How Christ and His Word shaped my convictions and led me to IABC

Many people know the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC), but fewer know the personal story behind how I came to love and serve this ministry. As the current Board President and Executive Director, I wanted to take a moment to share a bit of my journey — not to spotlight myself, but to invite a conversation with those who care deeply about Christ-centered, Scripture-sufficient soul care.

My introduction to biblical counseling began in the mid-1990s during Bible college. I took an elective course called Counseling God's Way taught by Bob Hoekstra. That class immediately resonated with me because it wasn't counseling as the world defines it — it was discipleship. It was the Word of God applied to the heart, anchored in the sufficiency of Christ.

From there, I was shaped by ministries like the Biblical Counseling Foundation and resources such as the Self-Confrontation Manual, which challenged me to examine my life in light of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). Over time, I became familiar with the broader biblical counseling movement, including organizations like NANC (now ACBC), and I began to see distinct streams developing.

What drew me toward IABC was its pastoral warmth, its local-church rootedness, and its unwavering commitment to the truth that Jesus Christ is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) and that His Word is enough to equip God's people for life and godliness.

This special podcast episode shares that story — how the Lord grew my convictions, clarified my calling, and led me into this lane of ministry.

If you've ever wondered where IABC fits historically, or if you share a desire to "return to the Word," I invite you to listen and join the conversation.

"Preach the word… fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:2–5)

🎧 Listen to the full episode here and reach out anytime.

The Biblical Counseling Academy

We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ.

Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel biblically.

The Biblical Counseling Academy gives you clear and practical training rooted in God's Word.

In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity.

Your next step starts with a conversation. Call (828) 707-9034

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Support the podcast with a financial gift:

https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online

In today's world, many people only hear part of God's Word, but God has given us the full picture. Why do pastors choose to preach through the entire Bible? Because every part of Scripture is important for our faith and growth.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff explores why it's so vital to teach the whole Bible. From Paul's example of faithfully teaching "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) to Ezra's careful reading and explaining of Scripture (Nehemiah 8:8), we learn that a healthy church is built on all of God's truth, not just parts of it.

We'll see how the early church grew strong by focusing on the Bible in its entirety (Acts 2:42, 6:4) and how all of Scripture—both the Old and New Testaments—helps us understand God's plan and reveals Jesus to us (Romans 3:21-22, Hebrews 1:1-2).

When pastors skip parts of Scripture, believers can become weak in their faith. But when we embrace all of God's Word, it teaches, strengthens, and protects us (Psalm 19:7-8, 1 Peter 1:23-25).

If you want to grow in your faith and have a deeper understanding of God's Word, this episode will encourage you to embrace the whole Bible. It's time for the church to hear the full counsel of God.

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The Biblical Counseling Academy

We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ.

Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel biblically.

The Biblical Counseling Academy gives you clear and practical training rooted in God's Word.

In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity.

Your next step starts with a conversation. Call (828) 707-9034

__________________________________________________________________________________

Support the podcast with a finacial gift:

https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online

What's the #1 priority in your life—and what does your answer reveal about what truly motivates you?

In this two-part teaching through Philippians 3:7–14, Pastor Jeff Christianson calls us back to the highest priority of the Christian life: knowing God. The apostle Paul says everything else becomes "loss" compared to "the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). In this episode, we unpack why knowing the Lord is the supreme treasure, how we come to the Father only through the righteousness of Christ, and why real discipleship always flows from abiding—never from anxious busy-ness.

You'll hear:

• Why knowing the Lord is the believer's highest priority (Philippians 3:7–8; John 17:3)

• David's charge: "Know the God of your father" (1 Chronicles 28:9)

• How God brings us from darkness to light (2 Corinthians 4:6)

• The three ways we grow in knowing Him: resurrection power, fellowship of sufferings, and being conformed to His death (Philippians 3:10)

• Pressing forward with a single focus: "one thing I do" (Philippians 3:13–14)

• A needed warning for distracted hearts: Mary vs. Martha—the one necessary thing (Luke 10:38–42)

This teaching is a fresh call to count all things loss, lay hold of Christ, forget what lies behind, and press toward the upward call—so we can live a visibly resurrected life in a dead world.

Scripture Focus: Philippians 3:7–14
Key Supporting Passages: John 17:3; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 9:23–24; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 5:20; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 1:17

"If you seek Him, He will be found by you." (1 Chronicles 28:9)

The Biblical Counseling Academy

We train Christians to counsel with Scripture so they can help hurting people find hope in Christ.

Many believers want to help others but feel unprepared to counsel biblically.

The Biblical Counseling Academy gives you clear and practical training rooted in God's Word.

In as little as 12 months, with just 5 hours per week, you'll be equipped and certified to counsel with confidence and clarity.

Your next step starts with a conversation. Call (828) 707-9034