Are You Called to Christian Counseling
Many individuals who inquire about N.C.C.A.'s Licensing Program are ordained ministers. These individuals can complete the requirements and be licensed as a Licensed Pastoral Counselor or as a Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor. They can counsel anywhere in America, and accept remuneration for this service (in accordance with state and local guidelines) without being affiliated with any state agency, i.e., without being state licensed. This is because the laws governing counseling in all states exempt "clergy" from submitting to it's (the state's) authority. The first Amendment of our Constitution requires such exemption: "Congress shall pass no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..."
What about the others - those individuals who are not ordained ministers or pastors? The call to counsel is just as real for them. They do not want to be state licensed or most certainly do not want to relinquish their right to represent Jesus Christ in their counseling ministry. They just want to answer and fulfill God's call on the lives.
Indeed, some are called to the high office of the pastorate. These persons should be ordained (set aside) by a church or denomination and approved to perform all the duties of the pastorate, including dispensation of the sacraments (giving Holy Communion and Baptizing.).
However, there are many other types of Ministers or Clergy. For example, Minister's of music, Chaplains, Ministers of Administration, Missionaries, Youth Ministers, etc. All of these offices are understood by the state and federal government to be "Clergy."
The Ministry of Counseling is a valid Ministry, which is instituted by God. The call and to those Ministry is an awesome call which cannot be easily ignored.
Perhaps you are not called to pastor a church or give Holy Communion or to Baptize. However, if you are called by God and to the Ministry of Counseling, we can help you. You do not have to be Ordained; you can qualify to be commissioned as a Commissioned Minister of Counseling. This will meet state requirements so you can legally counsel and accept remuneration because you will be recognized by your state as Clergy. And, it will open the doors for you to accept God's call on your life.
Your local church/pastor can commission you as a Commissioned Minister of Counseling or you can complete a course titled "Ministerial Credentials" and be commissioned by the National Conservative Christian Church.
Please do not reject to God's call and His anointing on your life because you are fearful of the words "Clergy," or "Ordained," or "Commission" or "Minister." These precious words mean "set aside" for the specific Ministry for which God has called you.
Enroll Today in a Christian Counselor Training Program