As members of the Global Association of Certified Pastoral Counselors, we affirm the foundational truths of the Christian faith that guide our lives, counseling practice, and pastoral care ministry.
These doctrines guide our personal lives, shape our counseling practices, and unite us as a global body of pastoral care providers committed to biblical truth, spiritual care, ethical practice, and compassionate service.
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, and the supreme rule for faith, life, and counseling practice.
2 Timothy 3:16
We believe in one eternal God, revealed in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; equal in glory, majesty, power, and divine nature.
Matthew 28:19
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified for our sins, risen from the dead, and exalted as Lord.
John 14:6
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts, regenerates, sanctifies, empowers, comforts, and guides believers in truth and godly service.
John 16:13
We believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by human works, but through the redeeming work of Christ.
Ephesians 2:8–9
We believe every person is created in the image of God and must be treated with dignity, compassion, respect, and care.
Genesis 1:27
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, called to worship, discipleship, fellowship, service, evangelism, and compassionate care.
1 Corinthians 12:27
We believe pastoral counseling is a ministry of presence, wisdom, prayer, compassion, confidentiality, and responsible spiritual guidance.
Galatians 6:2
We believe Jesus Christ will return in glory, and believers are called to live faithfully, prayerfully, and expectantly until His coming.
Acts 1:11
GAOCPC’s faith commitment informs our approach to pastoral counseling, reminding us that care must be compassionate, ethical, biblically grounded, and respectful of every person.
Our Statement of Faith anchors our certification standards, counseling values, and commitment to pastoral excellence.
What We Believe Code of Ethics