Online Training Class
BIBLICAL VICTIM CARE
Do you have a desire to help those who are hurting but don’t know how? Maybe you want to address suffering biblically, but you lack tools and direction. Sign up to take our online 12-week course in Biblical Victim Care.
12-WEEK ONLINE COURSE
Biblical Victim Care is a 12-week online class led by our Founder and Primary Instructor, Sydney Millage. The cost is $600/person for our live training class, and $200/person to view previously recorded classes. When registration and payment are received, individuals will receive an email with required and recommended resources.
Sydney Millage developed this course as a result of counseling women and children who have experienced abuse. She earned a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and graduated with honors from Faith Bible Seminary in Lafayette, IN. After 5 years of certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), she was certified with the International Association of Biblical Counselors, (IABC) and is currently certified by the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). Her publications include Sanctuary: Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse, 37 Ways to be Taken Captive: Warning and Prevention for Destructive Relationships, and two blogs: Seeking Sanctuary and HeartQuencher. She is the founder and executive director of Clarity in Action Ministries (CIAM) which values and cares for victims of domestic abuse by providing resources to equip the local church in a Christ-honoring way. This course is an equipping arm of CIAM.
This study will open your eyes to the reality of domestic abuse and biblical truths about oppression. There are many Scripture passages I had no idea were taken so out of context because of the Church’s desire for people to be married at any cost. This study emphasizes that the goal is to bring people to Jesus, not simply fix the problem.
This course has made me more aware of the realities of domestic violence and has also led me to follow up on a previous counseling situation that I should have handled differently. I believe the person I counseled will be greatly impacted by this.
01
Biblical Counseling Basics
This lesson explores how desires affect our words, behavior, and ultimately, spiritual fruit and invites students to examine their own heart.
02
Crying Out
Students will consider suffering in the lives of Hagar, Job, and the psalmist with an emphasis on God’s response to our cries for help.
03
Theology of Suffering
Considers the example of Jesus’ suffering in Hebrews 2 and 1 Peter as a template for our responses to hostile people.
04
Trusting God
Lesson 4 begins with a brief summary of the theology of man and salvation (soteriology) as the foundation for faith which is then applied to our personal lives and helping others.
05
Marriage
Marriage is considered through the lens of Scripture rather than Scripture through the lens of marriage.
06
Dynamics of Domestic Oppression/Domination
This lesson presents biblical and observable frameworks for understanding marital oppression.
07
Obedience
Lesson 7 begs the question, “What does it look like to imitate God as dearly loved children?”
08
Getting Started
Beginning with the story of the Good Samaritan, this lesson addresses the goal of victim care, how to get started, and practical first steps of care.
09
Disclosure and Progression of Counseling
When someone discloses their experience with abuse, what does it look like to offer hope, build trust, and speak truth?
10
Biblical Principles, Part One
Lesson 10 addresses the topics of biblical resistance, defining “good,” the context of “love covers a multitude of wrongs,” submission, and repentance.
11
Biblical Principles, Part Two
This week’s lesson provides a biblical understanding of shame, guilt, forgiveness, reconciliation and anger.
12
Practical Considerations
In this final lesson we will talk about using secular resources, involving the church reporting to authorities, confronting an abuser, preparing children, and deciding to leave.
We’ve got answers to some
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Biblical Victim Course for me?
If you love Jesus and work with people, the biblical victim care course will reveal your heart, help you see God more clearly, understand biblical truth, and view suffering from a new perspective.
Why does it cost more to take the class in person?
Taking the class in person allows you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with Sydney in real time.
How often is the class taught in person?
The class will be offered as a live class each September, but the recordings and material are available year-round.
How is this class different than other biblical counseling?
Although traditional biblical counseling practices are used, with Jesus as the primary Source and example, this class does not focus on admonition. We teach what it looks like to come alongside and suffer together with individuals who have been sinned against as a means of accurately reflecting the gospel and Person of Jesus Christ.
Is the Biblical Victim Care Course a one-stop-shop for learning about domestic abuse?
We wish it was, but marital oppression is such a difficult topic, we provide many, many resources throughout the course for additional study and learning. This is a place to examine, question, and evaluate your theology and practice as it relates to helping the “least of these.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Why do you use the word "victim" in the title of your course?
By definition, a victim is someone who is harmed by another. This course is specifically designed to teach a biblical view of how to process, identify, and promote healing for individuals who have been treated wickedly. Victim is not an identity. It is a designation that describes a person experiencing mistreatment for a specific period of time.
Who is the online course for?
The online course is a teaching resource for all followers of Jesus who desire to understand the dynamics and impacts of abuse, and how to respond in a Christlike manner. The course is educational for pastors, counselors, Bible Study/small group leaders, and all followers of Jesus to grow their wisdom on how to engage and care for victims of abuse biblically.
Why should I enroll in the Biblical Victim Care Course?
A. “If you are a Christ follower, I urge you to take this course! Sydney’s commitment to the integrity of Scripture, intricate knowledge of abuse dynamics, and practical wisdom in caring for sufferers in a Christ-honoring manner has been so transformative. As an abuse survivor who previously received dismissive counsel from a local church, the opportunity for me to lean truth through Scripture about God’s care and concern for the oppressed alongside practical resources to care for other’s suffering is life-changing. I’ve been so encouraged to see an overlap between abuse advocacy and the church and understand what a lifeline it truly is to extend hope in a way which honors Christ AND meets the practical imminent needs of those hurting in such unspeakable grief. I’m beyond grateful for this learning experience and the heart of Clarity in Action.”
– Class Member, Fall 2023 Biblical Victim Care Course
A. “Abuse victims need you to see them and to have safe people in their lives. I know prior to one of my patients telling me she was in an abuse situation that it was all around me and I didn’t see it. I look back and see it now. I didn’t believe people and because of the wrong teaching I was discipled with gave horrific advice. I was the perfect abuser advocate instead of an advocate for the abused and oppressed.
“I was an advocate in biblical counseling for two women with Sydney before taking this class, but it’s been really good to go through it all again. I wish every church had at least one person trained in how to biblically deal with domestic violence because it would decrease the wickedness of abusers claiming repentance and alienating the oppressed from their biblical community.”
– Laura, Fall 2023 Biblical Victim Care Student
testimonial
Women’s Bible Study Leader Perspective
If you know someone in an abusive relationship, this course will equip you to engage redemptively. If a friend shared heartbreak concerning her marriage and you did not know what to say, ask or respond; if you opted for quick band-aid answers and verses; if you know Jesus is the answer but do not know how He is relevant to her situation, this course is for you.