Our vision is to continue to expand and develop the Biblical Counseling ministry at Immanuel by equipping qualified laypeople to serve as biblical counselors in the church. In order to do this we are utilizing the training program offered by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC). Several of our members are currently going through the process of becoming NANC certified counselors. This involves three phases of training. First they complete a basic training course in biblical counseling. Second they take a series of open book theology and counseling exams. And third they complete 50 hours of counseling under the supervision of a NANC fellow. We believe this certification program is a very useful tool for developing lay counselors within the church and expanding our ability to provide counseling ministry in our community.

The counseling ministry is available to anyone. You do not necessarily need to be a member or even attending IBC to qualify for biblical counseling. However, we only have the resources to take on a certain number of cases at a time and priority is given to IBC members and those regularly attending the church. In addition, the counselor(s) reserve the right to accept or reject a case at their discretion. They can also choose to terminate any counseling case at any point if they deem it appropriate.

The first step to getting biblical counseling is to call the church office at (916) 444-6184. The church Administrative Assistant will put you in contact with Pastor Ernie King. He will then decide whether or not we can meet with you at this time. If there is availability then we will set up an appointment with you for an initial session during which it will be determined if you qualify for more extended formal biblical counseling.

A person should seek biblical counseling if he/she is “stuck” in sin and does not know how to get out. Biblical counseling is meant to provide a more personal and private ministry of the Bible to help a person understand God’s way of dealing with his/her sin so as to begin again the process of spiritual change and growth. The issues could range from sexual immorality (i.e. homosexuality, fornication, adultery, pornography etc), addiction (alcohol, gambling, pornography etc.), eating disorders, failing marriages and other relational breakdowns, anger, fear, anxiety, depression, grief, and many other problems not mentioned here.