As members of the Global Association of Certified Pastoral Counselors (GACPC), we affirm the following foundational truths of the Christian faith. These doctrines guide our personal lives, shape our counseling practices, and unite us as a global body of pastoral care providers.
1. The Bible
We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. The Bible is the supreme rule for faith, life, and counseling practice.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
2. The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—coequal in power and glory, and coeternal in nature.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” — 2 Corinthians 13:14
3. Jesus Christ
We believe in the full deity and humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death on the cross, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, and future return in power and glory.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12
4. The Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who convicts the world of sin, regenerates the believer, and empowers and equips the Church for holy living and effective service.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” — Acts 1:8
5. Humanity and Sin
We believe that all people are created in the image of God, but through sin have fallen and are in need of salvation. Apart from Christ, humanity is spiritually lost and separated from God.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
6. Salvation by Grace through Faith
We believe that salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone—not by human works. Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are forgiven, justified, and adopted as children of God.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
7. The Church
We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ. The Church is the Body of Christ, called to worship God, make disciples, care for the suffering, and proclaim the gospel to the world.
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27
8. Eternal Destiny
We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost—those who are saved to eternal life in God’s presence, and those who are lost to eternal separation from God.
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” — Matthew 25:46