A Guest Post by Dr. Tim Allchin 

You’re reading the first of a series of posts about the recent Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) 2025 Conference: Called to Counsel. On Facebook and X/Twitter, I put out this call:

Did you attend the ABC Called to Counsel Conference? Would you like to share a public testimony that I could post at RPM Ministries?

Several people have already responded. The first is Dr. Tim Allchin, who leads The Biblical Counseling Center, which was launched thirty-five years ago by ACBC Fellow, Dr. Ron Allchin. See below for Tim’s bio.[1] Tim labeled his response: Similarities Between the ACBC and ABC Conference.

Introduction (by Tim Allchin)

A few years ago, we (The Biblical Counseling Center) began receiving more frequent questions from students about the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) and their certification process. Over the past three years, we’ve sent some of our Biblical Counseling Center counselors to explore ABC, and this year I was able to attend their conference for the first time.

Since I attended both the ACBC and ABC conferences this past year, I want to share a few reflections on the similarities and differences between these two major voices in the biblical counseling movement—both in terms of their conferences and their broader certification paths. 

Similarities Between the ACBC and ABC Conference 

• Commitment to Scripture: Both ACBC and ABC conferences are filled with biblical counselors who are deeply committed to finding biblical answers to life’s problems. Both emphasize a robust theological and gospel-centered approach, distinct from historic integrationist models of Christian counseling.

• Church-Based Counseling: Both organizations are passionate about equipping ordinary believers in local churches to care for others in Christ-like ways. The majority of attendees at both conferences are pastors, church leaders, or lay counselors actively involved in ministry.

• Critical of Secular Models: Both groups offer strong critiques of secular counseling methods, particularly regarding their inability to produce lasting heart change. Many workshops underscored the insufficiency of psychological techniques apart from biblical truth. That said, ABC appeared slightly more open to physiological treatments—one workshop, for instance, briefly mentioned neurofeedback as a potential alternative to antidepressants. 

Key Differences Between The ACBC and ABC Conferences 

• Diversity of Theological Backgrounds: ABC includes a broader range of denominational participation. Since their certification process is based on your own churches endorsement and affirmation of the Biblical Counseling Coalition’s confessional statement (rather than a specific doctrinal statement), the audience and leadership include a wider variety of theological traditions—ranging from Anglican to Wesleyan to charismatic groups.

• Engagement with Clinical Counseling: Biblical authority over secular research was emphasized  at both conferences. ABC tends to be more engaged with the professional counseling world. In my chosen track, I interacted with several licensed counselors, social workers, and even a former military social worker. Many presenters had clinical backgrounds and incorporated descriptive social science research more positively. In contrast, ACBC tends to be more cautious and critical in its interaction with secular research—many workshops don’t reference it at all.

• Approach to Gender and Teaching Roles: ACBC maintains strict gender roles in its conference workshops—women may teach only other women, and men are not permitted to attend those sessions. At ABC, however, workshops included both male and female presenters teaching mixed-gender audiences. That said, the main plenary sessions at both conferences featured male speakers—at ABC this year, Paul Tripp, Jeremy Pierre, Jeremy Lelek, and John Henderson taught a strong expositional series through Romans 8. 

ABC Speakers

Final Thoughts 

Overall, both conferences provide excellent opportunities for biblical counselors to deepen their skills and understanding. At ABC, attendees select a single track and follow it through eight sessions, which provides continuity and depth. There was a well-curated bookstore, quality exhibitors, and vibrant conversations throughout the venue.  Whether you’re exploring certification or just seeking to grow in biblical counseling, both conferences have much to offer. Each reflects slightly different emphases, but both are committed to the sufficiency of Scripture and the centrality of Christ in counseling.

Notes

[1]Dr. Tim Allchin leads the staff and counsels for The Biblical Counseling Center. He also speaks across the country teaching and equipping local churches in the areas of counseling. He holds a Doctor of Ministry with an emphasis in Biblical Counseling from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, completed his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and studied youth ministry in his undergraduate degree. Prior to coming to The Biblical Counseling Center, Tim pastored for twelve years in a local church in Naperville where he served in a variety of roles working with students, families, and adults. He also had direct responsibility in the areas of counseling and recovery ministries and was a frequent teacher in many different venues within the church. Tim is married and has two sons.