by Caitlynn Manthe
"What are you going to do after high school?" was the most asked question when I graduated. I knew I wanted to work in ministry. I was interested in counseling individuals to help them navigate life's challenges. What would that look like in a counseling setting if I want to incorporate God and the Bible?
Christian Counseling has been defined as "a type of therapy that integrates traditional talk therapy methodologies with Christian belief practices by incorporating theological concepts."[1] Christian psychotherapy has been defined as "a comprehensive form of counseling and mental health support that incorporates biblical truths alongside established therapeutic techniques."[2]
They sounded appealing, but was there a better alternative?
I moved from Kansas to Springfield, Missouri, to attend Mission University and pursue a degree in biblical counseling. Entering my first semester as a freshman, I was placed in a junior class, Methods of Biblical Counseling. I’m thankful Dr. Kevin Carson didn’t not take me out of the class because of my grade level. It was in that class that I learned what biblical counseling was: the ministry of personal discipleship through God’s Word.
Biblical counseling is grounded in God’s truth alone for hope and healing, offering the Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Throughout the class, I watched in awe as Dr. Carson took one passage of Scripture, drew out its theological implications, and applied them to daily living. I learned that Scripture speaks to the common struggles of man, such as anxiety and anger. Moreover, I learned that Scripture holds hope and truth for more complex issues, for example abuse and post-traumatic stress.
While I was pursuing my degree, I took Basics in Biblical Counseling (Track 1), where I learned about certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. I began to pursue certification so I would be able to formally counsel people with God’s truth. Most ministries require certification, so I knew it was necessary to obtain.
I completed my observation hours at Vision of Hope in Lafayette, IN, and enjoyed a summer internship. Observing certified counselors there, I was inspired by how God’s Word speaks to a variety of situations. It was not easy to pass phases 1 and 2 to eventually begin counseling in phase 3. How do we endure all forty-four exam questions? Or the degree we started?
The cheat code for writing and completing the phase 2 exams of the certification process is to "sit down and do them." I was told this when I sought pity from a mentor. The exams were strenuous and took longer than I’d expected. Thankfully, she didn’t give in to my self-pity.
Friend, you need discipline rather than motivation.
You’ve likely already started the process, and you know God’s truth is the only hope for true change. He graciously gives the exact amount of strength you need for each day to complete your responsibilities. So, today you type out what you know for one question. Then tomorrow you read and study to type out more of your answer. Continue each day, week after week, and you’ll find God using this tedious process to conform you to His Son and better prepare you to love your future counselees the way He intends.
Remember the end goal: not only to be certified, but to use your certification to love God and others through formal counsel. Have the right resources. For example: A Theology of Biblical Counseling by Heath Lambert. Search for exam class locations, such as Faith Church in Lafayette, IN, and Reigning Grace in Kansas City, KS. My opinion: Use a walking pad or a treadmill desk and walk while you type!
There are several biblical-claimed counseling organizations that offer certification. As biblical counselors, we want to remain committed to the power of the Scriptures. Based on commitment to God’s Word, The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors stands out against all others. Their approach to faithfully using Scripture and their commitment to equip people in doing the same gave me hope that God could help me counsel people, even with issues that seem far from the hope of God.
Thankfully, Fallen Soldiers March is another trusted ministry for counseling as they focus on God’s Word to provide His hope and truth to the United States Armed Forces men, women, and families. Within a couple of months, I was able to begin counseling for FSM, and I believe you can too after you’ve endured the goal of certification.
What inspires you to pursue a degree in biblical counseling as compared to other counseling degree programs?
How will you use the resources given to help in your pursuit of certification?
by Caitlynn Manthe
Do you recognize God’s grace as He sanctifies you to become like Christ, learning to counsel others through His Word?
[1]. Hannah Owens, LMSW, and MA Tiara Blain. "What to Know About Christian Counseling." Verywell Mind, December 6, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-christian-counseling-5211900.
[2]. What is Christian psychotherapy? Accessed August 28, 2025. https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_christian_psychotherapy.htm.
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