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Reconciliation Specialization

This specialization offers biblical and practical guidelines designed to enhance the counselor’s call to promote reconciliation, restoration, and peacemaking. 


Education Phase

Engage in high-quality, vetted, and focused training. Learn More

Examination Phase

Demonstrate your mastery of the subject matter. Learn More

Education Phase

The first phase of specialization training has ACBC Certified Counselors engage in quality instruction offered through one of our Certified Training Centers as well as complete reading from a pre-approved book list.


Core Training Requirements

To receive the specialization in reconciliation counseling a certified member must first complete a minimum of 15 hours of instruction covering the following approved topics.

  • Biblical View of Reconciliation

    This topic will consider our responsibility from God to be ministers of reconciliation according to 2 Corinthians 5 and describe the biblical characteristics of reconciliation from Ephesians 4:1-7 paying special attention to horizontal reconciliation (e.g. between people) in light of vertical reconciliation (e.g. between God and man).

  • Biblical View of Confession

    This topic will apply key peacemaking principles found in Matthew 7 and examine the biblical characteristics of repentance from 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.

  • Biblical View of Forgiveness

    This topic will explore promises of forgiveness according to Ephesians 4:25-32 and by studying Proverbs 19:11 and 1 Peter 4:8 describe the need to “lovingly cover” sin and how that relates to loving confrontation.

  • Biblical View of Conflict

    This topic teach through “The Four G’s of Conflict Resolution” as well as “The P.A.U.S.E. Principle” both from Ken Sande’s The Peacemaker.

  • Pursuing Peaceful Relationships That Undermine Conflict

    This topic will provide Christian characteristics of peacemakers (e.g. humility, mild-hearted, quite living) and describe qualities to avoid that lead to conflict (e.g. gossip, quick-tempered, etc.).

  • Pursuing Peace When Other Refuse to Change

    This topic includes an exegesis 1 Peter 4:19 and Romans 12:18-21 to explain how one should trust God and seek peace in overcoming evil with good.

  • Understanding Conflict Biblically: Causes

    This topic will explain how idolatry arouses and contributes to conflict (e.g. selfish ambition and vain conceit).

  • Understanding Conflict Biblically: Categories

    This topic will explore 1 Corinthians 10:23-32, 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13 and Matthew 18:15-35 as it relates to matters of conscience, matters of sin, and when and how to confront biblically.

  • Understanding Conflict Biblically: Consequences

    This topic will show the opportunity presented by conflict and provide spiritual roots of continued conflict (e.g. root of bitterness, etc.)

  • Dynamics of Conflict with Unbelievers

    This topic will strive to live at peace among those in the world emphasizing the expectation to love our enemies (Romans 13 and Matthew 10: 16-23) and seek peace through confrontation and repentance.

  • Conflict Resolution Strategies for Families

    The topic will seek to exposit Ephesians 6:5-9 and Matthew 15:1-9 in understanding the roles and responsibilities for parents and children.

  • Conflict Resolution Strategies for Children

    This topic will show the need for discipline as flock care from Acts 20:28-32 and describe the responsibility of submission to church authority from Hebrews 13:17.

  • Conflict Resolution Strategies at Work

    This topic will explore commands given to employees and employers.

Reading Requirements

To receive specialization in reconciliation counseling a member must complete 700 pages of reading from the following approved books:

Help! I’m in a ConflictErnie Baker
Unpacking ForgivenessChris Brauns
Redeeming Church ConflictTara Barthel and David Edling
Pursuing PeaceRobert Jones
The Freedom and Power of ForgivenessJohn MacArthur
The PeacemakerKen Sande
Peacemaking for FamiliesKen Sande
The Young PeacemakerCorlette Sande

Examination Phase

The second phase of specialization training will provide an opportunity for ACBC Certified Counselors to demonstrate their understanding of subject matter through an objective question exam and a written exam that contains case studies.

In order to be cleared for the Examination Phase, you will need to log into your ACBC account and enter the Specialization Dashboard. Once in the dashboard, you can apply for specialization exam access.


Multiple Choice Exam

  • This online exam contains questions from the reading and training and provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the material they have learned. The Multiple Choice is closed note/book/Bible. 
  • Once you successfully complete the Multiple Choice Exam, you will be granted access to the Written Exam.

Written Exam

  • This exam is comprised up of in-depth case studies challenging the student in areas including content and methodology. 
  • The Written Exam is closed note/book. 
  • You may use your Bible. 
  • There is a $50 fee associated with the Written Exam.

REconciliation COUNSELING EXAM STUDY GUIDE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can take advantage of this training?

    Anyone who desires to grow in the knowledge and skill in this area of counseling will benefit from earning the Reconciliation Counseling Specialization.

    However, for any component of the training to count towards earning the Reconciliation Counseling Specialization, the trainee must first be a certified member of ACBC. Once you successfully pass the exam portion, your profile on our “Find a Counselor” map will be updated to reflect that you have earned that specialization.

  • When and where can I obtain this specialization?

    ACBC Counseling Specializations are offered exclusively through our Certified Training Centers (CTCs). Training and instructions for the Reconciliation Counseling Specialization must be taught by an ACBC Certified Counselor who offers this training through a Certified Training Center.

  • How long do I have to complete this training?

    Certified members who desire to earn the Reconciliation Counseling Specialization have one (1) year from beginning the training to the successful passing of the written exams.

  • Is there any cost associated with earning a specialization?

    In addition to any fees associated with the Certified Training Center offering the specialization training, there is a one-time non-refundable feel of $50.00 associated with the specialization exam.

  • Are these optional for ACBC certified counselors?

    Yes, the Reconciliation Counseling Specialization is an optional advanced training opportunity for our certified members. In order for this specialization to count towards CEUs, it must be approved and valued by ACBC and appear on our event map.