My Courses Textbooks

What makes Biblical Counseling Academy Distinctive?

  • It's always good to have a grasp of the distinctive work that God is doing in the ministry of biblical counseling at this academy. 
  • If BCA is exactly like the church across the street it would be better to simply merge the two. 
  • But, if there are qualities that make us different, then we have a unique and special place in the plan of God. 
  • Certainly there are churches that share many of our beliefs and practices. 
  • But God has done a wonderful work of balance in the BCA movement that does make us different. 
  • Some churches believe in the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit, but don't have a strong emphasis on Biblical teaching. Others place strong emphasis on teaching the Word of God, but don't believe the gifts of the Spirit are available and valid today. 
  • In BCA, we value the teaching of the Word, and possess an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. This balance makes BCA a distinct and uniquely blessed movement of God. And so, it's important to understand the Biblical principles that explain why God has allowed us to exist and grow.

About Me:

I started training Biblical Counselors in 1998 at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, California under the care of my mentor, Pastor Chuck Smith. I still cannot believe the privilege to be a staff pastor at CCBC for over 10 years! It was at CCBC that I met and married my wife, Jennie. During those years I was trained and discipled by Pastor Bob Hoekstra in Biblical Theology, Growing in Grace and Counseling God's Way. Pastor Bob charged me, "Jeff, continue to make disciples using the Counseling God's Way curriculum!" Both of my mentors are now home with the Lord and I take their charge seriously by making disciples wherever I go.


The approach of this school of ministry is that of a pastor, not of a researcher. My primary desire is to explore the word of God on these important matters of counseling, discipling, and personal ministry. This is not a research project detailing the various systems of psychological theory. Others have done excellent work in this area. The general references made to psychological theory in this course of study are given to provide spiritual contrasts and biblical warnings.


Today, I serve as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. I am the current President of the International Association of Biblical Counselors, Professor of Biblical Counseling at Calvary Chapel University, and the Founder and Chair of the Biblical Counseling Academy where I will serve you as your Dean of Biblical Counseling and Soul Care!