Written by Jack Martin; MyFiladelfia counsellor and pastor
Article originally published in JOY! Magazine July 2026
The urgent case for training Biblical counsellors in South Africa
Every day, across South Africa, people sit in silence with pain they cannot name. A young man in Johannesburg stares at the ceiling at 3 am, undone by anxiety he has never spoken aloud. A mother in the Cape Winelands carries the weight of a broken marriage, unsure whether faith is enough. A pastor in a Free State township pours himself out for his congregation while quietly drowning in his own unprocessed grief. They are not looking for a clinical diagnosis. They are looking for someone who knows both the Word of God and the weight of the human soul, someone trained to sit with them in the dark and point them towards the light.
A dire need
The need for skilled, compassionate, Biblically-grounded counsellors in South Africa has never been greater. Yet the gap between the need and the supply remains wide. This is not simply a mental health crisis; it is a discipleship crisis. And the Church, uniquely positioned to respond, must be equipped to do so.
A trusted legacy in Biblical skills development
For over three decades, MyFiladelfia has stood in this gap. As a registered skills development provider under the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), MyFiladelfia has been a cornerstone of theological education and counselling training in South Africa. Our mission is straightforward: to equip believers, ministry leaders, and aspiring practitioners with the practical skills required to walk alongside others in wisdom and truth.
What makes MyFiladelfia different?
What sets MyFiladelfia apart is the integration of two worlds that are too often kept separate. We bridge rich, Biblical foundations with professional counselling methodologies, producing graduates who are not only theologically literate but professionally credible. Our programmes are recognised by the Association for Supportive Counsellors & Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP), affirming that the care our graduates provide meets rigorous ethical standards. This is not informal discipleship. It is structured and offers transformative skills development and a pathway to legal professional registration.
Why training matters: The stakes are high
Biblical counselling without adequate training risks causing harm despite good intentions, as untrained volunteers may reinforce shame or overlook serious distress. Training is essential, not optional. Likewise, professional counselling lacking theological grounding can’t address deeper questions of meaning or hope. Trained Biblical counsellors uniquely combine psychological expertise and scriptural wisdom to serve those in need.
Our programmes and pathways
MyFiladelfia offers online programmes for a variety of learners, from church supporters to pastors and wellness professionals. Its structured curriculum starts with foundational counselling and Biblical approaches, advancing to topics like trauma, grief, addiction, and relationships. Specialist tracks and a Bachelor of Theological Studies are available in partnership with Miami International Seminary (MINTS). All courses use Moodle for global access.
The invitation
If you have ever sat with someone in pain and felt the weight of not knowing what to say next, this training is for you. If you lead a congregation and know that your people need more than a sermon, this training is for your church. If you sense a calling to restore broken lives by integrating God’s Word with professional care, MyFiladelfia exists to equip you.
Will you take hands with us?
The question is not whether people around you are suffering. They are. The question is whether you will be equipped to walk with them. MyFiladelfia has been answering that question for over 30 years. We invite you to be part of the answer.
This article appears in the July 2026 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read the digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 25/06/2026
Feature image: Sourced from original article published in JOY! Magazine July 2026
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