Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling

Reformed Theology applied to the Christian Life.

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Articles

  • December 10, 2025

    Should I Become a Certified Biblical Counselor?

    By
    In a previous article, I addressed some misconceptions concerning the nature of “biblical counseling certification.” In this follow-up article, I want to address a common question that many church members familiar with biblical counseling may consider at some point. “Should I become a certified biblical counselor?” Now, before addressing this question, it would be prudent…
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  • December 3, 2025

    What is Biblical Counseling Certification?

    By
    In the past several decades, many Christians have become more familiar with a new type of credentialing program within and around the church called “biblical counseling certification.” Many churches now find within their midst pastors, elders, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and even regular church members who are certified biblical counselors. After many meetings,…
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  • November 26, 2025

    Interview – Jared Poulton and the Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling

    By
    This past week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Curtis Solomon, the executive director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, to discuss IRBC’s ministry. This conversation is an excellent introduction for those interested in learning more about our ministry’s mission, vision, and history.
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Training Locations

Training in Reformed Biblical Counseling is offered weekly in Reformed congregations and institutions throughout the United States.

  • Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

  • Smyrna, Georgia

    Smyrna Presbyterian Church

  • Orange City, Iowa

    Redeemer United Reformed Church

  • DeMotte, Indiana

    Immanuel United Reformed Church

  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota

    Trinity Reformed Church

  • Seatac, Washington

    Emmanuel Reformed Baptist Church

  • Coopersville, Michigan

    Little Farms Chapel OPC

  • Wyoming, Michigan

    Bethany United Reformed Church

  • Greeley, Colorado

    Grace Reformed Church

  • Lynden, Washington

    Lynden United Reformed Church

  • Cochran, GA

    Ruth Baptist Church

Explore Training Opportunities

Event
Calendar

  • 20Mar2026

    O Church, Arise Conference

    • Bethany URC

  • 22Jun2026

    PCA General Assembly 2026

    • Louisville, KY
All Events

Frequently Asked Questions

The Institute for Reformed Biblical Counseling is a training and biblical counseling certification ministry under the spiritual oversight of Cornerstone United Reformed Church (Hudsonville, Michigan). For more information, read our story and our mission and values.

Reformed biblical counseling is a form of intensive discipleship that focuses upon the application of God’s truth to the different challenges of life. In this way, Reformed biblical counseling is like other forms of biblical counseling but distinct in our commitment to approach counseling and care from an explicitly Reformed perspective. For more information, read our definition of Reformed biblical counseling and our Standards of Conduct.

We offer biblical counseling certifications for laypersons as well as pastors and other seminary-trained individuals. All applicants for certification must complete our basic training course in Reformed biblical counseling. If you are already a certified biblical counselor, we offer a pathway for counselors who align with our convictions of Reformed biblical counseling to transfer their certifications. Interested in becoming a certified biblical counselor?

The IRBC as an organization does not currently offer counseling. We support and are connected with counseling ministries within local churches. Many of our certified counselors also counsel within their own church communities. If you are looking for counseling, reach out to one of our counseling ministries in the Shepherd’s Way Network. If you need further help, consider checking the Counselor Map at the Biblical Counseling Coalition. Also, feel free to browse our carefully curated list of recommended counseling resources on a variety of issues for either you or someone else in need of help.

A word that you will often hear at the IRBC is “organic.” We like to build relationships with pastors and churches. A great first step is hosting IRBC training within your local church. From there, we can have conversations about hosting “micro” conferences and counseling ministries.

The best way to support our ministry is to share our resources with others! Also, we covet your prayers as we steward the resources and opportunities that God has given to us. If you would like to make a financial donation (online or check), you can visit our giving page. If you represent a church or institution and are interested in supporting our ministry and receiving various benefits, visit our ministry partners page.

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