Would you like be equipped to help hurting people find freedom from life controlling problems? GFI has developed a path of education and training that relates abiding in Christ (Exchanged Life) to personal discipling and counseling. This model has the distinctive of:

• A message that is clarified
• A methodology that is simplified
• Materials that are illustrated
• A meaning that is personalized
• Ministry that is demonstrated

The content of this training is biblical, Christ-centered, and grace-oriented.

What are the benefits of certification?

Dr. Charles Solomon of Grace Fellowship pioneered this Exchanged Life Counseling model in 1970. Now over 100 ministries use this approach.  The reading, online videos and training provide efficient and economical preparation for the ministry of lay and pastoral guidance. Completing the learning and practicum assignments successfully indicate a respected level of personal development and ministry experience. 

Certification is the main qualification to become an Exchanged Life Guide with Grace Fellowship International. Guides are covered by GFI’s liability insurance, receive referrals for ministry, and can accept donations from clients. (Contact our Executive Director or Director of Counseling for more information on Guide policies and potential income.)

Tracks:

• Exchanged Life Counseling Certification
• Exchanged Life Coaching Certification
• Exchanged Life Lay Counselor Certification

1. Handbook to Happiness* (Solomon)
2. The Ins and Out of Rejection* (Solomon)
3. Handbook for Christ-Centered Counseling* (Solomon)
4. Man as Spirit, Soul and Body* (Woodward)
5. The Normal Christian Life (Nee) or Bone of His Bone (Huegel)
6. The Bondage Breaker (Anderson) or Toward a Deeper Walk (Warner)
7. The New Life* (Wallis)
8. Lifetime Guarantee (Gillham) or Sidetracked in the Wilderness (Wells)
9. Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook (Hunt) (initially, 11 chapters)
10. Discipling the Desperate* (Solomon) or Exchanged Lives*(Best)

Foundational Courses

How to Exchange Your Life for a New One (www.GraceStudyHall.org)

Lifeline Caregiver Course Manual (PDF) HopeForTheHeart.org/store

Demonstration Video Series

The Two Lives of Marie Marshall 9 video sessions (LeFebre / The Life Bookstore)

Personal Ministry Practicum

The concluding phase of certification is a practicum of 40 hours of documented discipleship counseling. 
This module is fulfilled at the student’s location. It covers the monitoring of the trainee’s progress, Core Knowledge Review, and for each 10 hours of counseling, the trainee has a one-hour phone session with his/her GFI supervisor.

Certification ELC Cost and Checklist document (PDF): Exchanged Life Counseling certification

*Resources available through the Grace Fellowship International store

Exchanged Life Lay Counselor Certification

Churches that encourage lay counseling that uses an Exchanged Life model can use a simplified version of the Exchanged Life Counselor certification track. Churches may partner with GFI by using this method of equipping disciplers.

This PDF document describes the steps to earn Exchanged Life Lay Counselor Certification: Exchanged Life Church Certification

Supplementary specialization tracks:

• Recovery Coach Ministry: GFI Recovery Coach Course
• Children’s Ministry: Children’s Counseling Course

Register for the certification process:

• Fill in this form
• Call Dr. John Woodward
• Submit the $25.00 registration fee