One of the main things The Addiction Connection (TAC) does is commission those who are called by God to biblically counsel people struggling with addiction and their families. We have developed a unique process that is relationally based for commissioning. While sound theology is the foundation, our commissioning process seeks to be very practical, ensuring commissionees are ready for real ministry to those enslaved to addiction.

Why Commissioning?

We call this process commissioning for two reasons. First, we want to avoid confusion with any official secular and governmental designations that use the word certification. Second, we want to be thoroughly biblical and believe that the term commissioning better embodies the setting apart of people for gospel work.

The Latin origin of commissioning comes from the ideas of entrusting and commitment. As a small part of the Body of Christ, The Addiction Connection does not believe that we have the absolute authority to entrust a ministry charge or illicit a commitment to ministry. Rather, we believe these are functions of our Lord Jesus. When we commission someone as an addictions Biblical counselor, we are simply agreeing with Christ’s call and work in his or her life. Christ entrusts us as His people to carry on His work until He returns.

If you just break the word down, you get co-missioning, as in we are on mission together. That is exactly what we are to be about. Jesus has commissioned us to be about His mission together—making disciples of all people, including those who have been enslaved by addictive behavior. Being a commissioned counselor with the Addiction Connection means being a part of a disciple-making team, so you will never be alone in the work!

Commissioning Process

Here is a step by step overview of the commissioning process:

Step 1: Complete Prerequisite Fundamentals of Addiction Biblical Counselor Training (15 Lessons). You may attend a live course or our NEW online course. NOTE: Family and Fundamental course prices are totally separate and NOT included in the commissioning fees.

Step 2: Complete written questions portion of the application. You may submit your application prior to completion of the Fundamentals course, but you may not begin formal commissioning until you have completed that course.

Step 3: Interview with Director or other TAC staff.

Step 4: Complete any supplemental training as assigned by reviewers. This may be reading additional books or completing other assignments which enhance your theology and counseling understanding and skills.

Step 5: Meet with two- or three-person Disciple-Making Team for a relational dialogue as you work through 40 questions. The expectation is that the applicant would complete approx. 5 questions per week over an approx. 8 week time period.

Step 6: Final Evaluation with Commissioners. This includes 10 questions and 2 case studies.

Step 7: Commissioning Complete. You will be recognized and received your certificate of commissioning at The Addiction Connection Leadership Summit or other event as deemed practical.

You can expect the entire process, not including prerequisite or supplemental training, to take 3-to-4 months.

Costs of Commissioning

We strive to make the commissioning process an affordable, attainable program. You may pay the Commissioning Fee in a lump sum or in several payments. Here are the current costs:

Online Application – No Cost

Written Question Application – No Cost

Interview – $50.00

Disciple-Making Oral/Written Exam – $425.00

Final Evaluation – $125.00

1st year Membership – $35.00

Total Commissioning Costs – $635.00