Foundations for Counseling Ministry (FCM)

About the FCM

Foundations for Counseling Ministry is designed as a six-month training program with two distinct phases.

Lecture Phase

Phase one is a three-month classroom segment that utilizes lectures, discussions, workshops, small group interactions, and personal study. The close community of students and staff provides an environment where the application of Biblical counseling skills can be worked out.

Outreach phase

Phase two is the field assignment. This provides a practical experience where the knowledge, skills, and character qualities of a Biblical counselor learned in the lecture phase are put into practice in a mission field setting. Students will find enriching cross-cultural opportunities and challenging experiences of working on a team at one of the ministry locations around the world.

This course is NOT a SAQA accredited qualification.

YWAM Worcester Counseling

Personal
Development

The student will learn an experiential understanding of Grace: developing a personal revelation of the reality of God’s grace, and the ability to extend that grace to others. Healthy relationships and developing a mature Christian Identity, are emphasized.

Skills
Development

The student will learn how to express warmth, respect, and empathy in inter-personal relationships; develop active listening skills; use the tool of Biblical belief renewal for personal development and applying it to others; praying for healing in a variety of situations by invoking the presence of Jesus; Exercise influence through intercession.

Cognitive
Development

The student will learn the definition of counseling; God’s character in relation to counseling; the work of the Cross and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing redemption and forgiveness; the believer’s identity in Christ; repentance and forgiveness and their relation to maturity; the specific, unique giftings of each individual.

Topics of the FCM

All topics connect head understanding with heart and action application

  • The Biblical perspective of the human personality
  • Healing through relationships
  • Basic counseling skills and tools
  • Gender awareness
  • Emotions and the renewing of the mind
  • Understanding God’s grace and extending it to others
  • Identity in Christ and Self awareness
  • The Biblical foundations of Counseling
  • The restoration of the whole person
  • Human reactions to hurt and rejection
  • Role of the Holy Spirit in counseling
  • Family systems
    Divine plumb line and the power of the Cross
YWAM Worcester Foundations for Counseling Ministry

School Dates

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FCM Fees

Our fees are based on the nationality of the applicant. This fee structure (want to know more about it?) allows students from less privileged backgrounds to join our training. The fees are in South African Rand and they include tuition, food, and housing.

Zone South Africa: R21,380
Zone 1 (African countries): R23,430
Zone 2 (Latin America and Asia): R28,180
Zone 3 (North America, Europe, and Oceania): R34,980

Prices might change without prior notice.

What our former students say

Learn more about the FCM

FCM was a game-changer for me. It deeply impacted the way I thought about my emotions and helped me change negative reactions.
- Merlyn Milhomens, Brazil
The FCM was a school I never expected to have such a profound impact on my life. Not only did I learn so much about the inner workings of myself, but I also learnt how other people work, as well as how my relationship with God plays out in everyday life. I cried, I laughed, and I learned. I grew in relationship with God and myself. I do not regret doing this school at all, and encourage others to try it out.
- Cody Mellet, South Africa
In my walk with the Lord as a missionary, FCM was an opportune moment to seek for healing and restoration. FCM was an oasis God provided me where I found waters that helped me with healing and restoration.
- Marisa Mendonça, Brazil

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the FCM provide credit for other Universities?
Accreditation in South Africa

Youth With A Mission in South Africa offers courses and field assignments that are accredited with the University of the Nations international (UofN). The UofN is operating in over 100 nations worldwide and is a degree-granting institution (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s degree) but is NOT CURRENTLY ACCREDITED BY ANY ACCREDITATION AGENCY OR ASSOCIATION RECOGNISED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SAQA).

Various accredited colleges and universities across the world accept UofN transfer students and credits, including some local partners. Please, contact us for more information.

Is this mission only for young people or only focuses on young people?
Youth With A Mission began as an organisation to help young people get involved in the global purposes of God and this will always be a primary focus for YWAM.

However, many people join YWAM as a second career or after retirement. Some of YWAM’s Discipleship Training Schools (DTS) specifically focus on providing mission training for families or older students.

What are the requirements to be accepted into the FCM?
We do not require college degrees, work experience, or a seminary background. You do need to be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years old & a high school graduate) and have successfully completed a DTS with its Field Assignment. Apart from the age requirement, we ask that you fill out a simple application form to be evaluated by the leaders of the school along with two references.
How can I pay for my FCM fees?
There are many options to pay for your school fees. You can make an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), pay via PayPal, credit or debit cards in our office, as well as cash (less prefered). There are several ATMs spread around town and you can withdraw funds from them as needed.
Do FCM students attend church during the program?
We encourage all our students to commit to a local church during their time with us. You are free to choose which church you attend. Our staff are involved in many different churches in and around Worcester and they will help you know what’s available. Your parents or your home pastor may also have recommendations for you.
Can I receive further training with YWAM after my FCM?
Yes! We encourage students to consider following up their FCM with other second and third-level schools.
Additionally, YWAM’s University of the Nations offers several training programs at campuses around the world. The DTS is a prerequisite for any other UofN training. The goal of these courses is to further equip you to accomplish the mission God has given you; they can also lead to a degree from the UofN. We’ll share more with you about further training opportunities once you’ve arrived for your school, but you are also welcome to ask our registrar about them now.
Do I need any vaccinations?
We do not have any required vaccinations for new students, but it is a good idea to be up-to-date with all of your immunization boosters before you come. You can also consult your health care practitioner for any special recommendation. Worcester is a malaria-free zone.