NANC certification: update on where I stand

I'm thrilled to be able to say that I recently finished the theology portion of my NANC certification exam! Other than some final review, it's ready to go. Next comes the counseling portion (part two of two) of the exam. It's been slow going for me--lots of 'life' happening in the midst of studying--but I have enjoyed it very much.

Below are the theology exam questions. Each question requires an essay answer of a page to a page and a half.

Bibliology
1. The Bible is spoken of as “inspired.” What does this mean? Completed
2. What is the relationship between infallibility and authority? Completed
3. What is the Bible’s authority on theological controversies? Completed
4. Compare and contrast the Bible and its authority to general revelation and its authority. Completed
5. Many Christians today speak of continuing revelation. Relate this concept to inspiration and sufficiency of the Scripture. Relate this concept to the issue of miracles, prophecy and tongues. Completed


Theology Proper
1. State briefly the biblical basis for, and formulate the doctrine of, the Trinity. Completed
2. List and develop five attributes of God and how they relate to the believer’s life and counseling. Completed
3. State briefly the biblical basis for, and formulate the doctrine of, God’s omniscience. Relate this doctrine to the teaching of “open theism.” Completed


Anthropology
1. Who and what is man? Completed
2. What role does anthropology play in counseling theory and practice? Completed


Christology
1. Why did Christ die? Completed
2. He was “tempted in all things as we are” (Heb. 4:15). Discuss and relate to counseling theory and practice. Completed


Soteriology
1. “Justification by faith alone.” Discuss the meaning of this phrase. Completed
2. Sanctification is said to be past, present, and future. Discuss, including the idea of “union with Christ.” Completed
3. Do Christians persevere? What relationship does this have to counseling? Completed


Pneumatology
1. Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Completed
2. What role does this Spirit play in the believer’s life and the counseling process? Completed
3. Does the Holy Spirit guide Christians? If so, what means and methods does He use? Completed


Ecclesiology
1. What is the church? Completed
2. What role does the church play in the believer’s life and the counseling process? Completed
3. What is the biblical teaching on women being ordained as officers of the church? Completed
4. What authority, if any, does the church have over individuals and the counseling process? Completed


General Questions
1. Are you involved in a larger group, organization, or denomination, which disagrees with NANC’s Statement of Faith? If so, how do you differ from your larger group? Explain what you are doing to influence your group towards NANC’s position. Completed
2. If received as a NANC member, can you unequivocally sign the membership covenant? Completed

What constitutes 'abundant life'?

"In our day there seems to be a lot of confusion about what constitutes an abundant life. In fact, the phrase abundant life has come to mean almost anything. For instance, to some it means psychological health; to others it means material prosperity; and still others believe that it means freedom from suffering. In contrast, we believe that abundant life is found in the pursuit of God-honoring holiness. It is holiness--the humility of spirit, the mourning over sin, the hungering and thirsting for righteousness--that will produce in us that happy blessedness that Jesus spoke of in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Abundant life is life that is freed from the power of sin and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, focused on the pleasure of God and resting in His love. Our goal is to help you and the women you influence grow toward this kind of abundant living.

Sadly, what Christian women need to know to live an abundant life is not found in many of today's "Christian" self-help books. Instead of guidance in knowing and pleasing God, which is the way to finding abundant life, we are given man-centered philosophies on how to love ourselves more, how to get more out of life, how to assert ourselves. Our greatest need is being ignored. What we need most of all is to know God. We need to be intimately acquainted with Him because He has designed us to live for Him."

"Women Helping Women"
Elyse Fitzpatrick & Carol Cornish, General Editors

What about casting out demons?

A timely topic for Biblical counselors and Xians in general, Casting Out Demons.

What Biblical Counseling Does for the Counselor

I can personally testify of the truth expressed in the quote below--it's a compassionate and humbling warning to any of us involved in Biblical counseling:

The counselor...will never fail to recognize the sin, habitual remnants of sin, and temptations that affect his own life as he deals with the same in others...warned over and over again of the possibilities for denying His God by a lifestyle that besmirches His Name...If he isn't wise enough to learn from what he sees, he has no right counseling others.

Read the whole post HERE.

Still plugging away...

...on my NANC Theology exam. I would appreciate your prayers!


Bibliology
1. The Bible is spoken of as “inspired.” What does this mean? Finalized
2. What is the relationship between infallibility and authority? Finalized
3. What is the Bible’s authority on theological controversies? Finalized
4. Compare and contrast the Bible and its authority to general revelation and its authority. Finalized
5. Many Christians today speak of continuing revelation. Relate this concept to inspiration and sufficiency of the Scripture. Relate this concept to the issue of miracles, prophecy and tongues. Editing


Theology Proper
1. State briefly the biblical basis for, and formulate the doctrine of, the Trinity. Editing
2. List and develop five attributes of God and how they relate to the believer’s life and counseling. Editing
3. State briefly the biblical basis for, and formulate the doctrine of, God’s omniscience. Relate this doctrine to the teaching of “open theism.” Editing


Anthropology
1. Who and what is man? Editing
2. What role does anthropology play in counseling theory and practice? Editing


Christology
1. Why did Christ die? Editing
2. He was “tempted in all things as we are” (Heb. 4:15). Discuss and relate to counseling theory and practice. Editing


Soteriology
1. “Justification by faith alone.” Discuss the meaning of this phrase. Editing
2. Sanctification is said to be past, present, and future. Discuss, including the idea of “union with Christ.” Editing
3. Do Christians persevere? What relationship does this have to counseling? Editing


Pneumatology
1. Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Editing
2. What role does this Spirit play in the believer’s life and the counseling process? Editing
3. Does the Holy Spirit guide Christians? If so, what means and methods does He use?Composing


Ecclesiology
1. What is the church?
2. What role does the church play in the believer’s life and the counseling process?
3. What is the biblical teaching on women being ordained as officers of the church?
4. What authority, if any, does the church have over individuals and the counseling process?


General Questions
1. Are you involved in a larger group, organization, or denomination, which disagrees with NANC’s Statement of Faith? If so, how do you differ from your larger group? Explain what you are doing to influence your group towards NANC’s position. Finalized
2. If received as a NANC member, can you unequivocally sign the membership covenant? Finalized

Jay Adams is blogging!

2008 NANC Conference ~ Jay Adams, Mary, and me!

If you haven't heard, Jay Adams is blogging!

And, if you aren't familiar with Jay Adams take some time to visit his blog--he's been instrumental in leading Evangelicals back to truly Biblical counseling in recent decades.

HT: Frank Turk

NANC '08 ~ A Brief Overview in Pictures

I attended the annual NANC conference again this year with my husband, along with two other couples from our church. This time in St. Louis, Missouri.

The weather was beautiful pretty much the whole time we were in town. Right after the conference we took a quick tour of the Arch park and museum.

That's our hotel on the left, The Millennium, where the conference was held.

In case you don't recognize the gentleman in this picture, it's Jay Adams--that's one of the ladies from our church who happens to be one of only three NANC certified women in Oklahoma (I'm hoping to join their ranks soon!), and of course me on the right.

This is none other than Martha Peace--what a gracious woman! She was busy coordinating and assisting other booth vendors but made time for this picture. I've had the pleasure of being around her many times over the years (retreats, conferences, visits to our church) and she's always been a delight to be around--and I love her Georgia accent!

These are the other two couples from our church--we've attended the last three annual NANC conferences together and always enjoyed our time together. The man closest in the picture is also NANC certified--one of only two or three in Oklahoma--hoping that will increase soon, too!

And finally, this is just me being silly for the camera! The NANC hat was a gift from the Mary (she's in the Jay Adams picture with me above), she's been encouraging me regularly as I pursue my NANC certification! Don't give up on me Mary, I'm working on it!! :-)

Biblical Counseling Book Recommendation ~ "Women Helping Women"

Want to become better equipped to serve, minister to, and counsel your sisters-in-Christ? Want a better understanding of what Biblical Counseling looks like, and how very practical it is?

Then I highly recommend you consider buying a copy of, "Women Helping Women - A Biblical Guide to Major Issues Women Face".

Some of the 'major issues' discussed are:

~ Single Teen Mothers

~ Women Discontent in Their Singleness

~ The Post-Abortion Woman

~ Mothers of Rebellious Teens

~ Divorced Women and Single Moms

~ Women with Additions

~ Women involved in Sexual Sins

~ Medical Questions Women Ask

Not only does this book not shy away from some of the 'weightier' issues of life and sin, it begins with four chapters solely devoted to equipping you to actually offer Biblical counsel to other women--sort of a 'crash course' in Biblical Counseling! :-)

Those four chapters are:

1) The Philosophy of Biblical Counseling
2) The Methods of Biblical Counseling
3) The Essential Foundation: A Biblical View of Women
4) Why Women Should Counsel Women

Biblical Counseling Book Recommendation ~ "Trusting God"

Thankfully, God has equipped and raised up some really GREAT Christian writers in the area of Biblical Counseling! So, from time-to-time I will post a book recommendation--mind you it will be a recommendation as opposed to a review cause I never feel like I can/will do full justice to a book no matter how much I liked or disliked it. :-)

Today I want to point you to one of Jerry Bridges' books, "Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts". The book is quite manageable at 215 pages, but it will most definitely challenge, confirm, and refine your thinking on the matter of God's sovereignty.

This is the current book cover:

This is the original book cover--as is my habit (addiction) I found mine at a used bookstore years ago and have purchased additional copies to share/give away.:-)

Now, I've been fully persuaded of God's complete sovereignty since the mid to late 80's, but when I first read"Trusting God" sometime in 2003/2004 it was like cool, spring water to my soul! Seriously! I had recently become a mother (of two 'older' Russian-born daughters) at the age of 41, and although I was confident of God's sovereignty in giving me/us children I had lost sight of His loving sovereignty in the midst of the daily challenges of parenting (homemaking, home schooling, etc.), and how He was very faithfully causing "all things to work together for good...according to His purpose"!

Over the years I have returned to Bridges' book often for my own edification and clarification, as well as for the benefit of others around me!

Side note: I/we have been to three annual NANC conferences so far, and each year there are plenty of Bridges' books offered for sale by various book vendors--clearly he has proven himself in the area of Biblical Counseling.

Jesus didn't need Freud...

...and neither do we.

Where were Christians before Freud? Up a tree? Were they bereft of all crucial knowledge about man's relationship to God and his neighbor? Was the church's counseling a hopeless, primitive, stone-age activity that should have disappeared with flint knives? Were Christians shut up to sinful, harmful living before the advent of psychotherapy? Did God withhold truth for living until our present age?

Or did men like Paul, Peter, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon and many others have something worthwhile to say to their converts and parishioners about how to live in a sinful world and about how to solve problems? Isn't the answer apparent?

Drop the question in that form for a moment if it's too hot to handle, and consider this (even hotter) one: How did Jesus Christ become the perfect Counselor that the Scriptures report Him to be apart from the "insights" of clinical psychology and psychiatry that we are now assured by unbelievers (and many Christians who follow them) are essential to effective counseling?...

"More Than Redemption: A Theology of Christian Counseling", Jay E. Adams

Facing my idols

One inescapable thing about pursuing Biblical Counseling training is how what I learn supposedly for the benefit of others actually 'hits' me and lays me low FIRST. Of course, that's by God's design, but it always seems to catch me off guard!

Consider James 4:1-3,

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

I'm finding this especially applicable to myself in my relationships with my daughters. Is what I want for them what God wants for them? Is what I want from them what God wants from them? In many cases the answer is, 'no'--it's simply what I want.

Sigh... Looks like I'll be spending the rest of the day (week, month, lifetime) in Romans 6, 7, & 8. :-)

I'm Going to be a Little Busy ~ Theology Exam for NANC Certification

Just wanted you to know that my posting is likely to become even MORE sporadic as I attempt to devote more time to completing my NANC Certification exams.

I've listed the Theology exam questions below and noted where I stand on that question--composing, editing, finialized, etc. There's also a Counseling exam that I've been picking away at, but I have by far made the most progress on the Theology exam.

I would appreciate your prayers!


Bibliology
1. The Bible is spoken of as “inspired.” What does this mean? Editing
2. What is the relationship between infallibility and authority? Editing
3. What is the Bible’s authority on theological controversies? Editing
4. Compare and contrast the Bible and its authority to general revelation and its authority. Editing
5. Many Christians today speak of continuing revelation. Relate this concept to inspiration and sufficiency of the Scripture. Relate this concept to the issue of miracles, prophecy and tongues. Composing


Theology Proper
1. State briefly the biblical basis for, and formulate the doctrine of, the Trinity. Composing
2. List and develop five attributes of God and how they relate to the believer’s life and counseling.
3. State briefly the biblical basis for, and formulate the doctrine of, God’s omniscience. Relate this doctrine to the teaching of “open theism.”


Anthropology
1. Who and what is man? Composing
2. What role does anthropology play in counseling theory and practice? Composing


Christology
1. Why did Christ die? Composing
2. He was “tempted in all things as we are” (Heb. 4:15). Discuss and relate to counseling theory and practice. Composing


Soteriology
1. “Justification by faith alone.” Discuss the meaning of this phrase. Composing 2. Sanctification is said to be past, present, and future. Discuss, including the idea of “union with Christ.” Composing
3. Do Christians persevere? What relationship does this have to counseling?


Pneumatology
1. Who or what is the Holy Spirit?
2. What role does this Spirit play in the believer’s life and the counseling process?
3. Does the Holy Spirit guide Christians? If so, what means and methods does He use?


Ecclesiology
1. What is the church?
2. What role does the church play in the believer’s life and the counseling process?
3. What is the biblical teaching on women being ordained as officers of the church?
4. What authority, if any, does the church have over individuals and the counseling process?


General Questions
1. Are you involved in a larger group, organization, or denomination, which disagrees with NANC’s Statement of Faith? If so, how do you differ from your larger group? Explain what you are doing to influence your group towards NANC’s position. Editing
2. If received as a NANC member, can you unequivocally sign the membership covenant? Editing

Because I'm "worth" it!

The only thing I like more than good books, is great deals on good books! So, many of my/our books come from used bookstores, thrift stores, etc. But, there's a down-side to buying used books, and that would be the comments written in the margins by previous owners!

Take for example my discovery tonight. I was reading a $2.99 copy of 'The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Image' by Jay Adams. I was merely scanning through the pages as I stood in my husband's study when I noticed a handwritten note in the margin. I first noticed that the writing clearly wasn't mine or my husband's, but the poor theology spoke MUCH louder! Here's what I found written by a previous owner in the chapter titled, "Of Infinite Worth?",

'Would God have let Jesus die if we weren't of worth to Him?'

This line of thinking is common in today's psychologized church--it's not just the L'Oreal cosmetics commercials that teach this man-centered thinking!

I interrupted my husband's studying long enough to read the comment to him, and told him that I'd take care of the necessary "cleaning up". Fortunately, there aren't a lot of comments written in this particular book, but what is there is consistent with the "I'm worth it" thinking of many Xians today.

Thankful November ~ continued

Nov. 21 ~ I'm thankful for God's grace to parent the children He has given us!

I've never denied that parenting--when done well--is a tough job! But I KNOW I would not be able to do it without God's infinite grace! Amidst the trails and challenges of parenting, He grants us many, many joys--one of which I enjoyed just moments ago through this brief conversation:

Setting: Our family is just hanging around the house together, doing various chores in preparation for our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow--lots of chit-chat and joking around--oldest daughter and dad in kitchen, youngest daughter and I just around the corner in the living room.

Oldest daughter says to dad (with a pleasant tone after a gentle and matter-of-fact correction) "Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be raised in a family where the parents don't do Biblical counseling?"

Mom (me) quickly interjects: "Well, your dad and I are examples of that, what do you think!"

Dad: "Yea, you can see how messed-up we are, what do you think?"

Laughter all around, but the point is made--God's ways are the best and result in countless blessings!

Thus Saith...

Paul Tripp in "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands ~ People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change"

"We are more impressed with our righteousness than we are horrified at our sin."

To which I say, "Ouch".

2007 NANC Conference ~ a brief overview (finally!)

As I mentioned earlier, we attended the 2007 Annual NANC Conference recently. This was our second NANC conference to attend and it was time well spent!

The general session speakers and their topics were:

Jay Adams - "What is the Christian Life?"
Mark Dever - "Loving Christ Above All Else"
Randy Patten - "What is True Biblical Change?"
Paul Tripp - "The Gospel for Believers"
Steve Viars - "Reaching for the Heart in Counseling"
David Powlison - "Where Do We Go From Here?"

In addition to enjoying and learning much from the general session speakers, we also had the pleasure of selecting five different workshops from a list of well over 50 possible workshops! So, to maximize my/our benefits I tried to select workshops that no one else from our church (eight of us) planned to attend. Here are the workshops I attended:

Martha Peace - "Counseling Tips: Getting to the Heart of the Matter in a Timely Way"
Bill Moore - "Identifying the Counselee's Problem from a Biblical Perspective"
Dr. Robert Jones - "Making Our Counseling More Christ-Centered"
Ron Allchin - "Counseling Teens From Proverbs"
Dr. Laura Hendrickson - "The Autism Spectrum"

If you aren't familiar with some or any of these people, I highly recommend you follow the links provided and get to know them!

I hope to elaborate on some of the general sessions and workshops, but to be honest, I don't know when!! I have set a "loose" goal of earning my NANC certification this coming year, so that will occupy much of my "blogging time"!!

NANC conference, anyone?

UPDATE (10/05/07): I'm humbled and deeply grateful to have found out last night that an anonymous giver paid for my portion of the conference. The Lord knows who you are--thank you, thank you...

Anyone out there planning to attend this year's annual NANC conference? :-) Would love to meet you in person!

Practicing Theology: Gaining a Biblical Perspective on Suffering

Please, if there's nothing else you do today--or this weekend--read this post on Pyromaniacs by Dan Phillips.

For several weeks now, after one of my husband's recent Sunday morning sermons, I've been pondering making a post titled, "It was good that I was afflicted" based on Psalm 119:71. I still might post more on this Biblical principle, but for now I can't imagine doing it any better than Dan has done.

I know that some of my regular readers are suffering and/or struggling in various ways, and as Dan posted, "I've no doubt you have challenges, as do I. And to you they're very large, as mine are to me. (I hasten to say yours may very well dwarf mine.)".

With that in mind, it is my prayer and desire that you will draw strength from drawing closer to God as you seek to know Him better and understand His sovereign plan through your present struggles--He has indeed given us a "great cloud of witnesses"!

The "Therapist" in us all

For sometime now, my husband has been preaching through Psalm 119--he is an Elder at our church so is frequently called upon to teach/preach as the need/opportunity arises.

Recently he expounded verses 49-56 and opened with the following observations and challenge,

"You probably didn't realize it, but you are a full-time counselor. Don't believe me? When you men pass that arrogant co-worker in the hall at work and think, "Boy, I hate that guy!", you just counseled yourself. When you wives and moms think "I do everything around here and nobody appreciates me!", you just counseled yourself. When you wake up and your pain is still there and you think, "Why me? Why hasn't God taken this affliction away yet? Others don't suffer as much as I do", you just counseled yourself.

So you see, you're pretty active at it. You do it constantly. Now, you'll notice that I didn't say that you were necessarily doing Biblical counseling! But the Bible has a lot to say about what you say to yourself. It also has a lot to say about how you ought to be counseling yourself.

Is there any hope for you as a self-counseler? Can you learn Biblical Self-Counseling? "Yes!"

In Psalm 119, the writer lets us peek inside his thought-life--particularly the things that he says directly to God, as he wrestles with life's difficulties. He draws upon God's word as his source of Godly counsel and has lofty praise for it.

In this section of Psalm 119, the writer shows us how he counsels himself using God's word. He is suffering at the hands of wicked men, but God has help for him in Scripture. This man teaches us how to draw out that help and put it to use. He can help us replace the un-biblical counsel we typically give ourselves..."

I bet it won't surprise you when I say this sort of Biblical "self-counsel" is rooted in knowing God as He has revealed Himself in His Word, which of course results in the theology we embrace and "practice".

So, with this post I inaugurate yet another "series" I hope to present weekly (Wednesdays) for your pleasure and edification--and for my further sanctification in disciplining myself to such an ambitious goal! Pray for me, please! :-)

NANC - sure wish I was up to the task of "live-blogging" this conference!

One of my favorite bloggers, Tim Challis (see my "Favorites" sidebar), does "live blogging" of various Xian Conferences he is attending. He's commented numerous times that it's not easy to do--summarizing what has been said by many speakers over the course of a day or several days with accuracy and comprehensiveness. I think I know what he means because my husband and I are currently attending the annual NANC (National Association of Nouthetic Counselors) conference and I can't tell you how many times I've thought "I wish I could blog this conference for those who can't be here, but where do I begin, and where would I end?"

One thing is for sure, I'll be posting bits and pieces from this conference in the days, weeks, and months to come because this year's conference title/topic is "Counseling and the Attributes of God". The timing couldn't have been any better--providential, you know--it's highlighted my concern that we need (MUST) know what God has revealed about Himself in Scripture in order for us to apply what we KNOW about Him. All so that we can "practice theology". But first, we must HAVE a theology and we must be certain that it is drawn from Scripture, not from our human creation of what we WANT God to be and do.

Until I have time to fully digest all that I've taken in these past 2+ days, I'll simply leave you with a few quotes from some of the general session speakers we've heard so far.

- Al Mohler reminded us that "Theology is a lived discipline--we LIVE what we BELIEVE."

- Stuart Scott pointed out that "Mysticism is trying to communicate with God outside of His Word."

- Stuart Scott quoted Tozer saying, "We don't rise any higher than our view of God."

- Randy Patton focused on God's faithfulness reminded us of God's faithfulness in that He is true, tells the truth, and proves truth by keeping His promises.

Go grab your manual of theology and start reading!!