Counseling Training

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.

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. 

The Hope Center also offers its counseling and discipleship training in cities outside of Jacksonville. To see if we are offering training in a city near you, visit our conference page here.

Training Courses

Annually, the Hope Center in Jacksonville, FL offers the following training opportunities in Biblical Counseling and Discipleship.

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 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. Each year Track 2 will be evaluated by ACBC and approved for continuing education 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 that a person takes Track 1 (or another ACBC Fundamentals level course) and Track 2 prior to taking Track 3. Each year Track 3 will be evaluated by ACBC and approved for continuing education credits.


Track 4: Video Case Observations

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.


Track 5: Exam Course

This course is designed to help students complete the theology and counseling exams required for ACBC certification. 

Prerequisite: Track 1 (or another ACBC Fundamentals level course) completed within the last 3 calendar years.