Gospel Counseling Training

What Are My Options for Training?

There are three ways to proceed in this training:

1. Gospel Counselor Certification–the curriculum training includes the Porterbrook Modules, specific Sojourn Counseling material, and articles from other authors.   You will be required to complete written exercises, attend monthly review sessions, and pass certification level exams. Your progress will be monitored and supervised.   Your curriculum training will be coupled with counseling observation, counseling supervision, and case conferences.
2. Gospel Counseling Curriculum Training only–the curriculum training includes the Porterbrook Modules, specific Sojourn Counseling material, and articles from other authors.   You will be required to complete written exercises, attend monthly review sessions, and pass certification level exams. Your progress will be monitored and supervised. You will not participate in counseling observations, counseling supervision, and case conferences.  This option is for those who want to learn more about gospel counseling but do not want to seek certification.
3. Personal Growth--the curriculum training includes only the Porterbrook Modules.  No other material or resources will be supplied nor will the training be recorded or monitored.  Should a decision be made at a later date to pursue certification, application must be made and all required work must be completed.

What Curriculum Will Be Used?

At Sojourn, we believe the gospel transforms everything-ourselves as individuals, our church, and the world.  The Porterbrook Network Distance Learning modules will serve as the backbone for ministry leader training across the board at Sojourn, as it is set up with four streams of study that corresponds to our vision-Character (the gospel and you), Church (the gospel and church), World (the gospel and world), and Bible & Doctrine (the gospel message).  As you will see, the modules under the Character stream are all about gospel counseling.

Sojourn Counseling will supplement the Porterbrook material with additional details and depth necessary for gospel counseling.

When Can I Start Studying?

You can begin your study at the same time you make your way through the application process.  You will need to purchase the curriculum notebook.  You will learn and grow together in an assigned training groups led by an elder or ministry leader within Sojourn Counseling.  In case you do not get approved for service in Sojourn Counseling, your study will not be wasted since we desire every member to work their way through The Porterbrook Network material-this foundational curriculum is excellent for growth in the gospel and is being used throughout the various Sojourn ministries.

If I Can’t Start Now, When Can I Jump In Next?

You will also be able to jump into the cohort training groups at the start of each quarter.  We suggest you submit your application as soon as possible so that you can complete the application requirements and interview before the start of the next quarter.

What Can I Do While Waiting For the Start of the Next Cohort?

After filling out the application, you can purchase the Porterbrook curriculum and start working your way through the material.

Is There A Schedule for Completing the Curriculum?

Yes.  Even though the curriculum is designed for self-study, the relentless demands of ministry require us to establish schedules to keep you on pace so that you can complete the curricular requirements as soon as possible.  You do not have to attend classes at the building but you will study and complete the unit assignments in the comfort of your home!  We provide an aggressive schedule for those who are seeking Gospel Counselor Certification or just want to go through the Counseling Curriculum Training.  Either way, you will be asked to complete the modules and attend the review sessions held the fourth Sunday of each month.  Each module (i.e. “Gospel Living”) has nine units that can be completed on average in 10 hours.

What If I Miss a Review Session?

We ask you make every effort to keep up with your assignments and make it a priority to attend the scheduled review sessions.  However, life is full of challenges and sometimes, you may have to miss a review session because of an extraordinary situation.  We encourage you to continue your progress along with the rest of your cohort. If you are pursuing certification, you will need to attend the review for that particular module when it is next offered in order to receive credit for completion of the module.