The following are a few testimonials from graduates who have completed our basic weekend certificate program consisting of just eight hours.
"I hold a master's degree in counseling and have always been interested in Christian counseling but questioned the validity of any training that was not offered by a regionally accredited university. I am extremely pleased with the soundness of this program and highly recommend it." Gayla Holmes; Norwich, CT
"I majored in Psychology and Sociology in college. I was trained as a social worker and attended many continuing education seminars. I later spent eighteen years working with students in the school system. This weekend I learned more information than all of the other training combined. I was given information in a way that I can utilize to help a broad range of clients and am so grateful for the opportunity." Jane Peterson; Decatur, AL
"The class is intensive and well equipped to prepare any person in this field of work. Although I have a PhD in Christian Counseling, after taking the course, I realized I had learned new and important information beneficial to any serious counselor." Leonardo Guerrero; Fuquay-Varina, NC
"The training I received was quite intensive. However, the training manual as a resource is extremely helpful. I also appreciated the Q&A period that was offered after each session to help clarify many points. I actually found this weekend course to be more practical and informational than all of the ones that I took during seminary!" Elbern Latorilla; Toronto, ON
"Dr. Flood is a wonderful speaker! As a licensed professional counselor, I found that he has a unique ability to convey difficult and dense subject matter in a clear way. His use of humor and personal anecdotes made the time fly by." Ronda Thorington; Hartford, CT
"Incredible program! I loved the biblical references on how to effectively provide pastoral counseling. I also appreciated the real life examples that pointed out the need for following legal and ethical guidelines and the severity of consequences that can occur when they are not." Steven Engstrand, Boston, MA
"The pastoral counseling program was extremely valuable for me as a chaplain. I believe that the seminar is helpful for anyone who is inclined to hear people's stories and meet them where they are in their growth process. It also gave me insight into my own story. The information from the seminar is a great tool to have." Kim Darnell; Nashville, TN
"I work as the children's director for our church. This course was exactly what I was looking for to better serve our children and families. I see a multitude of hurts and issues, and this helps give me a bigger and better understanding of how I can serve more effectively." Melanie Norman; Knoxville, TN
"I feel blessed to enroll in this program as it has reminded me of why I want to do this work. The methodology taught is broad and helpful. I am grateful to now have the knowledge of combining biblical principles with these new skills to help people overcome a variety of struggles." Stephanie Johnson-Bay; Atlanta, GA
"So much great information packed into a fun session! Wonderful reminder that God's word is powerful, we all need Jesus, and we live in a broken world. We all have problems. Perfect balance of biblical truth with the acknowledgement that mental illness exists." Jessica Herman; Bristol, VA
"The information given will definitely enhance my counseling skills. I received an abundance of knowledge that is relevant in helping me as a pastor to deal with many pressing and essential issues. The instructor's ability to answer questions that pertain to current situations was superb." Matthew Thomas; Philadelphia, PA
"I really can't say enough about this program. Our instructor disseminated the information in a way that made it easy to understand! He also shared personal experiences that had me laughing in stitches at times and choking up with emotion at others. If you feel led to counsel others, this is absolutely the course to take!" Randy Turner; Chattanooga, TN
"The course provided valuable information and was presented in a way it was easily understood. Feedback was encouraged and welcomed. This course helped our volunteers and staff who are meeting with people offering assistance with life questions to understand the need for setting boundaries as well as gave examples of how to best incorporate the material learned into their sessions. Excellent!" Donna Puckett; Birmingham, AL
"As a professional counselor, the information presented was in line with the same training I received in my graduate studies, plus so much more. This training gave a brief overview into the real life situations that occur as a helping professional while maintaining a biblical worldview in my practice." Cassandra Thomas; Escondido, CA
"I thoroughly enjoyed the training we received and found the content presented with extreme clarity despite the level of difficulty and the challenging nature of the information." LaTisha Jones; Atlanta, GA
"Tennessee Valley Ministry Institute is a jam packed intensive day that presents numerous counseling techniques and will provide you with much needed information. Through this institute, I gained necessary skills that will help me counsel people of all ages and all backgrounds. Thank you for the opportunity to sit in this course!" Thomas McDonald; Trinidad, CO
"This program is a tremendous opportunity for pastors, counselors, teachers and anyone who comes into contact with individuals needing help to work out their problems. It gives tremendous insight and tips to help evaluate and assist those in need. I highly recommend anyone called to counsel complete this invaluable training." David Chase; Miami, FL
"This course offers a variety of tools and techniques to assist the new counselor and enhance the skills and knowledge of experienced counselors. The course was interactive in that it allowed students to glean from both the instructor as well as other pastors and leaders in the class." Carol Stevenson; Atlanta, GA
"This program was an absolute blessing and an incredible opportunity for me. Not only did I learn a ton and receive a certificate but, now I am sure that what I thought God was calling me to is actually true. I am so grateful for all of the information and would highly recommend this training for anyone wanting to investigate further into Pastoral Counseling and the impact you can make within your church and community." Sandy Lee; Tampa, FL
"The one day counseling basic certificate program was absolutely amazing! Dr. Flood was exceptional and the presentation was detailed and life changing! I strongly encourage those in leadership roles to take advantage of this seminar." Gary Battles; Huntsville, AL
"The Pastoral Counseling Certificate Program was an on-time resource in my life. It has helped me to recognize in depth the importance of reaching people right where they are, but having enough empathy to not leave them there. This learning resource will light a fire under you to utilize God's Word in more effective ways to help yourself and others build better relationships all for the glory of God." Tracy Roddy; Northglenn, CO
"Dr. Flood is an excellent resource and the course was very helpful. I appreciated the practical application. If you are pursuing a ministry in biblical counseling, this course is for you!" Brett Humphrey; Gilbert, AZ
"I found this training to be a phenomenal opportunity to help grow our various ministries as well as help support the mental health environment from within the church." LaThomas Willis; Detroit, MI