By Jennnifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
In a world filled with social media influencers, self-help advice, and conflicting opinions about mental and emotional well-being, many people are searching for trusted guidance when life becomes overwhelming.
For more than two decades, Grace Fellowship Church has sought to meet that need by equipping everyday people to walk alongside those facing struggles such as anxiety, grief, marriage conflict, parenting challenges, addiction, and suffering.
This fall, the Florence church will host its 22nd annual Counseling & Discipleship Training (CDT) Conference, welcoming pastors, ministry leaders, counselors, small group leaders and community members interested in learning biblically grounded approaches to helping others.
“Today, more than ever people are overwhelmed by life, and equally overwhelmed by the sources of so-called experts who are all wanting to give us advice,” said Erin Greenwood, director of counseling at Grace Fellowship. “Who better to help us than our Creator God who made us and gave us His Word that we can apply to every area of life?”
Greenwood said one of the conference’s primary goals is helping attendees understand what lasting personal change looks like.
“This conference answers the question, ‘But how do I change and become someone different than I am?'” she said. “Most people, Christian or non-Christian, do not understand how we truly change.”
Since the conference began in 2004, participation has continued to grow. Last year, 278 people attended, including 211 from Northern Kentucky and another 67 from outside Kentucky, making the event a regional resource for churches and individuals seeking biblical counseling training.
According to Greenwood, the impact has extended beyond the annual conference.
“The overall impact of CDT is that our church family has a culture of believing that God’s Word can actually help us get unstuck and change some of the painful and destructive patterns that we’ve developed in life, as well as learn how to process the hurt that we may have received from others around us,” she said.
The conference isn’t about piling on more information; it’s about equipping people for lasting life transformation.
The conference is open to all individuals in and outside of the church. Participants may choose between two training tracks based on their previous experience.
The Foundations track is designed for first-time attendees and introduces the core principles of biblical counseling. Sessions cover topics including what makes biblical counseling unique, the process of biblical change, discerning problems biblically, giving hope, goal-oriented parenting, and God’s purpose for marriage. The course also fulfills the Fundamentals Training requirement for certification through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
Foundations will be held over three weekends: Sept. 18-19, Oct. 16-17, and Nov. 13-14.
The Advanced track, available to those who have completed Foundations, will focus on abuse and trauma. Sessions will equip participants to recognize patterns of harm, respond wisely during crises, and care for victims through topics such as domestic violence, victim care, and interactive case studies. The Advanced conference will be held Sept. 18-19.
While full scholarships are not available, Grace Fellowship offers significant discounts for first-time attendees, counselors, and ministry leaders.
For Greenwood, the conference’s purpose extends beyond providing information.
“Our desire is to help people learn how God’s Word speaks to the everyday struggles we all face,” she said. “When people experience genuine life transformation, they’re better equipped to love and care for others in their families, churches, and communities.”
Registration information and conference details are available through Grace Fellowship Church.