TILBC Code of EthicS
A Call to Servanthood
(Downloadable copy below)
Truth in Love Biblical Counseling maintains a Code of Ethics that governs the conduct of all team members, students, mentors, instructors, and credentialed counselors. This Code articulates our biblical commitments regarding integrity, doctrine, relationships, boundaries, accountability, and ministry practice.
All applicants to credential-track programs (Diploma, Commissioning, and Certification), as well as all credentialed members of TILBC, are required to read, affirm, and conduct themselves in accordance with the TILBC Code of Ethics.
Affirmation of the Code of Ethics is a condition of acceptance, continued participation, and credentialed standing within TILBC. Failure to uphold the Code of Ethics may result in corrective action, suspension, or dismissal, consistent with the policies outlined in this handbook.
The current Code of Ethics is provided as a separate document and may be updated periodically. Students and credentialed members are responsible to remain familiar with its contents.
All applicants to credential-track programs (Diploma, Commissioning, and Certification), as well as all credentialed members of TILBC, are required to read, affirm, and conduct themselves in accordance with the TILBC Code of Ethics.
Affirmation of the Code of Ethics is a condition of acceptance, continued participation, and credentialed standing within TILBC. Failure to uphold the Code of Ethics may result in corrective action, suspension, or dismissal, consistent with the policies outlined in this handbook.
The current Code of Ethics is provided as a separate document and may be updated periodically. Students and credentialed members are responsible to remain familiar with its contents.
Biblical counselors are called to shepherd those entrusted to their care with the heart of Christ (1 Peter 5:2-3). Soul-care is sacred work. We serve others, not ourselves. We protect, not exploit. We build up, not tear down.
The standard that governs all ethical conduct in biblical soul-care flows from Scripture's call to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to do nothing from selfish ambition but to count others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4).
No Harm or Exploitation Allowed
Biblical counselors guard against every form of harm, exploitation, and unjust bias in all soul-care relationships, and work to ensure the safety and well-being of those they serve (Romans 13:10; Micah 6:8).
Biblical counselors also recognize the weight of their influence and the inherent power imbalance in soul-care relationships. Those who come for help are vulnerable. This imbalance can lead to harm even when no harm is intended. Awareness of this reality is not optional; it is part of faithful shepherding and soul-care (Ezekiel 34:4).
Avoidance of Counselee Harm, Intended or Not
Biblical counselors do not engage in any behavior or practice that harms or could reasonably harm those they serve, their families, or others involved in the soul-care relationship (Proverbs 3:29-30). This applies whether the harm is intentional or not. Good intentions do not excuse harmful outcomes.
Managing Counselee Conflicts
Conflicts in soul-care relationships are unavoidable. Biblical counselors work to resolve such conflicts in the best interest of those they serve (Romans 12:18). Counselors who find themselves tempted to respond in harmful ways must seek consultation and care for themselves. If a counselor cannot serve a particular person without risk of harm, the counselor is to make an appropriate referral in that person's best interest. Recognizing our limitations is not failure; it is wisdom (Proverbs 11:14).
Action Regarding Counselees Harmed by Other Helpers
Biblical counselors do not look the other way when those they serve have been harmed by other counselors, pastors, elders, or church leaders. We are called to expose the unfruitful works of darkness, not participate in them (Ephesians 5:11).
This involves being willing, as graciously as possible while remaining sufficiently assertive, to challenge or reveal those who exploit others, especially the most vulnerable. It also includes protecting those who have been harmed and respecting their decisions regarding actions against their aggressors, including pursuing legal remedies when appropriate (Romans 13:1-4). When a counselor believes that not pursuing such remedies puts the individual or others at ongoing risk, the counselor needs to speak honestly into that situation, recognizing that the final decision rests with the harmed person unless mandatory reporting requirements apply.
Refusal to Participate in the Harmful Actions of Counselees
Biblical counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist the harmful actions of counselees, especially actions that imperil human life. The protection of human life is always a governing priority in soul-care (Proverbs 24:11-12).
At the same time, counselees who do or intend harm are not to be abandoned. Counselors are to continue serving them through these troubles as far as they are able, pointing them toward repentance and restoration.
Application to Deadly or Threatening Behavior
Biblical counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist the suicidal, homicidal, or assaultive/abusive harm done to self or others by counselees, including that which is threatened by verbal or other means. An affirmative ethical duty shall be assumed to prudently intervene for the sake of protecting life and well-being, and under certain conditions, to report deadly threats to the proper authorities and those threatened by counselees.
Application to Substance Abuse and Other Addictive Behaviors
Biblical counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist substance abuse or other behavioral/process “addictions” by counselees, recognizing and accepting the distinction between drug dependence and addiction. Support or assistance to counselees may be given for limited periods of time in the use of prescribed drugs—even those from which dependencies may occur—with the goal of helping the counselee heal of the underlying causes for their sense of need for such drugs. This must be done under the prescriber’s supervision.
Application to Abortion
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for abortion or the abortion-related activities of counselees, especially when the life of the fetus and/or mother is not at risk or in jeopardy. Counselors will consider and inform counselees of potential adverse consequences (mental and emotional consequences, including any increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation), as well as alternative means to abortion, recognizing the counselee will ultimately be responsible for the decision that is made. As far as is possible, counselors will continue to serve counselees and work compassionately with them throughout a pregnancy, whenever abortion is being considered, and/or whenever emotional and mental post-abortion consequences may result from a particular decision. Counselors will keep in mind their ethical duty to represent God and His Word clearly and compassionately in this regard as well.
Application to Separation and Divorce
Biblical counselors do not directly advocate for or assume responsibility for a counselee's decision to divorce. Still, they may assist counselees in understanding biblical parameters and in analyzing and making decisions to separate and/or divorce—recognizing that the decision to divorce always resides with the counselee. Biblical counselors working in divorce mediation are careful to communicate that such work is not an endorsement of divorce, but rather, a decision to offer an alternative choice to adversarial litigation and its destructive family impact whenever divorce seems inevitable.
Application to Premarital and Extramarital Sexual Behavior
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active involvement in premarital and/or extramarital sexual behavior by counselees, acknowledging that sex is part of God’s good creation and a gift when confined to one man and one woman within the boundaries of the covenant of marriage. Counselors may agree to and support the counselee’s desire to work through issues related to sexual behavior, identity, and attractions. Still, they will encourage sexual celibacy or biblically-prescribed sexual behavior while such issues are being addressed.
Application to Homosexual, Bisexual, and Gender-Rejecting Behavior
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active involvement in homosexual, bisexual, or gender-rejecting behaviors and lifestyles. Counselors may agree to and support the desire to work through issues of homosexual and gender-rejecting identity and attractions, but will not describe or reduce human identity and nature to sexual orientation or preference, and will encourage sexual celibacy or biblically-prescribed sexual behavior while such issues are being addressed. Counselors acknowledge the counselee’s fundamental right to self-determination and further understand that deeply held religious values and beliefs may conflict with same-sex attraction and/or behavior, resulting in much inner turmoil with attendant mental and emotional troubles.
Application to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for active forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide, but may agree to and support the wish not to prolong life by artificial means, and will often advocate for hospice care, more effective application of medicine, and other reasonable means to reduce pain and suffering. Regarding counselees who wish to die, counselors will not deliver, nor advocate for, nor support the use of drugs or devices to be utilized for the purpose of ending a counselee’s life. So long as there are no other reasonable methods to alleviate such pain and suffering, the counselor is free to support, advocate for, and participate in aggressive pain management in accordance with sound medical practice, and with the informed consent of the patient or the patient’s authorized representative.
The standard that governs all ethical conduct in biblical soul-care flows from Scripture's call to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to do nothing from selfish ambition but to count others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4).
No Harm or Exploitation Allowed
Biblical counselors guard against every form of harm, exploitation, and unjust bias in all soul-care relationships, and work to ensure the safety and well-being of those they serve (Romans 13:10; Micah 6:8).
Biblical counselors also recognize the weight of their influence and the inherent power imbalance in soul-care relationships. Those who come for help are vulnerable. This imbalance can lead to harm even when no harm is intended. Awareness of this reality is not optional; it is part of faithful shepherding and soul-care (Ezekiel 34:4).
Avoidance of Counselee Harm, Intended or Not
Biblical counselors do not engage in any behavior or practice that harms or could reasonably harm those they serve, their families, or others involved in the soul-care relationship (Proverbs 3:29-30). This applies whether the harm is intentional or not. Good intentions do not excuse harmful outcomes.
Managing Counselee Conflicts
Conflicts in soul-care relationships are unavoidable. Biblical counselors work to resolve such conflicts in the best interest of those they serve (Romans 12:18). Counselors who find themselves tempted to respond in harmful ways must seek consultation and care for themselves. If a counselor cannot serve a particular person without risk of harm, the counselor is to make an appropriate referral in that person's best interest. Recognizing our limitations is not failure; it is wisdom (Proverbs 11:14).
Action Regarding Counselees Harmed by Other Helpers
Biblical counselors do not look the other way when those they serve have been harmed by other counselors, pastors, elders, or church leaders. We are called to expose the unfruitful works of darkness, not participate in them (Ephesians 5:11).
This involves being willing, as graciously as possible while remaining sufficiently assertive, to challenge or reveal those who exploit others, especially the most vulnerable. It also includes protecting those who have been harmed and respecting their decisions regarding actions against their aggressors, including pursuing legal remedies when appropriate (Romans 13:1-4). When a counselor believes that not pursuing such remedies puts the individual or others at ongoing risk, the counselor needs to speak honestly into that situation, recognizing that the final decision rests with the harmed person unless mandatory reporting requirements apply.
Refusal to Participate in the Harmful Actions of Counselees
Biblical counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist the harmful actions of counselees, especially actions that imperil human life. The protection of human life is always a governing priority in soul-care (Proverbs 24:11-12).
At the same time, counselees who do or intend harm are not to be abandoned. Counselors are to continue serving them through these troubles as far as they are able, pointing them toward repentance and restoration.
Application to Deadly or Threatening Behavior
Biblical counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist the suicidal, homicidal, or assaultive/abusive harm done to self or others by counselees, including that which is threatened by verbal or other means. An affirmative ethical duty shall be assumed to prudently intervene for the sake of protecting life and well-being, and under certain conditions, to report deadly threats to the proper authorities and those threatened by counselees.
Application to Substance Abuse and Other Addictive Behaviors
Biblical counselors do not condone, advocate for, or assist substance abuse or other behavioral/process “addictions” by counselees, recognizing and accepting the distinction between drug dependence and addiction. Support or assistance to counselees may be given for limited periods of time in the use of prescribed drugs—even those from which dependencies may occur—with the goal of helping the counselee heal of the underlying causes for their sense of need for such drugs. This must be done under the prescriber’s supervision.
Application to Abortion
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for abortion or the abortion-related activities of counselees, especially when the life of the fetus and/or mother is not at risk or in jeopardy. Counselors will consider and inform counselees of potential adverse consequences (mental and emotional consequences, including any increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation), as well as alternative means to abortion, recognizing the counselee will ultimately be responsible for the decision that is made. As far as is possible, counselors will continue to serve counselees and work compassionately with them throughout a pregnancy, whenever abortion is being considered, and/or whenever emotional and mental post-abortion consequences may result from a particular decision. Counselors will keep in mind their ethical duty to represent God and His Word clearly and compassionately in this regard as well.
Application to Separation and Divorce
Biblical counselors do not directly advocate for or assume responsibility for a counselee's decision to divorce. Still, they may assist counselees in understanding biblical parameters and in analyzing and making decisions to separate and/or divorce—recognizing that the decision to divorce always resides with the counselee. Biblical counselors working in divorce mediation are careful to communicate that such work is not an endorsement of divorce, but rather, a decision to offer an alternative choice to adversarial litigation and its destructive family impact whenever divorce seems inevitable.
Application to Premarital and Extramarital Sexual Behavior
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active involvement in premarital and/or extramarital sexual behavior by counselees, acknowledging that sex is part of God’s good creation and a gift when confined to one man and one woman within the boundaries of the covenant of marriage. Counselors may agree to and support the counselee’s desire to work through issues related to sexual behavior, identity, and attractions. Still, they will encourage sexual celibacy or biblically-prescribed sexual behavior while such issues are being addressed.
Application to Homosexual, Bisexual, and Gender-Rejecting Behavior
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for the pursuit of or active involvement in homosexual, bisexual, or gender-rejecting behaviors and lifestyles. Counselors may agree to and support the desire to work through issues of homosexual and gender-rejecting identity and attractions, but will not describe or reduce human identity and nature to sexual orientation or preference, and will encourage sexual celibacy or biblically-prescribed sexual behavior while such issues are being addressed. Counselors acknowledge the counselee’s fundamental right to self-determination and further understand that deeply held religious values and beliefs may conflict with same-sex attraction and/or behavior, resulting in much inner turmoil with attendant mental and emotional troubles.
Application to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Biblical counselors do not condone or advocate for active forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide, but may agree to and support the wish not to prolong life by artificial means, and will often advocate for hospice care, more effective application of medicine, and other reasonable means to reduce pain and suffering. Regarding counselees who wish to die, counselors will not deliver, nor advocate for, nor support the use of drugs or devices to be utilized for the purpose of ending a counselee’s life. So long as there are no other reasonable methods to alleviate such pain and suffering, the counselor is free to support, advocate for, and participate in aggressive pain management in accordance with sound medical practice, and with the informed consent of the patient or the patient’s authorized representative.
Sexual Purity in Counseling Relationships
Foundational Standard
Biblical counselors uphold sexual purity as a non-negotiable standard in all counseling relationships, whether professional, pastoral, or lay (Ephesians 5:3). Sexual involvement of any kind between counselor and counselee is sin, a violation of sacred trust, and grounds for immediate removal from ministry (Ezekiel 34:2-4; James 3:1).
The inherent power imbalance in helping relationships makes any appearance of "consent" from a counselee illusory. A counselee cannot give legitimate consent to someone entrusted with their spiritual care. This principle reflects both Scripture's standards for sexual conduct and the counselor's duty to protect those under their care (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6; Hebrews 13:17).
What This Standard Prohibits
Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
Biblical counselors uphold sexual purity as a non-negotiable standard in all counseling relationships, whether professional, pastoral, or lay (Ephesians 5:3). Sexual involvement of any kind between counselor and counselee is sin, a violation of sacred trust, and grounds for immediate removal from ministry (Ezekiel 34:2-4; James 3:1).
The inherent power imbalance in helping relationships makes any appearance of "consent" from a counselee illusory. A counselee cannot give legitimate consent to someone entrusted with their spiritual care. This principle reflects both Scripture's standards for sexual conduct and the counselor's duty to protect those under their care (1 Thessalonians 4:3-6; Hebrews 13:17).
What This Standard Prohibits
Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
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Direct violations:
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With Former Counselees
This standard applies to former counselees without exception. Biblical counselors do not pursue sexual or romantic relationships with former counselees. Additionally, counselors do not terminate a counseling relationship, even after a single session, in order to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship. Ending counseling to "clear the way" for a relationship is itself a violation of this standard.
Why This Matters
Sexual misconduct by a counselor is not merely an ethical lapse. It is a betrayal of those who came seeking help, a dishonoring of Christ's name, and an abuse of spiritual authority. It destroys lives, damages the church, and brings reproach on the ministry of biblical counseling. We hold this standard not because a policy demands it, but because Scripture does. We serve a God who calls His shepherds to protect the flock, not prey upon it.
Counseling with Marital or Sexual Partners
Biblical counselors do not counsel with current or former sexual and/or marital partners but make an appropriate referral.
Marriage with Former Counselees
Since marriage is deemed to be honorable before God, Biblical counselors may consider marriage with a former counselee (though it is not advisable in most circumstances), so long as the following parameters are met: (1) counseling relations were properly terminated, and not for the purpose of pursuing marriage or a romantic relationship; (2) the counselee is fully informed that another must do any further counseling; (3) there is no harm or exploitation of the counselee or the counselee’s family as a result of a different relationship with the counselor; and (4) the marriage takes place no less than three years after the termination of a counseling or helping relationship.