Elohim Theological University
online

Joint Commission on Chaplain Acredittation and Education
online

United in Christ to provide an excellent online Religious education

ETU Online
Our pastoral (religious) counseling programs are based on biblical ethics and morals clearly outlined in the scriptures
 Elohim Theological University is intended to be an educational ministry that trains leaders, pastors, workers and lay people in general in order to become Gods servants who have nothing to be ashamed of, but who use well the word of truth. Our College, to meet this objective, will grant Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees to those leaders who meet with the study program.

The mission of Elohim Theological University is to form ministers of integrity and excellence that in the exercise of their vocation exalt the name of God and be of blessing to humanity. Elohim Theological University is to offer a sound biblical education, Christ center of excellence to train men and women with the necessary knowledge to preach , teach, counsel and disipleship according to scriptures.

All of our programs and degrees awarded are religious in nature and not academic or secular in nature. Elohim Theological University and Joint Commission on Chaplain Acredittation and Education in no way claims to be an institution of Secular Higher Education in any way.
JCCAE Online
Founded in 2006, the Joint Commission on Crisis and Trauma Education and the Joint Commission on Chaplain Accreditation and Education is the leading PTSD, Crisis, Trauma, a Chaplain educational organizations in the country, We educate students from all over the world in more than 42 different academic programs.

JCCAE /JCCTE has set the New Standard  Faith Based Crisis, Trauma and PTSD Education and a New Standard in Chaplain studies include one of the nation’s best and fastest growing programs in the country today for Militar Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Emergency Medical Services, Schools, Clergy and Chaplain and Hospital personnel, to include spouses and family.

WE ARE PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST UNITED WITH A COMMON GOAL TO PREPARE MEN AND WOMEN FOR THE SERVICE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Dr. Victor D Rivera

Elohim Theological University President / JCCAE Director

Elohim Theological and Bible Institute President

Dr Gretza O Castro Curet

Elohim Theological University Chancellor

Dr Lissie Leon

ETU- JCCAE Executive Secretary

Board Member

Dr Hector Sanchez

Academic Dean

Board member Faculty

Dr Ann Brown

JCCAE/Trinity Bible College and Seminary President

Dean of the Department of Clinical Pastoral Counseling- Chaplaincy Board member

Dr Hector Rivera

Faculty ETU Old Testament - New Testament -Pastoral Counseling and Chaplain Professor

Florida Central Office Director Board member

Dr Jose Cardona

Faculty ETU Chaplaincy, Bible and Pastoral Counseling Lead Professor

Puerto Rico Director Board member

Dr H. Lynn Brown

Trinity Bible College and Seminary / JCCAE Senior Vice President

Board member

Dr Miguel Feliciano

ETU Board member

Faculty

Dr. Ventura Ruiz Jr

ETU Board member

Dr Manuel Roman

ETU Board member/ Pastoral/Spiritual Advisor

Faculty

Dr Adrian Rosario

Universidad Teologica y Consejeria Biblica de PR - President

UTCB and ETU ministerial agreements

Dr Gilberto Rodriguez

Executive Director PR Certification Board - IRBO - COSOC

ETU is authorized to provide continuing education in the area of drug and alcohol addiction through the collaborative agreement with IRBO/ COSOC

Dr Nelson Colon

Faculty

Bible, Pastoral Counseling, Chaplancy

 My experiences studying at Elohim Theological University has been a blessing. ETU had train and prepare me through a central Christ University where experienced professors which impart their knowledge in the clinical, professional, and pastoral fields. They have contributed and enriched me with the knowledge required to practice Pastoral Clinical Psychology, in the future, through the word of God. 

Pastor Janet Santos , MCPC - Puerto Rico-Master In Clinical Pastoral Counseling

 Studying at Elohim Theological University was a rewarding and very rich learning experience for the times we are living in today's church. Dr. Víctor Rivera, with his vast experience in the field of counseling, gave us some valuable tools through teaching that will help us to bless and help many people. I recommend this institution 100% 

Dr. Carlos Davila, DCPC - Florida USA - Doctor in Clinical Pastoral Counseling

 Coming soon 

Aldo J. Paniagua Cordova, ACC -Puerto Rico- Associated Degree In Community Chaplaincy

 Coming soon 

Rubi Collazo Gomez ,ACC-Puerto Rico-Associated Degree in Community Chaplaincy

 Being part of Elohim Theological University is a great blessing. They have an integral team committed to the formation of leaders, exalting the name of God at all times and providing the tools so that we can be a blessing to society. 

Gloribel Martinez, MCPC- Pennsylvania - Master in Clinical Pastoral Counseling

 I am a student at Elohim Theological University. For me it is an extraordinary source of knowledge, in which I have learned and am being formed on solid foundations on the word of God. I thank the teachers for their efficiency and guiding our minds to the highest level of thinking and help us to search and understand the scriptures . For me, online classes and the flexibility in class schedules are a blessing. Greetings to all from Honduras. 

Pastor Wilton Herrera, ACC-Honduras- Associated Degree in Community Chaplaincy

 Elohim Theological University online has been for this servant of the Lord Jesus Christ an institution of God. For me it has been a great blessing. The theological instruction that I have received since I started in it has been of the highest quality and the knowledge that I have acquired through it is invaluable. With them I reached my bachelor's degree in clinical chaplaincy and now I have been taking courses in pastoral counseling. I invite anyone who is interested and seeking training in christian counseling, chaplaincy or theology to consider this institution, you will not regret it. Their professors are excellent, trained and professional. 

Marcos Feliciano Texidor, BCC-Florida- Bachelor in Clinical Chaplaincy

 Joined the associate degree program in community chaplaincy at Elohim Theological University. The course caught my attention for including classes in psychology and pastoral counseling. I love the flexibility of the online classes by ZOOM and the comfortable schedule. The teachers are excellent people and quite knowledgeable. Very grateful for the efforts of the educational ministry to stay in the scriptures. I will join the next programs in the future. God bless you 

Missionary and Chaplain Cindy Herrera, ACC- Pennsylvania-Associated Degree in Community Chaplaincy

 Being a student of Elohim Theological University since 2016 has been a great blessing, for my personal and above all spiritual development, having the word of GOD as the main tool in the various courses offered by the university. I thank Dr. Víctor Rivera, Dr. Gretza Castro and other professors of this institution for constantly making an effort to educate us and being instruments to be able to serve others. Thank you so much, may GOD bless you all. 

Dr. Alex Zuniga -New York- Doctor in Clinical Pastoral Counseling

 My experience as a student at Elohim Theological University has been unique and of great value, each knowledge acquired was very helpful for my life and the ministry which I serve. These years as a member of ETU have been a great blessing. I recommend this university to all those who wish to bring a useful tool for their ministry and life. Pastor Fernando Valencia 

Pastor Fernado Valencia, DCPC-New Jersey- Doctor in Clinical Pastoral Counseling

 My experience as a student at the ETU university has been a great blessing for my personal and ministerial life by being able to use all the tools that I dare from the teachings that I have received. There are eight years of continuous education, I thank the Lord that today I am not the same since I started. Each day of class was always a great experience and the opportunity to obtain the necessary knowledge in this beautiful career in Pastoral clinical counseling. Dr. Víctor Rivera is an excellent dedicated teacher with a great commitment to teach according to the word of God. Pastor Sandra Valencia 

Pastor Sandra Valencia, DCPC -New Jersey-Doctor in Clinical Pastoral Counseling

 God has commanded us to GROW in our understanding of God's word, and He speaks and shows us how to use it to bring healing to a life. We cannot just receive from God and do nothing with it! Whether we are called to teach or counsel, our hearts and understanding must be aligned with the written word of God. And that is when ETU comes to fit with an online educational platform, Christ-centric and of excellence to train men and women with the necessary knowledge based on biblical values embodied in the scriptures. I went to Dr. Víctor D. Rivera expressing my desire to exalt the name of God and be a blessing to others. He did not hesitate and gave me an opportunity which I took advantage of and started immediately knowing that it is never too late to educate myself and fulfill God's call. I cannot thank God enough for bringing Dr. Rivera into my life, who has been an inspiration to me and who, together with his team of Professional Teachers, have been training me with excellence, giving me the right tools and the necessary knowledge to go to fulfill a dream that was born in the heart of God to become his servant. I cannot thank you all enough for allowing God to use you to bless my life in such a wonderful and special manner. I invite you if God has imparted His call within you; If the Spirit of God is speaking within you, ETU has a team that will encourage and support you. — Do not miss out on this valuable opportunity to exalt the Name of God and be a blessing to humanity. Let go and do what God has been talking about! Join ETU for a Christ Centered Education. 

Evelyn Ramirez -Pennsylvania- Active student- Bachelor in Clinical pastoral Counseling

 In my process as a student during all these years in the institute I have educated myself and continue to educate myself to be able to impact people outside the church with a practical gospel to our changing society and contribute to the formation of disciples to reach our heavenly homeland. I have had the blessing of Dr. Victor Rivera and Dr. Gretza Castro as an instrument of my formation in the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Dr. Carlos Rolon - Puerto Rico- Doctor In Clinical Pastoral Counseling

Understanding Accreditation

The following quote is taken from the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):

"There are accrediting organizations that may not be recognized but are not accreditation mills. For example, the accreditor may be seeking recognition, but the process is not complete. Or, the accreditor does not meet the requirements of CHEA or USDE for reasons that do not relate to quality."

The following quote from the United States Department of Education:

"It should be noted that some institutions have chosen not to participate in the federal student aid program and therefore do not have to be approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department. While these institutions do not appear on the Department's list, they may be legitimate schools."

This quote from the former executive director of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education), stated as follows:

"There are hundreds of Bible Colleges and Seminaries in the United States and Canada that are offering good solid theological training, yet they are not accredited."

The Association on Theological Schools Statement about accreditation


Accreditation is about quality assurance for various publics and ongoing improvement for theological schools, especially regarding student learning and formation. It is a voluntary process through which schools mutually assure one another’s educational quality with an eye toward ongoing improvement, based on standards. Through self-review, a school has regular opportunities to reflect intentionally on its distinctive strengths and its areas of desired growth in light of its unique mission and distinct context and in light of the standards.

Self-review then supports the school’s efforts in planning, evaluation, and imagination. Through peer review, an accredited school is endorsed by its peers as one of quality and integrity, which affirms the school’s value to society, as well as its trustworthiness [from Preamble to 2020 Standards of Accreditation].

What the Department of Education Does Not Do

IMPORTANT:
The United States Department of Education does NOT accredit any College, University, Seminary or any Education Program.  Here is a quote from the U.S. Department of  Education's Web Page: 
 http://www.ed.gov/about
Under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Nothing specific is said about education in the Constitution; therefore it falls outside federal authority.

In creating the Department of Education, Congress made clear its intention that the secretary of education and other Department officials be prohibited from exercising "any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, school, or school system." The establishment of schools and colleges, the development of curricula, the setting of requirements for enrollment and graduation -- these are responsibilities handled by the various states and communities, as well as by public and private organizations of all kinds, not by the U.S. Department of Education."

More about accreditation

Many religious denominations accredit their own schools. There are, however, some independent accrediting organizations like the Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries and the International Association for Christian Educational Accountability, that are recognized as accepted accrediting vehicles by most Christian schools. 

The reason many Christian schools choose not to become accredited is that they offer an education that is more focused on values and, in the case of seminaries, on doctrine. Those are areas in which secular accreditation would not provide adequate direction. In addition, The IACEA website cites the high cost of accreditation through secular avenues as one reason many Christian schools choose not to follow that path. For those schools choosing to accredit through one of the major Christian organizations, however, the process will be similar to secular accreditation 

Ministry and education: Your ministry avocation is one of those areas where God’s will and plan is more important than anything else. In fact, for those already serving in ministry, a degree from a highly credible though governmentally unrecognized school may be the smartest choice. Especially when you can receive a quality online seminary education for a fraction of the expense associated with regionally accredited schools. We should not forget that, especially in the Christian tradition, academic freedom is considered a cornerstone of religious liberty. Of course, so is academic responsibility! Therefore, any program of study leading to a theological degree should be both Biblically sound, and academically honest. At NTS, you can be assured of such integrity with quality educational materials based soundly on Biblical principles.

However, if you are concerned whether your church or place of employment will accept you with a degree earned through a privately accredited school, that is not regionally accredited, then you should simply inquire concerning the same. Remember too, that even with degrees earned from regionally accredited schools; there could be restrictions on what kind of degree is recognized. Always inquire first, since in some cases, denominations and ministries may not accept degrees from secular schools, or schools not affiliated with a specific denomination or organization.

Things you need to know

Persons whose professional or career goals require certification by a state or federal government agency should check in advance to determine whether a degree from Elohim Theological University or The Joint Commission on Chaplain Accreditation and Education  would be acceptable. Individuals needing to earn a regionally accredited degree in one of the disciplines offered by Elohim Theological University or The Joint Commission on Chaplain Accreditation and Education may wish to investigate comparable programs offered at more traditional on-campus colleges currently accredited by a regional association recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Puerto Rico Department of State USA

Elohim Theological University 392617 Corporation Non-Profit ACTIVE

Florida Department of State

ELOHIM THEOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY INC. N17000003657 FEI/EIN Number 82-1015451 Date Filed 04/05/2017 Effective Date 03/30/2017 State FL Status ACTIVE

Elohim Theological and Bible Institute, Inc PA USA

Elohim Theological and Bible Institute, Inc (4180137)

Joint Commission on Chaplain Accreditation and Education

What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral counseling is a specialized type of mental health counseling that combines psychotherapy and theological concepts. It is intended to provide spiritual guidance, healing, and growth for people seeking help. People may choose to see a pastoral counselor instead of a licensed therapist due to the unique religious perspective provided by the pastor, as well as the additional resources such as prayer, scripture study, and participation in community activities that can help guide them on their journey. Pastoral counselors are often hired by churches and interfaith families due to their cultural and religious awareness. They provide services such as counseling families or individuals facing mental health problems or spiritual issues. If the Pastor is a licensed therapist, they are trained to diagnose mental health disorders and intervene in substance abuse cases or other interpersonal issues to bring about healing. Unlicensed pastors cannot diagnose individuals and may only provide spiritual guidance.

Christian Counseling and Pastoral counseling

Christian and pastoral counseling are both forms of therapy that use biblical teachings and principles as the basis for their approach. However, there are some key differences between these two types of counseling. Christian counseling is a broad term that refers to any counseling based on Christian beliefs and values. This can include a range of approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or solution-focused therapy. Christian counselors may work in various settings, such as churches, private practice, or community organizations, and may have a background in theology or a related field. On the other hand, pastoral counseling is a specific type of counseling that pastors or other religious leaders provide. Pastoral counselors often work in church settings and may use their knowledge of theology and religious traditions to help individuals understand and overcome their challenges. Pastoral counseling can also include spiritual guidance, support, practical advice, and support for everyday life issues. The main difference between Christian counseling and pastoral counseling is the specific role and background of the individual providing the counseling. Most Pastors are simply a person who is not licensed to practice mental health services but rather offer spiritual guidance. Both can be valuable sources of support and guidance for individuals seeking help from a Christian perspective.

More about Clinical pastoral Counseling

Many spiritual leaders provide guidance to people in crises. This could include individuals experiencing marriage problems or dealing with the death of a loved one, drugs addiction and spiritual confusion. As a clinical pastoral counselor, you might work in a church or other setting where ministry happens, but you typically won't be employed as a pastor or other clergy member. Instead, this is a separate christian counseling position.In certain settings, you might be referred to as a chaplain. Chaplains provide counseling services to people of all different faiths, whereas counselors working in ministry settings may primarily counsel people of their own congregation or faith. In addition to completing a formal training program, you need a mixture of skills to excel as a clinical pastoral counselor. In order to get people to open up and feel consoled, it's important that you have good supportive listening skills and are able to build rapport with others. For this particular type of counseling, you'll also need a thorough knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other faiths. You may reference the Bible or other religious sources in providing consolation or inspiration.

Why we define our programs as Clinical

ETU/JCCAE does not offer any type of licensing in the areas of psychology, mental health, family counseling or professional counseling. Our programs are not intended to supplant any academic program accredited by national or regional organizations such as CHEA, Middle State, or other agencies engaged in this type of activity. However, our programs are designed to give our students understanding in the area of pastoral counseling and chaplaincy within a clinical approach based on what the Bible defines as behavior problems and with the purpose of assisting members of the faith community in establishing a criterion of behavior and biblical analysis according to biblical ethics and morality. Leaving this clarified, we define our programs as clinical pastoral counseling based on the ethics of behavior and morals that emerge from the Bible.

A Word About Certification/Licensing for Pastoral Counselors

As a Christian, each individual must decide if he or she wants to provide counsel as an agent of the state or as a servant of the Church (Body of Christ). If you have a Divine call on your life to counsel and minister to the hurting, then a state license may not provide the best option to fulfill God’s calling on your life. ETU or JCCAE is not a state license, not the equivalent of a state licensure, nor a substitute for a state license, rather something distinctly different. Most states have regulatory laws governing the practice of psychology. Many of them also legislate the practice of general counseling. The laws vary from state to state. For example, some states have a counselor category called “Licensed Professional Counselor.” Therefore, ETU and JCCAE requires its pastoral counselors to clearly identify their degrees as religious nature not academic” . This helps to ensure that the ETU-JCCAE trained counselor is operating within legal and ethical standards, and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence as a pastoral counselor, chaplains and clergy member. State regulatory laws help to protect the public and ensure professionalism within the counseling profession for very good reasons. ETU and JCCAE strives also to attain a similar goal within the Christian community and, at the same time, operate within compliance with state laws. Most states still recognize that counseling is one of the responsibilities of the Church and its’ clergy.

More about certifications

The major difference between state-licensed professional counselors and Pastoral or Christian counselors, who graduates from ETU or JCCAE are basically under the authority of the Church (Body of Christ), is clear and well-defined. Counselors who have been licensed by the state are held to strict ethical standards which mandate an individual’s right to be free from religious influence. The state licensed professional counselor in certain states is forbidden to pray, read or refer to the Holy Scriptures, counsel against things such as homosexuality, abortion, etc. Initiating such counsel could be considered unethical by the state. In most states in the U.S., state licensed counselors “must not promote their personal religious beliefs” according to the code of ethics in each respective state. The only time a state licensed counselor can involve religious (Christian) principles, morals, activities, instruction, etc., is if the counselee initiates or requests counsel in this area. The state-licensed counselor may not have the education, experience and knowledge of Scripture that ETU and JCCAE provides. Opposite from that, Pastoral counselors are required to pray, share their faith, read the Holy Scriptures, etc. The fact that Pastoral and Christian counselors do these things creates a clear distinction. We are two distinct professions and govern ourselves accordingly. As you can readily see, the state governs secular counselors and the Church is responsible to set standards and govern ministers who have devoted their lives to the ministry and to Pastoral counseling. None of this is to say that the Christian counselor, minister or priest is not permitted to request fees and receive remuneration for the services they render, as long as they remain adherent to the state laws governing such procedures.

States that regulate the practice of pastoral counseling in the US

There are only six states in the United States that actually license individuals with the title of Licensed Pastoral Counselor (LPC), which are Arkansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Important Ministers who engage in counseling should be familiar with the conditions that apply to the pastoral counseling exemption under state law.

Disclaimer

All the programs offered by our educational ministry (ETU-JCCAE) are for the purpose of training ministers, pastors, leaders and members of faith communities in the counseling -biblical-theological foundation for the service of their congregations and people who seek help in the Christian community.

Disclaimer

ETU-JCCAE does not guarantee that our programs will be accepted by any secular or Christian university except those that have educational agreements with ETU or JCCAE. ETU does not claim to be accredited by any of the state or national accrediting agencies in the United States of America. However, we continue to provide Christian education in accordance with what our faith statutes dictate. For programs leading to academic degrees, we suggest you see the list of accredited universities or colleges in your state or country.

DISCLAIMER

None of our programs is intended to present itself as professional or academic studies of any kind. Our pastoral (religious) counseling programs are based on biblical ethics and morals clearly outlined in the scriptures

DISCLAIMER

ETU-JCCAE does not manage any accommodation with religious, professional or private organizations. Every student graduated from our programs, when searching for a job or ministerial position, must clarify with his interviewer the religious nature of his degree. It will be up to your employer to contact us to verify the authenticity of your documentation in order to clarify the nature of the program completed.

DISCLAIMER

Because of the ETU-JCCAE Board of Directors’ convictions in support of religious freedom, Christian liberty, and the separation of church and state, ETU-JCCAE has never applied for affiliation with any federal government agency. ETU-JCCAE, therefore, is not recognized by the United States Department of Education. Credits earned at ETU-JCCAE are accepted by of schools that participate in our ministerial and educational agreement , but these credits are not automatically transferable to other colleges or seminaries.

Join JCCAE Accreditation Program
More Info to come soon
 Florida USA Religious exemption

Elohim Theological University is duly and legally incorporated as an institution that provides Christian education in the state of Florida USA with the incorporation number 392617 Corporation Non-Profit. At this time Elohim Theological University is in the legal process of renewing its religious exemption which conforms to the Florina Department of Education allowing us to issue our religious degrees.

Religious institutions that meet the requirements found in Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes and Rule 6E-5.001, Florida Administrative Code are not under the jurisdiction or purview of the Commission for Independent Education and are not required to obtain licensure.

Section 1005.06(1)(f), F.S. reads: A religious college may operate without governmental oversight if the college annually verifies by sworn affidavit to the commission that: The name of the institution includes a religious modifier or the name of a religious patriarch, saint, person, or symbol of the church.

The institution offers only educational programs that prepare students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in the categories of ministry, counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine arts, media communications, or social work. The titles of degrees issued by the institution cannot be confused with secular degree titles. 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
(USA Territory)
Religious exemption
Council of Higher Education of Puerto Rico
Board of Postsecondary Institutions
Section 9.2 Waivers Section
9.2.1 Quote the following
This regulation will not apply to courses and programs leading to non-university religious degrees whose sole purpose is to train students to obtain positions or perform occupations of the religion or denomination towards which they are oriented and which do not entail the granting of a university degree.

Elohim Theological University is duly registered
with
the Department of State of Puerto Rico
Main Offices
Elohim Theological University - Main Office
Dr. Hector Rivera PhD
2818 18th Street SW Lehigh Acres Florida USA
tel 239-306-3398
hmrivera01@gmail.com

Joint Commission on Chaplain Acreditation and Education -Main office
Dr Ann Brown
P.O. Box 2636 Harker Heights, TX 76548
dr.annbrown@gmail.com

Elohim Theological and Bible Institute
Dr. Victor D Rivera
439 Pearl st Lancaster PA 17603
717-719-4363
drvictorrivera@gmail.com





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The About page is the core description of your website. Here is where you let clients know what your website is about. You can edit all of this text and replace it with what you want to write. For example you can let them know how long you have been in business, what makes your company special, what are its core values and more.

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