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About BCF

Our Mission

The mission of the Biblical Counseling Foundation (BCF) is to provide in-depth biblical discipleship materials and training in carrying out Jesus’ “great commission” (Matthew 28:19-20). This includes both parts of Jesus’ command: 1) baptizing (including evangelism) and 2) “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (discipleship). Our aim as an ministry is to be “servant to the servants” who are building up the body of Christ worldwide.

Why This Ministry?

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that “in the last days difficult times will come.” You may be thinking “I know that, but my difficult times are already here!” Or perhaps you know a friend or family member who is struggling. BCF was founded in order to help people live victoriously even in the midst of difficult times. This is what distinguishes BCF’s ministry:

Looking to the Scriptures, not the “world’s wisdom”

Many believers look to the “world’s wisdom” for answers rather than looking to the powerful, practical principles of living found in God’s Word. The Lord has given us the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as the only complete resources needed for guidance and help in daily living (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Believers can live victoriously in the midst of any problem of life, no matter how difficult, as we depend on these resources.

Jesus reminded us that "love of self" is not the answer

We are bombarded with the message today that the world should revolve around “ME.” Jesus taught just the opposite, that the focus needs to be on the Lord and others, which is where the source of true peace and joy. He reminded us in the Sermon on the Mount to “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). This was how “Self-Confrontation” was originated in 1974. Since then, the biblical truths and practices taught in this first course have been used to help mature many in their faith and to overcome even serious difficulties in their lives.  

BCF materials and training can help local churches
with discipling and counseling others

BCF’s main focus is in supporting pastors and church leaders in “equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ ….” (Ephesians 4:12).

BCF has developed the Self-Confrontation course and other materials for small groups and individual discipleship/counseling to help local assemblies to maintain a focus on serving the Lord and others. This includes materials and training for how to come alongside our families and friends who may be struggling.

Training Philosophy

Jesus Christ commissioned the disciples to make other disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to disciple others as disciplemakers (II Timothy 2:2). 

Believers must be prepared to provide biblical discipleship/counsel to others within the local church, in their family, their work relationships, and their friendships, in either organized training ministries or informal settings.

BCF’s in-depth discipleship training ministry is intended to equip believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to serve as biblical disciplers/counselors within the context of the local body of believers. 

The Lord has directed those who comprise the core team of writers and trainers in the Biblical Counseling Foundation to develop a biblical discipleship/counseling training program based strictly on the complete authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures. 

God has provided everything pertaining to life and godliness (II Peter 1:3), and He has made it possible for every believer to be completely adequate to the task of biblical discipleship/counseling (Romans 15:14). He has provided the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit as the only resources needed for guidance and support (John 14:26; II Corinthians 1:3-4; II Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, the objective of all BCF training is to teach students to rely wholly on the Holy Spirit and Scriptures, both for personal living and for helping others. 

The goal of the training program is not to produce professional counselors, but to conduct training within the setting of the local church to prepare all believers to disciple/counsel others in a variety of settings.

The training materials use compound terms such as discipleship/counseling, discipler/counselor, and disciple/counselee. This purposeful redundancy is intended to be a continuing reminder to view biblical discipleship/counseling as one ministry — not separate and distinct ministries often referred to as discipleship and counseling.

 The world has borrowed the term “counseling” from the Bible, distorted its meaning, and now claims that the church should not use it. At the same time, the church has distorted the term discipleship to exclude counseling. As a result, believers who seek counsel for serious problems often are reluctant to ask for help from someone who has only had training in discipleship. They view counseling as very specialized and complex, so they look for someone who has been certified as a professional counselor. 

The Bible describes discipleship as much broader and deeper than the “discipleship” that is often practiced today. Jesus specified in Matthew 28:19-20 that His disciples were to “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded.” Jesus made it clear that, in addition to presenting the Gospel, making disciples includes teaching believers to observe all that He taught about how to live victoriously. 

The command to disciple includes all aspects of personal ministry to others. As described and practiced by the writers of Scripture, biblical discipleship involves evangelizing, baptizing, teaching, admonishing, instructing, comforting, encouraging, restoring, strengthening, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting others to follow a biblical pattern of life (based on Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 15:14; II Corinthians 1:4; Galatians 6:1; I Thessalonians 3:2; II Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 10:24). 

Helping someone to face, deal with, and endure even the most serious of problems or circumstances in a manner that pleases God is not a complicated or mysterious process. It is merely a matter of helping him to walk by the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:16-25). When a person is walking by the Holy Spirit, he has complete victory in dealing with and enduring the tests and trials of life. He does not experience sinful anxiety, fear, anger, depression, or any of the other debilitating problems so common today.

Believers must be prepared to provide in-depth biblical discipleship to others within the local church, family, work relationships, friendships, and in either organized training ministries or informal settings. At times, ministry may take place in a one-on-one setting such as at lunch in a restaurant when a person asks for help.

On the other hand, it is profitable to involve a team of two or three people to disciple/counsel if possible. A team can sharpen one another’s discipleship/counseling skills (based on Proverbs 27:17). Team discipleship/counseling protects all involved against false accusations from disgruntled disciples/counselees. Accusations can be evaluated by others present (Deuteronomy 19:15). Perhaps most significantly, team discipleship/ counseling provides training opportunities for less experienced members to observe the example of the more trained members. The disciples learned much about discipleship by observing Jesus before they ever went out on their own. 

In order to provide thorough training as well as to build in flexibility to meet a variety of discipleship/counseling needs, the BCF training program begins with an emphasis on a solid structure. It then exposes the student progressively to a variety of new situations as the student gains confidence. As a result, the training can then be adapted to informal, personal, or church ministry.

The emphasis is on how to disciple/counsel through a practical application of biblical truths and principles. Training in discipleship/counseling cannot be accomplished effectively in the classroom only. Telling is not enough; discipleship/counseling must be demonstrated and practiced. Jesus provides us the pattern for discipleship/counseling training. His training of the disciples was accomplished in five recognizable phases. 

  1. First, He told the disciples what and why. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men (Mark 1:17).” He not only told them what He wanted them to do, but He also told them why. In the Scriptures, when God gave a commandment, He normally also gave a reason for the commandment. In the same way, you must be careful to explain thoroughly from the Scriptures why those you are discipling should be involved in whatever activity you are introducing. 
  2. Second, He showed them how. He traveled throughout Palestine ministering to people as the disciples followed and watched (Mark 3:20-6:6). Jesus set the example. He did not expect them to do something that He didn’t do. 
  3. Third, Jesus got them started by commissioning them and sending them out two by two (Mark 6:7-13). Disciples might be highly motivated and have carefully observed how to minister, but that does not get them started. This may be a difficult step especially if there is a fear of failure. 
  4. Fourth, He encouraged and exhorted them to keep on ministering. He gave the disciples help with their questions and difficulties (based on Mark 6:45 and following). This is often the hardest part of discipleship. Consider how many times Jesus had to correct the disciples and teach them the same things repetitively. So many times He chided them for not learning from previous experiences. 
  5. Fifth, He commissioned them to disciple (train) others (Matthew 28:19-20). Passing on to someone else what you have learned is really the proof of your learning. You recognize that you have learned something well when you teach it.

Following the example of Jesus, BCF has developed five levels of training.

  • Level 1 What and why. The foundational course, Self-Confrontation, provides 105 biblical principles for living a victorious life in facing, dealing with, and enduring the trials and challenges of life. 
  • Level 2 Show them how. The second course introduces biblical discipleship/counseling and includes 31 additional biblical principles on how to disciple/counsel others. The training includes role-plays in which the student practices discipleship/counseling under close supervision.
  • Level 3 Get them started. The third course continues the training by introducing multiple disciple/counselees and the entire discipleship/counseling process.
  • Level 4 Keep them going. The fourth level of training provides the student experience in actual discipleship/counseling meetings.
  • Level 5 Disciple (train) others. Level 5 consists primarily of training the student to lead in a local discipleship/counseling training ministry.

For a description of the BCF training courses, see the BCF BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP/COUNSELING TRAINING COURSES.

It is our fervent hope that this training will help pastors, Christian leaders, and all others in the Body of Christ to meet the pressing needs of this generation and that, in turn, they will bear the fruit of the victorious and overcoming Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Download the Brochure Here

Statement of Faith

for the Ministry of Biblical Discipleship/Counseling

The church of Jesus Christ is to be committed solely to the Old and New Testaments as the only written authority for faith and conduct. The biblical discipler/counselor’s faith and conduct, which includes his discipling/counseling theory and practice, are established and defined only by the standards of Scripture. The following statement of faith and conduct sets forth the central doctrines, precepts, and principles of God’s Word which, since the first century, have formed the basis for authentic and effective biblical discipleship/counseling in the Body of Christ.

We affirm the Bible to be the only infallible and authoritative Word of God, given by inspiration of God and devoid of error as originally written.1 The Bible can be understood only through the regenerative power of the Holy Spirit2 and is to be interpreted first and foremost by itself, using all relevant passages that relate to a particular subject. Since the Bible supplies all the resources necessary for godly living, it is totally sufficient to guide every individual in what to believe, and how to think, speak, and act in every relationship and circumstance.3 Nothing is to be added to or deleted from its teachings.4

1 Psalm 19:7; 119:160; John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21

2 I Corinthians 2:14 

3 I Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:3-4 

4 Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; II Peter 3:16; Revelation 22:18-19

  • This statement affirms the complete sufficiency of the Bible to provide for each individual all the guidance necessary to face, deal with, and endure every test and trial of life5 and for each believer, provides all the help necessary to live in a way that pleases God and develops maturity as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.6

5 I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:23. 

6 I Peter 2:1-5; II Peter 1:3-4

  1. On any issue where God’s Word speaks clearly by command, precept, or judgment, the biblical discipler/counselor uses Scripture alone, as a continuing basis of faith, hope, change, and perseverance in doing the Word.7
  2. The biblical discipler/counselor assembles the full range of biblical commands, precepts, descriptions, and judgments8 that contrast man’s erroneous thinking, judgment, and ways9 — which demonstrate a preoccupation with self10 — with a commitment to please God and obey His Word regardless of feelings, circumstances, or other people.11
  3. Even on issues where the wisdom of man seems to correspond to the truth of God’s Word, the biblical discipler/counselor continues to refer only to Scripture as the ultimate authority for living and disregards any so-called validation of scriptural truths outside the Bible.12

7 Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 5:13-14; James 1:22-25

8 Psalm 19:7-11; II Timothy 3:15b-17

9 Isaiah 55:8-11

10 Matthew 7:1-5; 10:38-39; Luke 18:9-14

11 Proverbs 3:5-7; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Colossians 1:10; I Thessalonians 2:4; 4:1

12 Isaiah 55:11; John 17:17; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 7

  • This affirmation also is meant to reject all philosophies that contain any ideas that are in opposition to Scripture as to how God deals with mankind.13 Specifically, God’s Word defines the sinful basis for man’s problems as originating in the heart14 and leading to an orientation to live for self instead of the Lord.15 Therefore the biblical discipler/counselor rejects as superficial, futile, and unbiblical, methodologies that do not deal with issues of the heart but instead focus on other persons or circumstances as the reason for not overcoming difficulties in life.16

13 Psalm 1:1-3; I Samuel 16:7; I Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:8

14 Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:18-20; Mark 7:20-23; Luke 6:45

15 Luke 9:23-24

16 Colossians 2:8; I Timothy 1:3b-7; 4:7a

We affirm the one God,17 eternally existent18 in the triune Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.19

17 Deuteronomy 6:4

18 Deuteronomy 33:27a; Psalm 90:1-2; Hebrews 1:8-12; 7:24-25; 9:14

19 Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; John 14:16-18; II Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6

We affirm the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ,20 His virgin birth,21 His sinless life,22 His miracles,23 His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood,24 His bodily resurrection,25 His ascension to the right hand of the Father,26 and His personal return in power and glory.27

20 Isaiah 9:6-7; John 10:30; Colossians 1:15-17 

21 Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23 

22 Hebrews 4:15 

23 John 20:30-31 

24 II Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7 

25 Romans 1:4; 4:25; 8:11; I Corinthians 15:4 

26 Romans 8:34; Hebrews 8:1 

27 Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:28

We affirm that mankind was created in the image of God28 but fell into sin by being disobedient to God’s will.29  As a result, all individuals are sinful by nature30 and are unable to save themselves,31 live righteously,32 or understand the things of God.33 Therefore, no one has any inherent justification as he appears before a holy and righteous God, since every person is subject to death34 and God’s judgment.35

28 Genesis 1:27 

29 Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

30 Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-3 

31 Psalm 49:7; Proverbs 20:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5 

32 Psalm 143:2; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-12 

33 Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah 55:8-9; I Corinthians 2:14 

34 Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 3:23; 6:23a 

35 Romans 1:18; 5:16, 18; Hebrews 9:27; II Peter 3:7

  • This affirmation emphasizes that the foremost problem faced by natural man is separation from God and not merely an inability to face, deal with, and endure problems of life.36

36 Ephesians 2:1-4

  • This affirmation indicates the futility of trying to disciple/counsel individuals with a view to Christlike change apart from dealing with their basic sinfulness.37

37 John 3:18; 8:34; Romans 6:17-18; 8:5-8

  • This affirmation also concludes that it is impossible to please God in one’s thoughts, words, or actions apart from conversion through Jesus Christ.38

38 Romans 8:5-9

We affirm that God, by His gracious and merciful love, gave His one and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as the only answer for mankind’s helpless spiritual condition.39 Jesus voluntarily accepted the punishment for sin and died on the cross to pay the full price of redemption.40

39 Isaiah 53:2-12; John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:6; I Timothy 2:5-6; I John 4:10 

40 John 10:17-18; II Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 10:10-14; I Peter 1:18-19; 3:18

We affirm that each member of the Triune Godhead is jointly involved in the plan of redemption for lost and sinful mankind41 and that this redemption is provided to those who receive a spiritual new birth42 by God’s grace and mercy.43 This spiritual transformation44 is initiated and maintained by God45 and enables a believer to be an overwhelming conqueror through Christ Jesus.46

41 Hebrews 9:14; I Peter 1:1-2 

42 John 3:5-8; Romans 5:17

43 Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7 

44 Romans 6:6-11; II Corinthians 5:17

45 Philippians 1:6 

46 Romans 8:31-39; I John 4:4

  • This affirmation highlights the necessity of salvation in Jesus Christ as a prerequisite for enablement to face, deal with, and endure problems in a biblical manner.47 Thus a biblical discipler/counselor is to present the Good News of Jesus Christ to an unbeliever,48 which must be appropriated before any further biblical discipling/counseling can be effective.49

47 John 15:5; Romans 6:16-19 

48 II Corinthians 5:18-20 

49 I Corinthians 2:14

  • This affirmation emphasizes that the divine resources of God are available and completely sufficient for a believer in Christ to endure in a Christlike manner any trial or test, including those involving painful emotional distress, agonizing physical discomfort, or physical care by medical personnel.50

50 I Corinthians 10:13; II Corinthians 1:3-5; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 4:15-16; James 1:2-4; II Peter 1:2-4

  • This affirmation is meant to convey that a biblical relationship with God through Jesus Christ provides the only way for one to experience lasting peace and joy in the midst of the adversities of life.51

51 John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33; 17:13

We affirm the present work of the Holy Spirit as convicting the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.52 The Holy Spirit indwells a believer53 to help him understand the things of God54 and to empower him for godly living55 that results in further Christlikeness.56

52 John 16:8 

53 John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 3:16 

54 John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:9-16; I John 2:18-27 

55 Acts 1:8; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18 

56 II Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23

  • This affirmation is meant to convey that focusing on interpreting or living in one’s past is not necessary for biblical change.57

57 I Corinthians 3:19-20; Philippians 3:13-14

  • This affirmation also emphasizes the need for a biblical discipler/counselor to reject any reliance on self-adequacy when dealing in the life of another. Instead, he is to rely on God’s Spirit totally apart from man-made techniques or practices that supposedly help one disciple/counsel others.58

58 Zechariah 4:6; II Corinthians 3:5-6

We affirm the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they that are saved to the resurrection of life and they that are lost to the resurrection of damnation.59 Each shall be responsible to give an account of deeds done in the body.60

59 Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; I Corinthians 15:51-52; Revelation 20:11-15 

60 Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Matthew 12:35-37; 16:27; Romans 2:6; 14:10-12; II Corinthians 5:10; I Peter 1:17; Revelation 20:12-13

  • This affirmation emphasizes the importance of being a doer of the Word to please the Lord, not only for the blessings of the Lord in this life61 but also for God’s rewards in the life to come.62

61 John 15:10-11; James 1:22-25; I John 3:22 

62 Matthew 16:27; Colossians 1:10-12; 3:23-24

We affirm the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.63 We believe that all professing Christians should be baptized,64 be in ministry in conjunction with other believers,65 be in biblical submission to one another,66 be subject to and participate in the care and restorative discipline of the church,67 and be in submission to godly leadership that God has ordained in a church.68

63 John 17:22-23; Ephesians 4:3-6, 12-16 

64 Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38 

65 Romans 12:4-5; I Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:4-16; I Peter 4:10 

66 Ephesians 5:21 

67 Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-5 

68 I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17

We affirm the responsibility of church leaders to train believers to carry out the work of ministry including that of counseling based on God’s Word as an integral part of discipleship/counseling training.69 Each church family, in fulfilling the biblical responsibilities of teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness70 will equip its members towards Christlike maturity71 and the ministry of discipleship/counseling.72 Fulfilling this normal responsibility of discipleship in a church enables the Body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus — making disciples in all nations.73

69 Ephesians 4:12; II Timothy 2:2 

70 Colossians 3:16; II Timothy 3:16 

71 II Timothy 3:17; II Peter 1:2-4 

72 Romans 15:14; Galatians 6:1-2 

73 Matthew 28:19-20

  • This affirmation points out that the ministry of counseling/discipleship is not relegated to a select group of counseling professionals but instead is to be a normal function of every believer who is growing in Christlikeness.74

74 Romans 15:14; Galatians 6:1-2; II Timothy 3:16-17

  • This affirmation further proclaims that God has provided all that is necessary for His people to face and deal with any problem of life by using the divinely ordained resources already given to His Church.75

75 Psalm 19:7-11; Romans 8:9, 11, 26-27, 34; II Thessalonians 3:3; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:2-4; I John 2:1

Download the Brochure Here

Standards of Conduct and Code of Ethics

for Biblical Disciplers/Counselors

Certain standards that apply to the biblical counselor are inherent in the Scriptures. All biblical counselors should agree with and abide by these standards.

The biblical discipler/counselor performs his service as part of the ministry of the Christian church, embracing thereby the values of historic Christianity. He upholds and supports the common bond of fellowship, faith and unity as prescribed in the Scriptures and seeks to establish a relationship between the disciple/counselee and a loving God within the framework of the church. Certification of biblical disciplers/counselors by their pastors is contingent upon continued good standing in a church subscribing to the STATEMENT OF FAITH FOR THE MINISTRY OF COUNSELING/DISCIPLESHIP (Form 210). One so certified will always seek approval, recognition, and oversight by the spiritual leadership of his church.

The biblical discipler/counselor, in serving God, will seek the best interest of the disciple/counselee, the church, and the general public by teaching, exhorting, admonishing, encouraging, and helping others on the basis and authority of Scripture. He does not base this ministry on his own concepts of behavior, but seeks only to marshal the full range of biblical truth into focus on the disciple/counselee’s need.

The biblical discipler/counselor, in the practice of the discipleship/counseling ministry, holds to the essential truths of biblical faith and conduct without theological emphasis on any practice not specifically advocated in the Scriptures.

The biblical discipler/counselor is committed to maintain the standards and principles as described in this document and to seek to enhance the total ministry of the church and the public good.

  • The biblical discipler/counselor does not represent himself as having qualifications, affiliations, or experience that he does not possess. He does not use his knowledge, experience, or position for personal recognition, benefit or gain, nor does he allow or use his ministry for unethical and unbiblical purposes.
  • The biblical discipler/counselor provides his service as a ministry of the Christian church or a faith group.
  1. He does not make exploitive representation of his services in any type of unseemly listing or advertising. He does not make claims orally, or in writing, that are inaccurate or unbecoming.
  2. He does not practice privately apart from the church or other recognized ecclesiastical service or educational organization which bears the endorsement of his church. He acts within the scope of the church in the performance of his regular or specialized ministerial duties.
  3. Because of his personal concern, he provides his time, resources, and energy as a ministering service to the church or faith group as well as to the individual or family in need. Recipients or beneficiaries of his services are not subject to any charge or fee, or any financial requirement, actual or implied.
  4. He encourages the disciple/counselee to maintain a strong church involvement and will emphasize the need for continued authoritative biblical faith, instruction, and conduct.
  • The biblical discipler/counselor recognizes the total health needs of the disciple/ counselee.
  1. He accepts that the general practice of medicine and nutrition is an essential ministry to the physical body based on a systematic and scientifically developed body of knowledge. The ministry to the mind, the spirit, and the soul is based on the unalterable and completely sufficient Word of God. 
  2. He recognizes the need in some instances for early medical evaluations to determine whether the disciple/counselee’s behavior may result partially from organic dysfunction. 
  3. He recognizes that there are occasional circumstances, such as extreme pain or physical safety, where medication which may alter behavior is required, but will seek to help a disciple/counselee refrain from taking substances that lead to dependence or that substantially affect or alter the mind or behavior.
  • The biblical discipler/counselor may make a referral to other biblical disciplers/ counselors, pastors, or teachers who are grounded and trained in biblical thought, perspective, methodology, and conduct. Referrals should be acknowledged and significant information obtained, and/or made available, that may assist in the process of biblical change.
  • The biblical discipler/counselor will maintain, as a trustworthy steward, all notes, records and information pertaining to the disciple/counselee. Records will be confidential and securely maintained, but it is recognized that confidentiality does not irrevocably prohibit the discipler/counselor from providing information in the utilization of church and/or state resources where necessary.

The biblical discipler/counselor has no preconceptions concerning the needs of a disciple/counselee other than those already stated. The integrity of the disciple/counselee, and statements by the disciple/counselee, are accepted at face value as a truthful description of the problem. Confidentiality is respected where possible, information is safeguarded, and the best interest and well-being of the disciple/counselee is preserved.

  • It is a commitment on the part of the biblical discipler/counselor to maintain his conduct and relationship with the disciple/counselee above reproach and in accord with the highest standards of biblical ministry.
  • It is Scriptural to offer hope. However, the biblical discipler/counselor does not offer a quick panacea, but maintains a reasonable reservation as to biblical application until the full needs of the disciple/counselee have been identified and studied.
  • The biblical discipler/counselor stresses those requirements clearly stated in the Scriptures. His responsibility as a biblical discipler/counselor consists of:
  1. Showing the disciple/counselee that in order to face and deal with his problem victoriously, his life must first be transformed by regeneration through Jesus Christ, and by the empowering of the Holy Spirit, his habits must conform to the standards of the Scriptures.
  2. Pointing out clearly the requirements of the Scriptures as applied to everyday life and practice.
  3. Helping the disciple/counselee change his conduct as God has instructed in the Scriptures in order that he may have peace and joy in his life and relationship with God.
  • The biblical discipler/counselor will protect the identity of a disciple/counselee in any spoken or written communication or publication.

The biblical discipler/counselor shall have continuing fellowship with a church or faith group, and shall place himself under the authority and oversight of its ruling body.

The biblical discipler/counselor is committed to continuing study of the Scriptures with a view to applying them to all phases of spiritual growth, personal living, conduct, behavior, and interpersonal relationships.

The biblical discipler/counselor exercises care in public utterances and writing to distinguish his ministry as a biblical discipler/counselor from his private views and denominational theological positions.

  • The biblical discipler/counselor will prepare himself to train believers to practice biblical discipleship/counseling in support of the local church ministry.
  • Biblical disciplers/counselors shall seek in every area of life to exemplify and otherwise promote the principles and practices of biblical faith and behavior with loving concern, and assist others to do the same.
  • Biblical disciplers/counselors shall encourage churches and faith groups to institute training in the use of the Scriptures to help one another in overcoming the problems of personal, interpersonal, and family life.

Download the Brochure Here

Download the "Last Days" Brochure Here

Serving the Servants

As noted earlier, the purpose of BCF is to support the local church with materials and training in biblical discipleship and counseling. It is God’s design for the church that the “saints be equipped for the work of service,” which is a primary task of pastors and teachers. BCF can provide materials and training to help you in doing the equipping. It is a beautiful thing when potential problems in families or churches can be avoided or addressed because “the saints” are equipped to deal with them through God’s all-sufficient Word being applied in the power of the Holy Spirit. Many people in your assembly want to be helpful in this way. And the BCF materials and training can help support your ministry from the pulpit and further the development of a loving, serving, problem-solving body of believers. Please explore the various materials available on our site or call or email the BCF office: 760.347.4608 / admin@bcfministries.org.