Lay Counseling Certificate
Become an effective biblical counselor — at your own pace.
Learn to meet hurting people with the same grace-filled, gospel-centered care Christ modeled. No counseling background or degree required.
What you receive
Training designed for real ministry, real people, and real schedules.
Build biblical understanding and practical skill through a complete learning experience—not video lessons alone.
Fifty focused lessons
Two 25-lesson courses combine biblical foundations and contemporary counseling issues with high-quality video teaching.
Practical resources
Printable worksheets, discussion guides, assignments, and ministry tools you can begin using right away.
Learn at your convenience
Study from anywhere on any device. Start anytime and move at a pace that fits your life and ministry.
Experienced counselors
Learn from seven BCC counselors and ministry leaders with decades of real counseling and ministry experience.
A certificate of completion
Complete the training path and receive a printable BCC Lay Counseling Certificate recognizing your work.
How to enroll
The certificate comes with your membership.
To enroll in the Lay Counseling Certificate, join BCC Cares at the Care Pro or Care Team level.
For individuals
Care Pro
$37.50/mo
or $375/year — two months free · cancel anytime
- The Lay Counseling Certificate, available now
- The Marriage & Family Certificate, opening September 2026
- Live classes with our counselors
- Observation sessions and the ACBC exam guide
- Every micro-course and Care Plan on the site
For churches
Care Team
$25/mo
per person, per month · four-person minimum ($100/month total)
- Everything in Care Pro, for your whole team
- Your own training cohort, up to 15 people
- A private community, group and forum for your church
- The Launch course — we train your leader to lead
Common questions
What students want to know.
Clear answers about the training, time commitment, group learning, and certification pathways.
What makes BCC training unique?
Our training is grounded in the message, methods, and motivation of Christ—full of both grace and truth. Scripture supplies our foundation and the gospel supplies our hope.
You also learn from experienced counselors through a flexible, practical program with opportunities for live interaction and real ministry application.
What’s included in the Lay Counseling Certificate?
Fifty focused lessons combine biblical foundations with practical help for common counseling situations. Students receive video teaching, worksheets, discussion guides, assignments, discussion resources, and ministry tools they can use right away.
Complete the pathway to receive a printable BCC Lay Counseling Certificate.
How long do I have to complete the program?
Students have one year to complete the certificate coursework. If you need more time after that year, you can continue through the monthly subscription until you finish.
What are the prerequisites to get started?
No counseling background or college degree is required. Come ready to study the Bible, learn from experienced counselors, and grow in sound theology and a faithful counseling method.
Is this training effective in a group setting?
Yes. Group activities help students practice teaching and listening, learn from one another, and stay accountable. Churches can use Care Team for a private cohort, community, and guided team training.
Does this program meet certification training requirements?
The Lay Counseling Certificate is designed to meet the foundational training requirements for ACBC, ABC, IABC, and IRBC. Each organization has additional requirements—such as its application, exams, observation, and supervised counseling—and awards final certification independently. Care Pro membership includes observation sessions, exam-preparation resources, and guidance from BCC staff as you continue through the pathway that best fits your church and ministry goals.
Your next step
Begin your Lay Counseling Certificate.
Start with Care Pro for yourself, or equip a church team to learn and grow together.
