LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
The Role of the Certified Christian Counselor
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
10/2022
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP) offers a certification in
Christian Counseling to help counselors with Christian beliefs to better guide their spiritual
clients. Unlike other counseling professions, Christian Counselors are not required to possess a
licensed counselor certificate. Ministry licenses however are definitely an excellent license to
possess if one wishes to be certified in this field. The AIHCP Christian counseling certification
program is designed to provide health care professionals, as well as clergy who have a health
care ministry, to acquire the skills, knowledge and theory base for assisting clients who are in
the health care system with spiritual assessments and needs.
What makes Christian Counseling unique is its world view. The world view is biblically
based and Christ centered. Hence, issues regarding abortion, drinking, or sexuality are
presented in a Christian light. While psychology is very important, Christian Counseling parts
way with any secular views of psychology that fail to conform to the teachings of Christ.
Within this unique ideal, social workers, counselors, priests, ministers, lay leaders, grief
counselors and others can help spread the teachings of Christ to the lives of the troubled and
dis-hearted. Most utilize their Christian Counseling services within their already existing
ministry or private practice. Some serve the Church and give their services to other members.
Christian Counselors utilize the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their sessions. They empart
wisdom, knowledge and counsel to the afflicted. In some cases, they become confessors,
spiritual mentors and spiritual directors to their spiritual children. The Paul-Timothy
relationship as found in Scripture develops between spiritual parent and spiritual child.
The program at AIHCP in Christian Counseling attempts to teach or enhance already
existing knowledge of counselors or clergy who everyday give counsel to the doubtful. The
courses are aimed at introducing the student to Christian Counseling themes and ideas for
mentorship. The program also carries a pastoral level of care which is complemented in other
programs at AIHCP-notably, Christian Grief Counseling and Pastoral Thanatology.
It is the hope of AIHCP that those who become certified in this program continue to share
the light of Christ to their spiritual clients and find in Christ, the ultimate paradigm. Christ
ultimately is the greatest counselor who can heal our inner suffering and despair.
SOME OF THE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR:
Provide spiritual assessments of clients
Provide spiritual support based on a Christian perspective
Assist clients with spiritual issues that may be affecting their health care status or
conditions
Teach clients principles related to Christianity when issues come up regarding health
care and health decision making
Participate with clients in prayer as requested by the clients and/or families
Provide spiritual assessment and support to health care professional staff when
requested
Provide a common spiritual bridge for clients who are facing challenging issues with
their health care and need support in decision making
Refer clients to appropriate clergy based on defined assessment of the client’s spiritual
needs
Provide spiritual support and education to client’s families when appropriate and
requested
Assist clients by providing spiritual support and education when they are faced with
issues related to death and dying
Be a liaison with the client’s church community when they are away from the
community due to health challenges
Maintain ongoing education in spiritual practices and in Christian counseling for
professional development and continued competency in spiritual work and counseling
While the above highlights major role responsibilities, they are not exhaustive. Over all the role
is developed as the relationships with the clients are established and is based on client’s needs
and what the client and certified Christian counselor agree upon as appropriate and value
based for both parties. The role is always in a dynamic development and is practiced with
strong legal and ethical considerations at all times. The role is strongly supported by solid and
sound spiritual and Christian teachings, principles and philosophies.
SETTINGS WHERE CERTIFIED CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS MIGHT PRACTICE:
Health care organizations
Acute care hospitals
Long-Term care facilities
Skilled nursing facilities
Churches
Hospices
Home health agencies
Social service agencies
Outpatient care centers
Private settings
