Sure Oaks Institute - A Biblical Counseling training course for churches

Participants are provided audio lectures and assignments to complete each week. We meet in person or virtually each month for counseling labs to discuss the material, work through case studies, and address questions. This is a 6 month course (but also can be adapted to fit your context). For more information click the link the below.

Course Objectives

This class is designed to help participants explore the theological foundations for biblical counseling, the spiritual formation of the biblical counselor, and the practical application of biblical counsel. Upon completion participants will:

• Understand the biblical convictions as to why we counsel one another and the resources that God provides us through his word, his Spirit, and his people.

• Understand the complexity of man and who we are according to the scriptures and how that plays out in counseling.

• Know how to rightly handle God’s word and use it in counseling situations.

• Be able to build genuine relationships, assess a person’s struggle, and speak truth in an appropriate and relevant manner.

• Be able to assess his/her own heart and grow in character and competency.

• Understand the means that God uses to change a person.

Class Overview

All the class lectures have been pre-recorded. You will be required to listen to them throughout the week. Each month we will meet for Counseling Labs to discuss the material, ask questions, break into small groups, and work on case studies. The counseling labs will be very interactive and will provide you the opportunity to dig deeper and utilize the material in practical ways. It is imperative that you come to the counseling labs prepared.

The nature of this class is unique. While you will be discovering what biblical counseling is and how to care for others you will also discover things that you yourself will need to take to heart. This is good and normal. But it can also be hard, so please be gracious with yourself as you work through this material. You may feel the need to seek out counseling yourself. This may be a wise decision and we encourage you to do so. May the Lord use this course to minister to your heart as you seek to minister to others. 

Schedule (over a 6 month period - but also can be adapted to fit your context)

Month 1

• Lesson 1 - What is Biblical Counseling?

• Counseling Lab 1

• Lesson 2 - Engaging Secular Psychology

• Counseling Lab 2

Month 2

• Lesson 3 - Understanding our Biblical Reality

• Counseling Lab 3

Month 3

• Lesson 4 - Using Scripture in Counseling

• Counseling Lab 4

Month 4

• Lesson 5 - Understanding the Process of Change

• Counseling Lab 5

Month 5

• Lesson 6 - Qualities of a Biblical Counselor

• Counseling Lab 6

Month 6

• Lesson 7 - Application of Biblical Counseling

• Counseling Lab 7 and 8

Assignments

• Listen to Lectures

• Attend Counseling Labs.

• Readings - books and articles

• Self-Reflection Journal and Group Participation

• Case Studies

• Final Case Study

If you would like to talk about starting a cohort with your church, elder board, or organization please reach out to us.

sureoaks@gmail.com