General Information - Chriatian Counselor Training
Faith Counseling and Training was founded in 2003 by Rev. David and Angela Smuin in response to God's leading them to move to the Coeur D'Alene area for the purpose of starting the ministry. Previous to moving to Idaho they lived in Soldotna, Alaska where they had another counseling center named Barnabas Coaching and Counseling. Faith Counseling and Training is a DBA with the incorporated name of Northwest Christian Ministries.
The main office for Faith Counseling and Training was moved from Idaho to Sarasota Florida in May of 2008. The results of this move are an expansion of the counseling, Chriatian counselor training programs and pastoral ministries that the leadership has envisioned. FCT still maintains very deep connections in Northern Idaho, Western Washington and Eastern Montana.
We still support and encourage several students who have graduated and started their own ministries, missionaries, current students, ministers and other leaders in the Northwest.
Faith Counseling and Training was founded on the deep conviction that God's people should be equipped to minister to those who are suffering rather than simply referring them to a secular source for help. In fact, for thousands of years people who were in mental, emotional and even physical distress turned to the Church and clergy for comfort and help. We believe that the Body of Christ should once again be the primary place people turn to find solutions and comfort. To accomplish this, saints who are called must be trained and then released so they can be the hands and feet of Christ.
As a result of this conviction FCT has established itself as a Certified Academic Institution for the National Christian Counselors Association. This gives us the ability to expand our Chriatian counselor training programs and train people more affectively. Christian's who are called to the ministry of counseling can be equipped and then licensed through the N.C.C.A. The courses are accredited and can be transferred into multiple Bible Colleges for degrees as well.
In addition to the N.C.C.A. training program FCT has also developed a series of classes designed to equip the Body of Christ. These Biblical studies are created to train ministers (anyone who truly knows Jesus as Lord) and counselors. They have been taught in a classroom setting and will soon be available through our distance education program.
Faith Counseling and Training also offers counseling services to the local community. Because FCT is a faith based ministry our goal is not to create wealthy counselors, but to provide Biblical solutions to those in need. To accomplish this we have a standard fee for those who can afford it. For those who need help we offer an application for financial assistance. This is based on income and extenuating circumstances. We praise the Lord for His provision and allowing us to supply services to many who could not otherwise afford them. We also thank our many friends who pray for us and support us financially. FCT has the 501c3 designation so it can offer tax deductible receipts for donations.
Because of the Lord's blessing and the Christian counselor training programs, we now have multiple counselors. This has allowed us to expand our services to children, teens and families. Our team deals with marriage, depression, anger, abuse and a host of other issues.