It is a reality that many in our families, churches, workplaces and communities regularly experience trials and hardships in life. As Christ-followers we are all called to help by bearing one another’s burdens, by admonishing the unruly, encouraging the fainthearted, and helping the weak, while being patient with all (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thess. 5:14). However, it is also a reality that many in the church believe they are not equipped to carry out these God given responsibilities. Our goal is to glorify God by equipping lay men and women, and church and pastoral staff to better serve those hurting and in need in the church body. That is why the Hope Center has been offering it’s Counselor and Discipleship Training Conference annually since 2014. Our conference is conducted over four separate weeks; 3-4 weeks apart starting in early January.
Certified Training Center
Since 2014, the Hope Center has been certified by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (“ACBC”) as one of ACBC’s certified training centers and has been recognized as an accepted source of education for individuals seeking certification by ACBC.
Training Track Options
Three separate training tracks are conducted during the conference. Track 4 is held over two separate weekends after the conclusion of the conference.
NEW FOR 2026!
BUNDLE TRACKS 2 & 3 FOR ADDITIONAL SAVINGS
In 2026, if you register for both Tracks 2 & 3 together, you will receive an additional $25.00 off your total registration costs for Tracks 2 & 3. See Track 2 or 3 pages for details.
Track 1: Fundamentals in Biblical Counseling & Discipleship
This is the initial training course. Completion of the course will satisfy the Basic Training Course requirement of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors’ (ACBC) certification process. Track 1 meets all four weekends of the conference.
Track 2: Building on the Foundation
This course builds on the foundations taught in Track 1 and addresses topics frequently encountered in counseling. It is highly suggested that a person takes Track 1 or another ACBC Fundamentals level course prior to taking Track 2. Track 2 meets during the first and second weekends of the conference. The content of Track 2 is substantially the same each year and have been approved by ACBS for 20 hours of CEU credits.
Track 3: Going Deeper
This course is designed to help you continue to grow in using the scriptures to evaluate your own heart and to help others. The topics in Track 3 will vary year to year as our speakers address hard topics faced in a counseling or discipleship ministry. It is highly suggested (but not required) that a person takes Track 1 (or another ACBC Fundamentals level course) and Track 2 prior to taking Track 3. Track 3 meets during the third and fourth weekends of the conference. Each year Track 3 will be evaluated by ACBC and approved for continuing education credits.
Track 4: Video Case Observations
Track 4 is held after the conference and dates vary by year. In this course, students will view videos of 8 counseling sessions conducted by ACBC certified counselors. It is the intent of this course that the 8 sessions viewed in Track 4 plus the 2 sessions viewed in Track 1 will satisfy the requirement of 10 observation hours for ACBC certification.