaration, emphasizing that guidance and counsel come directly from God, underscoring His active involvement in our lives.

We are Instruments of His Counsel

In Isaiah 9:6, the prophetic verse declares, “For unto us, a Child is born, unto us, a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God…” This title bestowed upon the Messiah, now revealed as the Lord Jesus Christ, is “Wonderful Counselor.” Jesus stands as the ultimate Counselor. Within the family of God, the kingdom of God, and the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, He is the singular, intrinsic Counselor—defined by His nature, person, gifts, and work. Not merely an instrument of counsel, but the Counselor Himself. While Christians may be referred to as counselors, it’s vital to recognize it as a derived role, a reflection of the Lord counseling through them. The true and Wonderful Counselor is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your Testimonies Are My Delight and My Counselors

If the Lord is our Counselor, the expectation naturally follows that His counsel is given to us through His Word. The Lord has said what He wants to say in His Word…“The faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3); there are no alterations or additions between its inspiration and eternity. The counsel the Lord desires to impart is unequivocally found within the sacred pages of His Word. The centrality and critical nature of this truth are reiterated time and again. As articulated in Psalm 119:24, “Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors,” God beckons us to find delight in His Word. This delight, coupled with a commitment to live in and listen to the Lord through His Word, becomes the fundamental way He imparts His counsel to us. In essence, God counsels us directly through the timeless wisdom in His Word.

The Purpose & Process at IABC

Biblical counseling is not just a movement; it is a dynamic force changing lives across the Church. The impact is tangible, and the ripple effect is felt in the lives of countless individuals.

IABC Training and Support: Nurturing Growth and Collaboration

IABC actively promotes biblical counseling through a range of initiatives, including seminars, conferences, and workshops—in person and online. These events serve as platforms for learning, collaboration, and the exchange of insights among counselors. Additionally, IABC encourages the development of biblical research, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within its community.

A key aspect of IABC’s support system is its counselor network—a valuable space for the exchange of information and referrals. By creating a supportive community, IABC ensures that its members are well-equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to make a lasting difference in the lives they touch.

Navigating the IABC Process: Membership and Certification

Membership: Becoming a member of IABC does not necessitate certification as a biblical counselor. However, membership is a crucial step for those aspiring to become certified biblical counselors. It provides access to a range of benefits, including updates on counseling-related issues, conference opportunities, the IABC Newsletter, and various resources for ministry.

Certification: IABC offers a rigorous yet attainable certification program for members meeting the qualifications. This program establishes a high standard for counseling excellence and biblical integrity, fostering a unified approach to counseling within the biblical counseling movement. A certified biblical counselor, acknowledged by IABC, signifies a commitment to these high standards and an unwavering dedication to transformative, biblically-grounded counseling rooted in the sufficiency of Scripture. Consider becoming a member first, and if you’re called, pursue certification to stand as a beacon of hope and change in a world in need.