Board Certified Pastoral Counselor

Pastoral Counseling Certification Program

Online | Self-Paced | Ministry-Experienced Friendly

Victorious Living Bible Institute offers the Pastoral Counseling Certification Program, an online, self-paced training designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for effective pastoral counseling grounded in biblical truth.

This program is ideal for those who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, we also welcome applicants with 10–15 years of pastoral ministry experience, partial college credit, or significant counseling-related training or experience.

Program Highlights

  • Earn a Certification in Pastoral Counseling

  • Flexible online format – study at your own pace

  • Transferable credit – credits may be applied toward an undergraduate degree in Christian Counseling at our affiliate, Christian Bible Institute & Seminary

  • Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, and lay counselors

Courses Included

CCS101 – Christian Counseling 100
Introduction to the local church, the role of the Christian counselor, and the Christian community
Suggested Textbook: Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams

CCS211 – Christian Counseling 200
Explores the Bible as the most powerful and essential tool in counseling
Suggested Textbook: Christian Counseling by Dr. Gary R. Collins

CCS301 – Building Strong Marriages and Families
Focuses on the role of communication and relationship dynamics in healthy marriages

GCCS623 – Counseling for Change
Addresses common counseling challenges and effective strategies to bring about transformation

GCCS629 – Counseling, Psychology, and the Christian
Examines the integration of Christian faith with psychological understanding—mind, will, emotions, and spirit

CCS340 – Pastoral Counseling
A foundational study of the history, principles, and real-world application of pastoral counseling
Required Textbook: Pastoral Counseling: An Introduction to Pastoral Care by Dr. Tony V. Lewis
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Program Cost

  • Total Tuition: $650.00 (Includes registration fee)

  • Registration Fee: $50.00 (Due at enrollment)

  • Annual Renewal Fee: $50.00

Installment Plans Available:

  • 3 Months – $200/month

  • 6 Months – $100/month

  • 12 Months – $50/month

Program Completion Deadline: 1 year from enrollment

Commitment to Ethics and Excellence

Victorious Living Bible Institute, in partnership with the National Association of Christian Counselors (NACC), adheres to the Code of Ethical Standards set by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

All counselors and life coaches are expected to uphold these standards, demonstrating Christ-like integrity, compassion, and professionalism.

➡️ View the AACC Code of Ethics

Ready to Make an Impact Through Biblical Counseling?

Apply today and start your journey toward becoming a certified Pastoral Counselor.

Registration Form

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Important Notice Regarding Certification

Board Certified Pastoral Counselor

Certification through the National Association of Christian Counselors (NACC), in partnership with Victorious Living Bible Institute (VLBI), is a faith-based credential and is not equivalent to state licensure. Each U.S. state has its own laws governing the practice of counseling, and those regulations vary.

State laws exist to protect the public and ensure professional accountability. While NACC shares these priorities, it goes further by equipping Christian counselors to serve through the truth of God’s Word, offering spiritual and emotional care in a broken world. At VLBI, we believe that Scripture holds the ultimate answers for healing and transformation, but we also emphasize the importance of operating responsibly within the legal boundaries set by each state.

Counseling in a Ministry Context

Most states recognize pastoral counseling as a legitimate function of a local church or religious ministry and typically do not regulate such services when the following criteria are met:

  • Counseling is offered through a legally organized church, ministry, or nationally recognized Christian organization.

  • The counselor has received proper training and commissioning through that recognized body.

What This Certification Represents

The Board Certified Pastoral Counselor designation from VLBI and NACC reflects the successful completion of specialized coursework in biblical counseling. It’s important to note:

  • This certification is not a state-issued license.

  • It does not include supervised clinical hours or ongoing evaluations typically required for professional licensure.

  • It is not intended to replace state-regulated mental health credentials.

A Note of Caution and Care

While certification reflects training and competency in Christian counseling, students and graduates should:

  • Research state laws regarding the practice of counseling and pastoral care.

  • Serve under the spiritual covering of a local church or ministry organization.

  • Honor both legal and ethical standards, maintaining Christlike integrity, compassion, and professionalism