What is it that makes the International Association of Biblical Counselors different from other counseling organizations? 

What is it that makes the International Association of Biblical Counselors different from other counseling organizations? Although there are ministries in the Biblical Counseling Movement that share our commitment to the super-sufficiency of Scripture and that share many of our beliefs and practices, God is doing a unique work at IABC.

If IABC is exactly like the certifying counseling association across the street it would be better to simply merge the two. But, if there are distinctives that make us different, then we have a unique and special place in the plan of God.

Counseling With A Gentle Voice

“For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace…” Heb. 13:9 

IABC has a distinctive position on the subject of God’s grace. We realize that without the grace of God none of us would have a chance. We need the sanctifying grace of God in our lives daily. We’re saved by grace and we stand in grace. We believe in the love and grace that seeks to restore the fallen. That is why we describe our ministry as Counseling With A Gentle Voice. There are some counseling ministries that are severely lacking in the grace of God. There’s often a very harsh, inflexible, and severe form of legalism that allows no room for repentance and restoration. We at IABC have taken a very strong position on grace. 

The Holy Spirit

There are many who believe in the gifts and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but they don’t have a strong emphasis on Biblical teaching, nor do they look to the Word to guide their experiences with the Holy Spirit. There are many who have a strong emphasis on teaching the Word of God, but they don’t share the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available and valid today. The International Association of Biblical Counselors provides a home for those who fit this unique category - those who emphasize the teaching of the Word, and have an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of counseling. 

Reformed Theology

The seemingly endless debate between Calvinism and Arminianism continues to make its rounds throughout the Christian community. Rather than pitting one strong perspective against another, IABC offers a home base to counselors who affirm both the sovereignty and foreknowledge of God and the human responsibility to either receive or reject Him.

It is this balance, among others, that the International Association of Biblical Counselors offers a contribution to the Biblical Counseling Movement. It’s important to understand the Biblical principles that make up the picture of why God has allowed us to exist and grow.