The purpose of the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC) program is to train students to serve as counselors in local churches and other ministry settings. This program provides the biblical, theological, and practical education required to provide leadership in a church counseling center or in an independent lay counseling ministry. It is not intended, nor is it adequate, to prepare individuals for a professional counseling vocation or state licensure.

The MABC is a 36 semester hour degree program consisting of 18 semester hours of core courses and 18 semester hours of Biblical Counseling courses.

Graduates of the MABC program will be prepared to:

• Accurately interpret the Bible in light of its historical-grammatical context.
• Utilize the Church’s theological heritage as an important resource in their personal spiritual development and ministry.
• Articulate a biblical philosophy counseling.
• Communicate biblical and theological truths through preaching, teaching, writing, or in such other ways as may be appropriate.
• Evaluate and develop ministries in light of the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
• Accurately and empathetically evaluate people and their personal circumstances and provide appropriate pastoral care or referral.
• Serve with Christian character in their personal and professional lives.
• Demonstrate a general knowledge of the Bible in the application of the Biblical Counseling Process.
• To apply empathic interpersonal skills in the context of the counseling environment to help people resolve spiritual, relational, and behavioral issues and problems.
• To implement ethically and legally informed counseling practices.