Our official chartered ministry name is RMCM Ministries - Center For Counseling & Education. The initials RMCM is not an short acroynm for anything. When our ministry was conceived in 2000, it was initially Robert Mangus Christian Ministries. In 2002, we were certified by the National Christian Counselor's Association (N.C.C.A.), as an academic institution. In 2005, the ministry was officially chartered and sponsored by, and we are under the auspices of the National Conservative Christian Church Inc. At that time we officially changed the name and shortened the officially name to RMCM essentially because it matches our website address www.rmcm.org as the initial were already well established and known in the community and nationwide. We are under the covering and accountability of the National Conservative Christian Church Inc. in Sarasota, Florida, which is a national non/interdenominational church organization that oversees Christian counseling ministries, and is the church arm of the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA)
All of our programs are completed from the comfort of your home or office. Textbooks, Workbooks, & Examination Packages with proper instructions are provided. Since every course taken within our programs qualify for college level credits, our examinations require that you have an adult proctor (non-family member or friend), who will administer your examinations, when you are comfortable and ready to take. Proctors will be required to open the examination packets and administer the exam to you. Exams are closed book and there can be no written notes. The proctor will have a form to fill out, attesting that all of the exam provisions were carried out properly, and they will sign their signature to the form. The form is mailed along with the exam sheet, to the supervisor at RMCM Ministries. Our program completion times are based on one (1) concentrated hour of home study per day. If you have more than one hour a day to devote to study, your program will likely be completed quicker.
With the Certification, Licensing and Degree programs, there are requirements to complete a set number of Practicum. Practicum is just that.....practice. Students will undergo 10, 25, or 35 practicum during the course of their program (the number depends on program selected), under the expert oversight and critique of Dr. Mangus. Practicum guidelines and instructions are provided to each student. Practicum individuals can be selected from friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, bible study groups or others. Students who are currently in a counseling practice may integrate the practicum requirements with current clients, if they so desire. Individuals need to commit to allowing you to work with them for 5 or more sessions, so you may administer an analysis, take personal data inventory, discuss issues, and then apply the session by session therapeutic model, as taught in the program, identifying strength and weaknesses, and unmet needs, then setting an approach for the individual to meet their individual unmet needs. Session by session progress reports will be required to be documented and electronicallysent to the student's supervisor for review and critique. Normally, students become very comfortable in applying the concepts of the model, after 2 or 3 have been completed.
AFFORDABILITY: In almost all cases, other institutions charges for course and fees to complete the certification, NCCA Licensing, and degree(s) are higher than RMCM Ministries. We have lower overhead costs, and have not had a cost increase passed along to students in several years. In some cases other institutions charge as much as $45-$50 per course. Over a curriculum of 8, 12, or 20 courses, those costs add up! Additionally, some of these other institutions and centers "add" there own courses to the NCCA required curriculum, and/or will only prominently display just the academic costs on their websites as a "teaser", and do not readily tell you (or bury information deep in the websit) of the other required fees other than the courses. Fees required in the programs are a big percentage of the total program costs. RMCM Ministries prominently displays and details all academic and credential costs up front. It is not our desire to tease anyone into selecting our program based upon misleading promotion. Some other training sources will put pressure upon you to look at alternative methods and products to help in counseling individuals. This is a front for them pressuring and offering and selling herbal or other natural products that generally are very expensive. We believe in the foundation of being trained as pastoral counselors. We do emphasize a holistic view of counseling considering dietary needs, exercise and other activities to help shape the whole person Spiritually, Emotionally and Physiologically (all are important), but we do not push products (books, herbs, etc. or alternate therapy such as Amino Acid Therapy etc.) upon the students. We do not push or add additional courses into the required curriculum. These are all methods for a school/institute to get more money from the students. We need to be good stewards of our money, and purchasing additional or unnecessary items/methods is not being a good steward. So, with all costs/services considered, we are very confident that RMCM Ministries will prove to be the most affordable opportunity available to fully equip the student to begin or enhance a ministry of counseling in their community. That's the RMCM difference.
ACCESSIBILITY: Dr. Mangus, the director, administrator and personal mentor/supervisor of RMCM Ministries programs is readily accessible to all students up to 9 or 10pm central time. He is patient, and exhibits/shares a wealth of experience with all students. He is a current, practicing NCCA licensed pastoral counselor serving the counseling needs of churches in four counties in southern Indiana, and has personally counseled and assisted in the needs of over 1000 clients dealing with just about every imaginable hurt/situation. This is experience that is invaluable in a training program for counseling that you are considering. You cannot place a value on that accessibility.We won't close our doors or shut off the phones at 4 or 5pm, as you would experience with other centers and institutions. We are accessible by phone, fax, and email. We are a full-time ministry, called to place priority on fully equipping you, the student, to be the very best trained equipped counselor, God is leading you to be. We limit our enrollments to 7-8 students per month, which allows for focused attention on newer students, as well as our graduating students, and taking time to answer emails and phone calls from prospective students. Over the years this has proven to be the best approach, and allows the student or prospective student to feel they are receiving the best personal attention from staff. We have a student area of communications, grade board, announcements, examples, forms, and procedures that is second to none. It is this extra effort that makes this distance program unlike any other. We will not sell you courses and then leave you out there to fend for yourself. We are only a phone call/email away. That's the RMCM difference.
FLEXIBILITY: The NCCA does have individual time limitations on individual courses within the program, but they are very liberal and achievable to all students who commit to at least an hour or hour and half a day (on average) to program studies. Beyond that, we also understand that their sometimes are illnesses, holidays, surgeries, and other hardships (including financial) that will come up, and usually do in a program that spans 2-3 years of commitment. We go beyond what other institutions may have set up. We are patient and understanding with all students who have the occasional hardship. We offer opportunities to suspend studies, without penalty. All we ask of our students is to communicate the need to us through various communication requirements in the program. We can't help if we don't know what difficulties you are going through. We want to encourage, inspire, motivate, and most importantly we want to be able to pray with you and for you through your difficulties. We only want to do what God has called us to do, and that is to fully equip you for HIS work, and display the fruit of the Spirit along the way. It is our commitment to develop a personal and professional relationship with all students, who once they graduate we can then call them friends and collegues. That's the RMCM difference.
VISIBILITY AND EQUIPPING: We are very wired into a network of helps and assists. We have students from all various walks of life and different callings to ministries of counseling. If a student has specific questions or needs specific help in development of the ministry God is calling them to, they have access to the help needed. RMCM Ministries has been training and equipping counselors successfully for many years. Ours student testimonials speak for themselves (take a few moments to look them over). Our graduates are out there overseeing and directing some very wonderful ministries of help. When you review every aspect of RMCM Ministries and then compare the benefits and highlights against the other training sources out there, you WILL find yourself coming back and checking RMCM Ministries again and again.
We are the number one NCCA center for active, productive training of certified and licensed NCCA pastoral counselors. We give God all the glory in our achievement of active enrollment, and the ability to continue to provide the very best training/education/opportunities to you. It's a lot of work to keep the momentum going, but God sustains us through it all. We have grown every years since inception in 2000, and it does not look to be slowing down. If you have any doubts, or need any clarification, just give us a call and lets spend a few minutes to discuss your opportunities, and determine the best program for you, based upon your calling and the type of ministry you envision. We are happy to take all the time necessary to assist you in discussion, provide information, etc. to help you in your decision to choose a training/credential source, even if your choice is not RMCM Ministries or the NCCA programs. Our toll free number again is: Dr. Bob Mangus... 1-877-885-2735. We do want to hear from you !
No. NCCA licensure (L.P.C.: Licensed Pastoral Counselor, L.C.P.C.: Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, or LCCC: Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor) is distinctively different from a state-licensed LPC. NCCA training, degrees, and licensure are offered only to students who have completed the appropriate program phase requirements, and be licensed, ordained or commissioned ministers who offer counseling as part of a local church, a Christian denominational entity, or a not-for-profit Christian ministry (para-church organization) or a national church.
The NCCA curriculum is based on spiritual principles and a Christian world view as found in the Scriptures. In contrast, most state colleges and other training institutions (including many Christian colleges & seminarie) foster a secular world view, and their basic psychological models and therapies are based on principles of humanism.
One must ask themself which route they will take in fulfilling a calling to a ministry of Christian counseling. A good conversation with Jesus should reveal what the answer would be.
There are distinct differences between a state licensed counselor and an NCCA licensed pastoral counselor. Differences that many are not aware of, and may test the faith of the believer who seeks state licensure. One may choose to go the state licensing (secular) route, and offer Christian counseling, but the state licensing route requires the study of secular psychology. We recommend not applying for a state license since many state's may limit your right to provide adequate faith-based counsel, such as praying with the individual, having a Bible in the counseling office, or even providing true Biblical guidance based upon the Scripture. As a secular counselor, what biblical guidance would you provide a young lady, 15 years of age who was pregnant out of wedlock, who came to you requesting faith-based counseling, what counsel would you give? There's the pressure of deciding......should I truly counsel according to the Scriptures, or would I be worried about what the state might think? Would I play it safe and advise/steer her in directions contrary to the Word of God (refer to a state agency on parenthood planning). Secondly......secular counseling methodologies are not very effective, and are quite expensive. Ask yourself..What would Jesus choose?
N.C.C.A. licensed counselors, with proper ministerial credentials do not have to worry about state regulations, and can fearlessly counsel individuals in accordance with the Word of God. Counseling in a church or para-church setting is exempt from state interference. Separation of Church and State and the right to provide true Christian counseling in the church or para-church setting is acknowledged in every state of the union.
We recommend either the NCCA Pre-Certification Certificate Program or NCCA Certification Only Program. Both will teach you a very effective therapeutic counseling model that will greatly increase your effectiveness in counseling, is very Biblically rooted, and will not require you to pursue a ministerial credential. This program is ideal for the small group/cell group leader and others in helping others in a lay capacity within the church.
Most students who enroll with RMCM Ministries already have ministerial credentials, or are currently planning or working with their local church, or a para-church organization in receiving credentials. Student may enroll in the programs without ministerial credentials. Proof of proper ministerial credentials are required before entering Phase II. This allows sufficient time during Phase I for the student to work with their local church or organization to secure proper credentials.
For students who have a desire to develop a para-church, non-profit Christian counseling center, and do not desire to be credentialed by their local church have the opportunity to be commissioned, licensed or ordained through separate requirements/studies through our National church affiliation. This will require some additional application and coursework and can be done simultaneously as the students goes through Phase One and Two of the RMCM programs. All students who enter our programs without ministerial credentials, and wish to be independently credentialed, will be assisted through our national church early in our program, through the church arm of the National Christian Counselor's Association.
Students may enroll any time during the year and the work is essentially at their own pace. With this said, there are individual course time limitations, but these limitations are very liberal. Our programs are designed for the busy, working Christian adult, and we do understand busy schedules and when the occasional emergency arises which may prevent student from finishing individual courses within the specified time limitations. Since communications are key to success of any distance program, we require our students to keep us informed when these times happen, so we may grant an extension. We do have a monthly report requirement to facilitate communications.
If you enroll with little or no college credits, you will need to enroll in the the A.A./B.A./M.A. or B.A./M.A. program (whichever qualified), and you will earn your degree(s), as you earn N.C.C.A. credentials in the full duration of your program. All students with a bachelors degree or less, who enter any of the licensing programs must be willing to fully commit to all studies leading up to their Master's Degree. Those who enter with a Master's degree or higher are not subject to any commitment to the next higher degree, unless they choose to do so.
RMCM Ministries does not offer student loans or financial aid. However, we are a flexible "pay as you go" program, with no large upfront expenditures to get started. You simply pay for courses and fees as they become due in the program. Keep in mind that our programs typically run from one to over 3 years in length, thus payments are stretched out over those periods, and seem to work well in most budgets. We have been successful with assisting the student in securing commercial student loans, extending in-school deferrments, and qualify in some states for payment by Rehabilitation Services. We also have had success in payments being made by employer tuition assistance. We remain flexible and will work with students who need financial assistance. There are many creative ways a student may use to secure financing for their training. A good source is soliciting your church leadership to assist or underwrite your training/educational expenses. Developing or enhancing a Church outreach ministry of counseling is an asset to that church and pastor, and they should be willing to consider the benefits of having a trained, qualified pastoral counselor available on staff, or in the community.
We offer discounted program costs for husband/wife enrollments, group enrollments (3 or more) and for pre-paid phases. Please contact RMCM Ministries for details.
Each student is assigned clinical supervision/oversight who will assist you in meeting this NCCA requirement. You will be instructed on how to plan and approach your practicum studies using volunteer subjects, such as: family members, friends, acquaintances, or Bible study group members, etc. These are called "teaching" practicums, and will give you some very good interaction in applying the learned therapeutic model as well as your ability to provide some recommendations for individuals to reduce general stress and anxiety. The practicum and case study phases/portions or your program are very interactive, and this is when you will need to set aside time directly with individuals, and will require effort in writing and research. We provide all students with capable supervisor direction, as well as procedures, guidelines and examples within our student access area.
RMCM Ministries is a non/interdenominational ministry. Within the Christian tradition which emphasizes salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Our students come from many denominations, non-denomination, and interdenominational backgrounds and beliefs. Our full Statement of Faith is published in our web-site.
None required. Students who complete all 3 phases of our program qualify for their degree (s) through the NCCA Degree Assistance Program. RMCM Ministries and the N.C.C.A. have arranged with each of the listed colleges/universities/seminaries. Upon completion of the appropriate phases with RMCM Ministries, we forward your student information, CAI transcript, resume, and other documentation to the N.C.C.A., who in turn go to the institutions on your behalf. The college/university/seminary will issue your degree directly to you. Alternately, you may wish to attend the selected college commencement ceremonies, or have the degree issued to you at the annual NCCA conference, held in Florida in November of each year. Participating in commencement ceremonies are encouraged if the student is able, especially at the Master's and higher level, but it is not required.
There are two (2) elements to the program. First, there is the academic track. This is where the student studies from textbooks, workbooks, and videos, take proctored examinations, and submit for grading and posting to the student record. Payment for courses and materials are required as they are taken through the program.
Second, there is a simultaneous credentialing track, where the student is required to perform counseling practicums, demonstrating they have grasped the concept of the learned therapeutic model and is applying the principles correctly which prepares the student for the thesis/dissertation requirement of case studies. Practicums are submitted to an assigned licensed counselor and board certified clinical supervisor who perform an in-process review of the student's work, as well as be readily available to the student to provide on-going advise and guidance. Students must pay a fee for supervision, as well as other fees associated with initial membership, and subsequent certification, licensing and degree transfer assistance from the N.C.C.A
Each student is required to have clinical supervision and a supervision agreement in place at the beginning of Phase I of the program of study. Confidentiality of discussions of clients are assured, as required by the N.C.C.A. Code of Ethics. Alhough not required by the N.C.C.A. licensing board, and completion of our programs, a student may request clinical supervision by an N.C.C.A licensed counselor, who is board certified in supervision in/near the student's home area (if available). We will attempt to accomodate every request. There is an additional nominal fee for a contracted arrangement of this nature. A further breakdown is available in a link from the ministry home page. Currently all RMCM Ministries students are personally mentored and supervised by Dr. Bob Mangus - Founder/Director.
Faith Based counselors come from many walks of life. N.C.C.A. professional training adjusts to meet the needs of Christians with different goals, including:
Absolutely. If you are undecided or about your future plans for counseling, invest in the NCCA Pre-Certification Certificate program or complete the NCCA Certification Only (PHASE I) program. If you are following the divine call, follow through with some excellent training in counseling technique. Many of the other large "Christian" counseling associations touting "huge" membership numbers, offer similar training, with glossy pamphlets, mailings, regional and national seminars, large video tape series of expert after expert talking about their field of specialty, but none of these associations will actually teach you a counseling therapeutic model, build upon it, and CERTIFY YOU, as a pastoral counselor. We urge you to check the small print of their programs, which are usually certificate programs. Certificate programs DO NOT certify individuals to counsel. N.C.C.A. Certification does. If you want to receive a deeper study and understanding, we also recommend a full program of study that includes licensing and your appropriate academic degree(s). Licensing and appropriate degrees will open more opportunities to serve in a church outreach or para-church setting. With N.C.C.A., you still have the decision to charge fees or not, based on how the Lord is leading. Our main objective is to equip you to do the work, practically, ethically, and legally.
Very effective. Based upon the statistics of over 10,000 + counselees resulted in the reduction of stress and anxiety, and healing for over 90% of those who voluntarily come to a N.C.C.A. counselor for help. We praise God for these outstanding results. It is consistent affirmed through the hundreds of practicum exercises performed by our students each year.
Benefits And Highlights. N.C.C.A. credentials help you personally and professionally. Current and potential counselors often ask about the benefits of the training and obtaining certification or licensing from the N.C.C.A. Of course, the main benefit is knowledge. The training you receive provides a deep insight into understanding human behavior and relating to others. This knowledge is valuable in every aspect of life, including your ability to help those who are hurting. Check these benefits:
Having N.C.C.A. credentials ensures that you are recognized within your community as a qualified Christian/Pastoral counselor. The community can be assured that your credentials are authentic and current because you will be under the discipline of professional review boards that are organized on the national and state levels by the N.C.C.A.
Additional Benefits After Licensing
Other benefits available to N.C.C.A. members include professional group liability insurance and networking with other counselors across the nation.
The RMCM/N.C.C.A. program is truly Christ-based, offers NO secular psychology techniques and methods, is a ministry endeavor from top to bottom, is accredited . governed by a national licensing board of examiners, and does not leave you hanging, once you have paid your tuition, fees, and other costs. We support and encourage you from beginning to end, and as a Certified or Licensed Counselor, you will receive support from RMCM and the N.C.C.A. for years to come. as an association and collegue. A full website page is devoted to detailing the benefits of taking the NCCA programs through RMCM Ministries. Take a moment and review the link for "Why Choose RMCM Ministries"
This will vary by each student. Each course in the program is from 3 - 45 clock hours, and if a student spends an average of one (1) hour a day in study, good progress can be made. Typical results: Certification programs can be completed in 6-10 months. Licensing Only programs in 12 - 18 months, and Licensing + degree programs in 18 - 36 months, based upon the degree program selected, and the individual students study habits and exam preparation routines.
Absolutely. As with any profession, when the student completes the program and receives his/her certification or licensing, there are annual requirements for training to renew your credentials. Plus you will forge a professional network of collegues along the way.
Your certification and licensing will open many doors of opportunity to work within your church, community, or non-profit organization to oversee and direct a counseling program. This is encouraged, and is the foundation result from our completed programs.
Yes! In addition to licensing, the N.C.C.A. offers programs of study, leading to your graduate and post graduate degrees (M.A. & Ph.D.) in Christian Counseling and/or Christian Counseling Psychology. Also a number of advanced level courses are available to licensees to satisfy the annual license renewal education, as well as several areas of specialization (Marriage and Family Therapy, Child & Adolescent Therapy, Sexual Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Abuse Therapy, and others) leading to Board Certification credentials. Also, a licensee may wish to pursue clinical supervision. The doors of opportunities will be wide open.
Information contained on this web-site should give you an indication if you meet the basic qualifications. We encourage you to review the Enrollment Agreement, fill out an inquiry form, send us an email, or give us a call, and discuss your goals and objectives for providing a ministry of Christian counseling. We enjoy talking with each and every prospective student. We want you to be completely comfortable with your decision to enroll. We rarely turn down a candidate for enrollment. When we do, it usually is related to someone who is from a religious sect background, one who cannot affirm that they are a born-again believer of Christ, or are a convicted felon, who cannot or will not provide a testimony of overcoming the conviction through the repentance process.
This is a professional program of study and credentials. As long as the licensed student practices under the accountability/responsibility relationship (auspices) of a church outreach ministry, or parachurch non-profit 501(C)3 type organization, properly state registered and in accordance with the NCCA's Code of Ethics, accepting fees for counseling services are legal and ethical. You will need to check your specific state's statutes. Many N.C.C.A. licensed counselors prefer to accept only donations and offerings for services, and in some cases, no monetary gifts at all. This is completely up to the licensed counselor or organization they support. Properly established and marketed, a licensed counselor may certainly provide services as a full or part-time ministry. We do stress to all candidates that our work is a ministry, not a "business", and as such, any fees should be established and reflect accordingly.
Online or By Mail. Download and Print a copy of the Enrollment Agreement Form (available on this site), fill it out, and answer the six (6) enrollment questions. Attach a check or money order for $300 ($200 for the PreCertification Program) and send it to RMCM Ministries (address is listed on the enrollment agreement).
Alternately, you may enroll and submit your enrollment form online (ministry home page) paying with your VI/MC/AMEX credit card (by form or by Phone). We also accept fax submission of the enrollment forms, followed up by phone or mail payment of the enrollment and 1st course fees.
The balance of the enrollment documentation required (mentioned in the enrollment agreement) is not due immediately, but must be submitted to RMCM Ministries by the end of your Phase I studies. Once your enrollment form, 6 questions, and payment are all received and approved by the evaluation committee, you will be notified by email and mail, of acceptance, and your first course will already be ordered, and on its way to you. The first course will have instructions and a checklist for you to keep up with order and submission of documentation and payments.