Certification and Licensing
Christians called to counsel must choose between serving as state-licensed professionals or as pastoral counselors within the Church. Nehemiah Works Academy, through the National Christian Counselors Association (N.C.C.A.), offers a distinctly Christian licensure focused on spiritual and pastoral care—not a state license or substitute. N.C.C.A. requires counselors to clearly identify their credentials to remain compliant with state laws, ensuring ethical practice and public trust. While states regulate counseling, most still recognize it as a legitimate role of the Church and clergy. The major difference between state-licensed professional counselors and Pastoral or Christian counselors, who are licensed by the N.W.A./N.C.C.A. and under the authority of the Church (Body of Christ), is clear and well-defined.
Nehemiah Works Academy requires all who are certified or licensed by our organization to:
1. Be credentialed ministers (ordained, licensed or commissioned) whose goal is to evangelize and ease the emotional pain and suffering of humanity. All ministerial credentials are subject to review and may be accepted or rejected upon determination.
2. Provide their service under the authority of a legally organized local church, a national church organization or a 501(c)(3) not-for- profit ministry.
3. Complete specialized training provided by the N.C.C.A.
4. Complete the minimum requirements for continuing education and annual license renewal.
5. Uphold N.W.A/N.C.C.A.’s Code of Ethical Standards.