Supporting the NANC Proposed Name Change

I received this email yesterday from NANC–The National Association of Nouthetic Counselors–regarding their proposed name change. The email, repeated below, shares words of support from leaders in the biblical counseling movement. I share it with my reading audience as an important piece of information about biblical counseling. 

A Message from Heath Lambert 

The board of trustees is asking our membership to approve of a change in name from The National Association of Nouthetic Counselors to The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. We are proposing such a change because we believe it will help us communicate who we are, and what we do most effectively. It is important to note that this proposed change is about communication, not conviction. Our leadership does not want to change our commitment to biblical counseling or the sufficiency of Scripture in any way. Our desire is to move forward with our historic convictions to communicate to a new generation the riches of God’s Word for troubled people. The following are endorsements of this proposal from some leaders in NANC. 

David Powlison, Former NANC Board Member, Member of the NANC Academy, Executive Director, CCEF, Senior Editor, Journal of Biblical Counseling 

Why a name change from NANC (National Association of Nouthetic Counselors) to the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)? I was not part of the process, but I have thought about the pros and cons of our name for the past 30 years. Take my comments as a personal opinion about the change, not an explanation of the change. 

First, all people who take Scripture seriously should agree that God calls his people to the clear-minded, tenderhearted, personalized ministry of noutheteo: “to place in the mind” relevant words of truth, wisdom, grace, conviction, hope, and guidance. Wise love for others is rich in timely nouthesis, as well as rich in the other timely things that wisdom does and says (and doesn’t do and doesn’t say). At our best, when we wisely help to cure the souls of God’s beloved children, we are truly nouthetic. 

But the negative connotations to “nouthetic counseling” have had a way of too often drowning out the intended denotation. This is a historical reality. It has nothing to do with what the Scripture intends when calling us to the ministry of noutheteo. I see three ways that negative connotations have arisen. 

First, sometimes caricatures are attached to us by those who are ignorant or malicious. What they say we are is simply not true. The sneer creates an insignificant kind of negative connotation. 

Second, and more serious, sometimes we have fulfilled the negative stereotypes. All counselors fail at times, and we fail in many different ways. But there is one typical pattern of failure I’ve witnessed too often in our circles. I think of it as “noutheticistic counseling” or “macho-noutheticism.” It represents a failure of humility, kindness, listening, and grace. If our typical failings recur too often, or if they are unchallenged and unaddressed from within our movement, then we would deserve the negative connotation. But I have witnessed this failure far less often in the past 15 years than I did in the previous 20 years. I think that the dominant strand within our DNA has consistently, clearly, and strongly sought to redress such failings. We have been growing corporately into greater wisdom. Failings that are being redressed are a relatively insignificant kind of negative connotation. 

The third reason is the most significant. Jay Adams’s original theory and practice of nouthetic counseling had many notable strengthhs and several notable shortcomings. Candid, fair-minded discussion of our model and methods has been part of how our community has functioned over the past 40 years. But, during this process, the adjective “nouthetic” has remained attached to the distinctive emphases of the original version-maintaining the strengths but not addressing the imbalances. The connotations of the word are weighted toward emphasizing, for example, God’s commandments, confronting sins, making behavioral changes (e.g., Proverbs 10-31), a directive counseling style, and the dynamics of personal habit formation. Those are five ingredients of counseling that are faithful to Scripture-that do nouthesis well. But they must be balanced by complementary Scriptural ingredients in nouthesis-e.g., God’s promises, comforting sufferers, making changes in relationship with God (e.g., Psalms), an interactive counseling style, and the dynamics of growing personal insight. When our defining adjective fixedly connotes things that do not describe us well, then the adjective increasingly becomes an impediment rather than a help.

The new name is more general in one respect-“biblical” simply points to a core loyalty shared by Christian people. And “ACBC” does not roll off the tongue as easily as “NANC”! But the new name is more specific and more descriptive in one very important way. NANC has been a certifying organization. It has existed to set and to pursue a standard of excellence in the practice of biblical counseling, just as the mission statement asserts. Many counseling and educational ministries are now committed to wise nouthesis, and are committed to restoring counseling as a core ministry of the church of Jesus Christ. A counseling revolution has occurred in the past 45 years, and it is still going forward. But certification is a unique defining aspect of the ministry that I am glad to now know as the ACBC. 

Robert D. Smith, M.D., Former NANC Board Member, Member of the NANC Academy 

Being on old person I am reluctant to see the replacement of something that has been useful and appreciated. However most of the time that is dependent on my preference. For example I have not been too sad to see the replacement of an old house or an old car that were useful and enjoyable. In most cases, the replacement has been anticipated, more useful and a source of satisfaction, such as getting a new computer or software upgrade. 

Now we come to the change of the name of NANC. From my training about the word nouthetic it has been my understanding it was derived from the Greek word which means “to put into the mind.” That involves all that Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 when he says, “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (NAS) To me “nouthetic” has been a good word and helped me to explain and discuss biblical counseling to a number of curious people when the word triggered their curiosity. It has been a marker of biblical counseling in our culture. We in the original NANC group (and especially me) could have done a better job demonstrating and communicating Paul’s nouthetic. 

Sadly the phrase “nouthetic confrontation” has come to be the defining characteristic of nouthetic counseling. All that Paul included in the use of the word is not included in that phrase resulting in the disenchantment from the word. Although the word is still valuable, by its misuse it has lost its usefulness in much of our Christian culture. Also I recognize that just as the word “Baptist” no longer clearly defines one’s theology the word “biblical” no longer clearly defines one’s counseling philosophy. We can deal with that as we have dealt with the issues surrounding the old name. In addition a new name will give the organization the opportunity to grow in ministering with Paul’s perspective. 

Changing the name has the nostalgia of the old house or car but more important and practically the anticipated usefulness and benefits of a new computer or software upgrade. The NANC board is recommending the change of name to the “Association of Certified Biblical Counselors” and I support the change as beneficial to the overall ministry of the organization and the cause of biblical counseling in the world. 

Dr. Wayne Mack, Charter Member of NANC, Former NANC Board Member, Member of NANC Academy 

With the possible change of name and with Heath Lambert becoming Executive Director, it appears that NANC is about to launch into a new era of influence and development for the cause of Christ. When I consider where NANC was and what it was and who was involved in the early days, I am truly amazed at the Lord’s goodness. There is much work to be done, but much work has been done by the Lord through men who would all admit their unworthiness and inadequacy and give all the glory to God for anything good that has been accomplished. We would all say about NANC to this point in history, “This is and has been the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. To God be the glory, great things he has done and will yet do.” 

Stuart W. Scott, NANC Board Member  

I am so appreciative for all that God has accomplished in and through NANC over the last several decades. For several years now the Board has seen the need to implement a few changes in the organization without compromising our commitment to the sufficiency of Christ and His Word. One of those desires was a name change. We purposely held off making these few changes until a new director had been chosen. Now that Heath is at the helm, I am excited that this change in name will be more clear to many (who won’t need to take Greek to understand it) what our stated purpose is and that we are still committed to Scripture. The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors doesn’t diminish what we strongly adhere to (the Primacy of Christ and His authoritative and sufficient Word) but instead accentuates what we are about – training and certification. There is no change in our position or practice, no change in our commitment, no compromise in our convictions and no shift in our focus. I believe exciting and profitable days are ahead for the ACBC (should the Lord’s return tarry). 

Howard Eyrich, Former Executive Director NANC, NANC Fellow 

Name changes always prove to be an interesting phase in the life of an organization. But when a name change communicates more effectively to the constituency the mission of the organization, it is worth the challenge. It is important to note in this instance that the name change does not signal a change in the substance that gave the organization its impetus. Nouthetic counseling continues to be what we are about. Yes, there are other organizations that practice a variety methodologies under the rubric of being biblical counseling, but we distinguish ourselves by practicing a mature nouthetic methodology. If the time comes when we are no longer distinguished by our methodology, then we are no longer truly biblical. The new name represents what the organization does. It certifies biblical counselors who function utilizing a mature nouthetic methodological. 

Martha Peace, NANC Certified Counselor 

Heath Lambert has asked me to give my views of the proposed name change. Well, this is difficult for me because I have been a “NANC” girl for 24 years now and I am confident that I will always be a “NANC” girl in my heart. However, I have a very high regard for the NANC board, and I appreciated Heath’s explanation about the change. I know that there is concern that varied counselors are jumping on the “biblical” bandwagon; but for a lot of them, they jumped on the “counseling” bandwagon a long time ago. They can say whatever they like, but that does not make them either one. I think the board has clear, solid reasons for the name change. So, for those who would like to know, I plan to vote “Yes” for the change. 

Ronald Allchin, NANC Board Member 

I am more excited than ever about the doctrines of the sufficiency of Scripture and progressive sanctification and how these great theological emphases can help local churches be more effective in both outreach and discipleship. NANC has been on the forefront of promoting these ideals and we will continue to do so under our new proposed name. I believe this new name will more clearly communicate the ideals we have stood for historically and plan to promote even more faithfully in the days ahead. 

I have directed Biblical Counseling Centers in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana area now for almost 25 years and have been on the NANC Board since NANC began. During those years BCC has taught thousands of pastors, leaders and laymen around the world about the power of Christ and the sufficiency of Scripture to bring freedom from the penalty and bondage of sin. We are a NANC certified training center and have promoted NANC wherever we teach. Yet one confusing question in our presenting the ministries of NANC continues. We regularly hear “The National Association of WHAT? What in the world does NOUTHETIC mean?” 

I am of the opinion that the name should capture the essence of the organization that it introduces. When you have to explain your name to people before you can tell about the ministry, it is evident to me that the name needs changing to describe the primary activity of the organization. A name change has been suggested many times throughout my tenure on the Board. Even Jay Adams, in past years, was open to changing the name. It is for those reasons the I embrace the name change from NANC to ACBC, “The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.” ACBC does describe the primary mission of the organization and needs no knowledge of Greek to explain the name. 

Bob Somerville, NANC Board Member 

Why Change to Association of Certified Biblical Counselors? 

What’s in a name or a name change? The answer–“Lots of things!”

Let’s consider the example of a woman who has proudly represented her father by bearing his name as she grew up. But as her life changes she gets married and she takes on her husband’s name. She does not reject her father but rather takes on a new name and a different role. In a sense that is what we are doing with our organization. 

The name National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC) has served us very well. The term Nouthetic was coined by our key founder, Dr. Jay Adams, in his ground-breaking books Competent to Counsel and The Christian Counselor’s Manual. Those books changed my perspective on ministry and pointed me to a truly Biblical pattern of counseling and shepherding. They emphasized the sufficiency of Scripture for every aspect of life and godliness. They emphasized counseling, as the Greek word noutheteo indicates, to place the Word of God into the mind of the counselee in a loving and compassionate way, the way Paul does with tears as recorded in Acts 20:31. 

At that time none of us saw the great work of God that would take place through those books and the ones to follow by Dr. Adams and those who learned from him and others–books and teaching that have been used of God to spawn a truly Biblical Counseling Movement across many denominations and the church internationally. We praise our Lord for all that He has done! 

With the growth of our ministry spanning so many denominations and 18 countries we have come to the place of needing a name change that specifically addresses our place in the entire Biblical Counseling Movement. Because of God’s marvelous grace we are no longer merely a national organization. We have emphasized and worked in the battle to turn the church toward genuine Biblical counseling worldwide. 

Now is the time to put our emphasis on certification and a continued standard of excellence in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry in counseling and I believe the name change emphasizes this. We will continue to emphasize all of the aspects of genuine Biblical counseling in applying the sufficiency of the Word of God to every situation which we have been doing and will continue our stand against integrationist approaches. But we will do it under a name that allows us to be international in scope, which emphasizes our excellent certification standards and shows our participation in the genuinely Biblical Counseling Movement that we started. 

I had the privilege of speaking at my first NANC Conference in 1978 and have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees since 1986. It has been a great privilege to supervise over 50 people through their NANC certification since becoming a Fellow in 1989. I think that this name change is part of NANC’s opportunity for an ever-widening influence in the Biblical Counseling Movement and I believe we as members of this worthy organization should support this. 

John Street, Chairman of the NANC Board, Chairman of the Department of Biblical Counseling, Masters College 

I’m so excited about the possibility of changing the name of NANC. For some time we have needed to bring clarity as to who we are – an organization that certifies individuals and training centers. I have encountered many people who are curious about biblical counseling, but who have gone away confused by the name NANC, especially the word “nouthetic”, which is so difficult to explain in a few short sentences. While the word still serves an important purpose in helping to define biblical counseling, it falls short in representing all of the ways in which biblical counseling serves the church. Nor does it adequately reflect the primary role of NANC as a certifying agency. I hope you will join me in voting to make the change to a name which dispels the confusion and brings clarity to such an important ministry of the Word. 

Bill Piatt, NANC Fellow 

The name change to me simply indicates our long-standing purpose of equipping and certifying qualified Biblical counselors. 

Brad Bigney, NANC Certified Counselor 

I am so excited about the future of NANC. I really do think our best days are ahead of us, and I’m grateful for NANC leadership that is prayerfully working to put us in the best position to make the greatest impact in the years ahead. Part of that brighter future has to do with our name. I am NANC certified and have been involved with teaching and promoting NANC for over 20 years now, but the name has not been helpful as I try to reach out to other pastors and Christians to draw them into all that God is doing in and through us today. Like any good organization, NANC has continued to grow in their understanding of what’s at the heart of biblical counseling. The balance of grace and truth, along with an understanding that every counseling situation involves both sin and suffering, has created a very different NANC than the one I first encountered 20 years ago. The problem is many people have already formed an opinion of NANC, based on an experience from the past. So here’s a chance to start over again with a name that better represents all that NANC is doing and how NANC is doing it today. With a deep appreciation for the past, and all the battles that were fought to bring us to this day, I look forward to the days ahead, serving with ACBC, and trusting that God will use the new name to open doors for conversations and relationships that might have been closed in the past. Thank you, Randy Patten, for leading us so well. And thank you Heath and the NANC board for not settling into status quo, but continuing to look forward to all that God would have us to be and do together. 

Amy Baker, NANC Certified Counselor 

I view the proposal to change NANC’s name as evidence that our leadership is concerned about ministry to people by thoughtfully considering how to communicate clearly to those who might be looking to God and his Word for answers. I enjoy being part of an organization of people who want to minister to others and give them all the hope that God offers. This morning as I was reviewing Psalm 34, I rejoiced again in the fact that God comes to us and meets us where we are. I’m glad that we, as an organization, would give thought to whether our name speaks as accurately and clearly to those around us as God’s Word does. I think the proposed name change seeks to put the interests of others first by attempting to be clear about our organization, its purpose, and its function. Thanks NANC board for leading the way! 

Dr. Wayne A. Vanderwier, NANC Fellow 

One of the challenges regularly faced by OIC missionaries and associate teachers is explaining the concept of “nouthetic” counseling. While we could choose to take the time to unpack the varied uses and nuances of the Greek work from which it was transliterated, we often defer to a simpler, less time-consuming explanation – nouthetic counseling is simply biblical sufficiency-based personal ministry. This always leads to that “Aha!” moment: Nouthetic counseling is biblical counseling! 

I’m excited about and grateful that our association is making this improvement to a name that recognizes that reality. And I heartily affirm the decision to move to a name that clarifies our commitment to the sufficiency of the Scriptures for soul care – the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors! 

Charles D. Hodges Jr. M.D., NANC Certified Counselor 

I have been a member of National Association of Nouthetic Counselors since 1999 and have recently read that the board has proposed that we change our name to the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. I agree enthusiastically with the proposal! I’ve spent the last 15 years explaining the word nouthetic to people who would ask me what “NANC” and nouthetic meant usually with puzzled looks on their faces. Generally, I have simply told them that it is the National Association of “Biblical” Counselors. When I tell people that our association is made up of counselors who use the Bible to help those who struggle find answers for their problems, they seem to understand what I am saying. Paul told us to use “words easy to be understood.” The name “Association of Certified Biblical Counselors” plainly communicates who we are and what we do. And, that is the point of having a name. I congratulate the board for choosing a name most people will understand and I support the change! 

Julie Ganschow, NANC Certified Counselor, Director Reigning Grace Counseling Center 

NANC has always been the “gold standard” certifying agency. To obtain certification with our organization means a person has submitted themselves to rigorous and quality training that has prepared them to address the needs of our counselee’s with excellence and integrity. The certification process is not for the person who is unwilling to be challenged and sharpened. I am committed to the sufficiency of Scripture to address the problems of life and believe every biblical counselor certified by NANC is required to hold that position. 

I support the name change from NANC to The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors because it reflects the mission of our organization- to certify qualified people around the globe who believe the Word of God is enough to affect the heart of man and effect a change in the course of life. 

Andrew Rogers, NANC Fellow 

I am excited about changing our name because it helps identify us as a worldwide association of men and women who are committed to the care of souls. We are not merely interested in seeing people in the United States trained in counseling, but brothers and sisters throughout the world. This name change will help us communicate better our global pursuit of excellence in biblical counseling. 

Paul Tautges, NANC Fellow 

I believe NANC’s proposed name change is excellent and agree with our leaders’ stated reasons. It displays a welcomed pursuit of wisdom and clarity in the communication of our identity and purpose. 

Kevin Carson, D. Min., NANC Certified Counselor

In a world of 140-character attention spans, the proposed name change helps us identify with our primary purposes and task in our name. We counsel. We certify. We encourage. We admonish. We are biblical.