Certifications are for those wishing to learn counsel more effectively as a pastor, lay counselor, marriage and family therapist, an addictions counselor or study to be a Bible-based life coach, or to add a biblical counseling perspective to an already established counseling or life coaching practice. In many of these situations it will be beneficial to have verification or certification that you have been adequately trained. In order to meet this need we have established counseling certification programs.  This program may also serve as a step toward earning a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in counseling since each of the required courses may also be upgraded for college credit toward a degree.  Unless you are an ordained pastor or have a degree you should not charge a fee for your counseling since you will most likely be unable to obtain counseling liability insurance and most church liability insurance does not cover you if you charge counseling fees. Although there could possibly be some liability, it is not unusual for life coaches to charge fees without a degree or liability insurance.

When you initially pay the full amount for your complete certification program, we are now offering free life coaching to encourage you throughout your program to complete it and to help you fulfill your goal of becoming a Christian counselor or life coach.

CERTIFICATION THROUGH OUR RESIDENCE SCHOOL IN WICHITA

If you live within driving distance of Wichita, Kansas, you can complete your certification classes online but attend our Wednesday night discussion and supervision meetings at Word of Life North from 8:15 to 9:30 pm.  It is always advantageous to be able to attend these discussions and practicum supervision rather than by Email. Of course it also allows us to provide support group experience, group supervision, counseling facilities, and clients at Word of Life Counseling Center. This is also the most cost-effective way to earn your certification because individual rather than group supervision requires an additional fee.

CERTIFICATION THROUGH DVD HOME STUDY

Another way to obtain your degree is through our home DVD program. Purchasing the actual DVDs/flash drive allow you to take your courses at your own pace and watch the lectures when you want to without high speed access to the Internet. DVDs also provide a larger presentation of the classes on your TV or computer and can be used for group study if some of your friends or church members are taking the same program. However, this method of study costs slightly more because you must purchase the DVDs for each course. Of course, the instructors are available by E-mail to answer any of your questions. Your practicum supervision can be provided by E-mail with one of our counselors, however, there is an additional fee and you will be responsible to obtain your own clients in your church or community.

CERTIFICATION THROUGH OUR E-SCHOOL

If you do not live within driving distance of our campus in Wichita but do have have high speed Internet access, you can take our classes on-line. Of course, our instructors are available by E-mail to answer any of your questions. Your practicum supervision can be provided by E-mail by one of our counselors, however, there is an additional fee and you will be responsible to obtain your own clients in your church or community.

SUPPORT GROUP CERTIFICATION

Certification as a support group leader is for those who have a passion for helping hurting people with a particular problem.  It is the easiest way to get started since today there are very good Bible-based workbooks for most topics to help you lead a group and it only requires our Facilitating Support Groups course (also called Group counseling).  We provide one copy of the books you will need and a life coach to help you get started

PASTORAL CERTIFICATION

Pastoral Counseling Certification is for ordained or licensed ministers, or for those currently in training to become a pastor or minister. Certification requires successful completion of Faith Therapy, Effective Counseling and Coaching Skills, Transformation, Revelations, Principles of Life, and a 30 hour counseling practicum.

LAY COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION

Certification as a lay counselor is for those who are not pastors but who wish to assist their pastor in counseling people at the lay (or non-pastoral) level. Lay counselors do not charge for their counseling but see it as a ministry to the church and especially to those who cannot afford to pay for counseling. More difficult cases are normally referred to the pastor or a degreed Christian counselor. The required courses are the same: Faith Therapy, Effective Counseling and Coaching Skills, Transformation, Revelations, Principles of Life, and a 30 hour counseling practicum.

ADDICTIONS COUNSELOR  

Certification as an addictions counselor is for those who are not pastors but who wish to assist their pastor in counseling people at the lay (or non-pastoral) level who are struggling with addictions. Like lay counselors, addictions counselors do not charge for their counseling but see it as a ministry to the church and especially to those who cannot afford to pay for counseling. More difficult cases are normally referred to the pastor or a degreed Christian counselor. The required courses are : Faith Therapy, Effective Counseling and Coaching Skills, Transformation, Counseling Addictions, Counseling Codependency, and a 30 hour counseling practicum.

MARRIAGE/FAMILY CERTIFICATION

Certification as a Marriage and Family Counselor is for those who are not pastors but who wish to assist their pastor in counseling people at the lay (or non-pastoral) level who are struggling with marriage and family issues. Like lay counselors, Marriage and Family Lay Counselors do not charge for their counseling but see it as a ministry to the church and especially to those who cannot afford to pay for counseling. More difficult cases are normally referred to the pastor or a degreed Christian counselor. The required courses are : Faith Therapy, Effective Counseling and Coaching Skills, Transformation, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Counseling Domestic Violence (Anger Management, Domestic Violence and Abuse) and a 30 hour counseling practicum.

BIBLE-BASED LIFE COACH CERTIFICATION

Certification as a Bible-based life coach is for those who are primarily interested in the ministry of discipleship or mentoring. Bible-based coaches provide assistance in spiritual growth, the development of Christian character, determining a specific calling, and helping clients accomplish what God has called them to do in his life as effectively and successfully as possible. Bible-based coaches are trained, experienced, reasonably mature Christians who personally mentor others in their Christian life helping them to determine God’s direction for their life, praying for them, and taking a personal interest in their success in running their race on this earth. The required courses are Mentoring and Life Coaching, Effective Counseling and Coaching Skills, Faith Therapy, Revelations, Principles of Life, and a 15 hour coaching practicum.

For requirements, courses, and fees for each certification please select the appropriate link on the right.