Mukhanyo Theological College recently hosted its Biblical Counselling Intensive at its Cape Town Centre, equipping pastors, ministry leaders and students with a deeper understanding of biblical counselling and its place in Christian ministry.
Presented from 6 – 10 July, the week-long intensive focused on helping participants develop a distinctly biblical approach to counselling, rooted in Scripture rather than secular or integrated models. Through lectures, discussion and practical application, students were encouraged to grow in both theological understanding and ministry practice.
For many students, the course proved to be a significant milestone in both their personal faith and ministry.
Thembelani Tenene said the intensive challenged the way he understood counselling and highlighted the importance of sound theology. “One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of having sound theology. A wrong understanding of the Bible can lead us to make wrong decisions in our lives.”
He added that the course helped him understand why biblical counselling addresses the root cause of humanity’s struggles by pointing people back to God’s Word rather than merely seeking temporary solutions.
For Delia van Rooyen, the week brought deep personal reflection. “This past week has been ‘open heart surgery’ for me. My beliefs, my motives and every part of my life has been turned inside out. False beliefs have been exposed, and the way I read and understand the Scriptures has been challenged.” She said the experience renewed her desire to study, memorise and apply Scripture more faithfully.
Ayabonga Makatesi, who is relatively new to ministry, said the training strengthened his theological foundation. “This week’s training helped a great deal, especially on understanding the gospel. There aren’t many biblical counselors where I am from, and this will enable me to help others grow spiritually.”
Lorraine Davids said the intensive reminded her of the importance of allowing Scripture to shape both the heart and ministry. “What I’ve experienced and learnt confronted me with my own need for clarity and guidance. Now more than ever I realise the desperate need for many of us to study in a formal environment such as this.”
Neil Henry, Cape Town Centre Manager at Mukhanyo Theological College and presenter of the Intensive Course, said he is confident that the seeds planted during this intensive will bear lasting fruit in countless lives and ministries.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to teach enthusiastic students and to have experienced how God moved powerfully during our week together, and I am deeply encouraged by what took place.”
“Highlights of the week include the eager hearts of the students, the thoughtful questions asked and hunger for scripture, watching how they actively applied theological truths to real-world struggles and seeing the eagerness to continue to the second course in order to be better equipped to counsel their local churches.”
Following the positive response to the July intensive, Mukhanyo will present its second Biblical Counselling Intensive at its Cape Town Centre, titled Methods of Biblical Counselling (CC02), from 21 to 25 September 2026.
The course introduces students to biblical methods of counselling that are most effective in ministry, and equips them to understand the distinctives of biblical counselling in contrast to secular and integrated approaches.
