who we are
About BCM
The vision for Biblical Counseling Ministries (BCM) began when Mike Hanson, our Executive Director, first experienced what it was like to truly look to God’s Word for the answers to life’s challenges. The problem he saw? Too many of God’s people are still going “down the street” to find support and counseling rather than to the local church. The solution? Churches need to strengthen discipleship by creating a culture and environment where people are equipped in God’s word and empowered to provide biblical care, counsel, and support to those who are suffering.
our values
Authority of Local Church
We believe God is a God of order, and we take His guidance seriously when it comes to submitting to His leadership structure in the Church.
Here at BCM, this ties right in to our “why.” This is why biblical care and counseling belongs in the local church, and even why church discipline can be part of leading people towards repentance and restoration to God and the Church.
Sufficiency of Scripture
We believe God’s Word speaks directly with divine wisdom through the Spirit to address all of life’s problems. Trying to integrate anything alongside God’s Word is not productive and could even be harmful or confusing.
By going to God’s Word first, this results in sustainable and lasting life change, and creates a culture where long-term, ongoing counseling is not typical.
Discipleship
We believe this is what it’s all about: Helping people draw closer to Jesus. Prioritizing discipleship is obedience of the Great Commission and leads the body of Christ to practice the One-Another commands.
Ultimately, the churches who truly value discipleship are the churches we have seen become a church of biblical counselors instead of a church with a biblical counseling ministry.
Central IL Regional Church Partner Network
When you partner with Biblical Counseling Ministries, you become a part of the Regional Church Partner Network. This network provides the opportunity for collaboration, prayer over one another, encouragement, and for on-going discussion and growth regarding topics related to biblical care & counseling with other regional church leaders and counselors.
The reason this matters so deeply is that it is a “locking of arms” if you will, an opportunity for fellow pastors to support each other. We get to see shepherds shepherding one another.
We share counselors, locations, experience, and other resources, all under the ecclesiastical authority of each local church. The Network is able to accomplish things that one single church could not accomplish on its own.
“I initially thought that I could never be a biblical counselor, but God used our church’s work with BCM to change my perspective. I want to help others experience the same thing.”
Cindy Bonnette
Pekin Bible Church | Pekin, IL
“We really needed to raise up not just one, but many people in our congregation, who can do biblical counseling and do it well. We’ve been able to do that.“
Ben Busenitz
Liberty Bible Church | Eureka, IL
“Since partnering with BCM, it has been incredible to see our church transform into a church of biblical counselors.”
Chad Nightingale
Pekin Bible Church | Pekin, IL
