Registration for the 2022 N.C.C.A. Conference in Sarasota, FL. is open! Choosing our Easy Payment Plan allows you to spread out the costs of conference registration and your hotel reservation all the way into August 2022! By the time we get there all that will be left to do is enjoy your visit and everything this beach town has to offer. We pray that you will join us this year at The Westin Sarasota Hotel. The entire NCCA staff can't wait to see you there!

We are excited to share with you that Sarasota, FL is going to be the host city for our 2022 Conference! Watch the video to find more information about both in-person and virtual registration, the host hotel, our special event, and all there is to do in sunny Sarasota, Florida. For more information go to our conference homepage to find out all about the 2022 NCCA Conference Experience.

Christmas is a time of year when we as Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The time we spend with family and friends includes exchanging gifts, food and laughter that comes with hearing stories of years past. ​​​​​With all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we pray that you will pause for a moment and reflect on the amazing work Jesus has been doing in your life, in your ministry and in the NCCA. Throughout this year temperament counselors have shared with at least three people, of every hour of every single day, just how special God has created them to be. The Chosen One, the Messiah, the Name of Above All Names, Jesus, has given us new birth, and through temperament counseling, God’s Army of Counselors continue to help those who are hurting, find peace, hope and comfort in Christ the King our Lord and Savior. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, is alive and well in this world. Do not be discouraged as we look at the world around us. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 We pray that this Christmas brings a renewed focus on Jesus Christ’s undeniable love, grace and mercy that He freely gives to His Children!

Eternal Security By: Dr. Richard G. Arno Are we eternally secure? Once we are saved, can we backslide and loose our salvation? This is an important question and one that concerns everyone. The Baptist preach “once saved, always saved” and most of the other denominations preach (warn) about backsliding. When I was attending Duke and studying to be a pastor, I was faced with this question and, honestly, I needed an answer. I needed to know the truth. After all, if I was to accept the responsibility of being a shepherd (lower case s), I realized that I better know the true answer to such an important question. Souls were at stake! I searched the scriptures and found as many that supported one argument as the other. Fifty-fifty! How can this be? Nevertheless, it is true. There are just as many scriptures that cause you to feel secure and free from the fear of backsliding as there are scriptures that make you feel that slipping back and losing your salvation is just one little sin away. What is the answer? I was frustrated and could not understand why the Word did not provide a clear answer. I went to the Father in prayer and explained my dilemma. After much prayer and meditation, He answered me. His answer was simple, but profound. I know it was from Him, because no part of me could be as wise. He said: “How do you get saved?” I said: “That is easy. You confess your sins, repent (turn away) from them and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.” God asked me: “Do you get saved by behaving good?” I said: “Of course not, it has nothing to do with behaving good. We must confess with our mouth!” Then the Lord opened my eyes to the truth. He said: “You receive salvation with your mouth, not your behavior, and that is exactly how you lose your salvation--just ask Jesus to get out of your life (with your mouth, not your behavior) and He will leave you and you will lose your salvation.

Northwind Institute An NCCA Certified Academic Institution Northwind Institute of Winter Garden, FL has been a Certified Academic Institution since July 1, 2013. Rev. Dr. Robert J. Duncan, Jr. has been affiliated with the NCCA since 1989. He became a Professional Clinical Member on September 9, 1992, and a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor on April 20, 1992. Dr. Duncan started his studies with the NCCA in the late 1980’s while serving as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church. His ministry experiences have interconnected with the use of the APS over these many years. In 1989 he served as the Pastoral Counselor and Administrator of Pocono Medical Care. In 1993 he earned his Ph.D., in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. Along the way he formed Northwind Institute as a Certified Academic Institution of the NCCA and became a NCCA Clinical Supervisor. In 2002 Dr. Duncan was appointed as President of Bacone College in Muskogee Oklahoma. While at Bacone he trained two Faculty as NCCA Counselors. He then charged them with forming a Christian Counseling Center, implementing a Christian Ministry Counseling Degree (using the NCCA training materials in a practicum), and administering the APS to every new and transfer student. Bacone was the first fully accredited college or university to use the NCCA materials and APS in their degree programs. In 2008 he presented a Paper and Workshop at the Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference on Bacone’s experience using the APS. In 2009 he received the Arno Award in recognition of this groundbreaking work. Rev. Baran and Dr. Duncan collaborated on developing a Professional Development Program for the staff and coaches at Bacone using the APS as the foundation for that program. Their combined experience led to the development of the Temperament Life Coaching Programs offered by Sarasota Academy. The Certified Temperament Life Coaching Program certifies Coaches in Individual, Group, and Technology based Coaching. The Pastoral Temperament Life Coaching Program certifies Pastors in Temperament Coaching in the context of Pastoral Ministry. The Small Group Temperament Coaching Program certifies Coaches in Small Group meeting using temperament in Support Groups, Topical Presentations, and Personal Development. Dr. Duncan is currently serving as the President of Northwind Theological Seminary. The Seminary has an Articulation Agreement with Sarasota Academy to transfer graduates of the Certified Temperament Life Coaching Program into a Master’s or Doctoral Degree completion program. Persons interested in the Temperament Life Coaching programs or Degree Completion programs may contact Erin in the SACC office for information.

Youth, Temperament, and Stress By: Dr Phyllis J. Arno I am continuing this series on Youth, Temperament and Stress. In this issue we will review some of the “Stress Triggers” in the Inclusion area of the Choleric youth. We will specifically cover “stress” in the home and in school. For the Introduction to this series, please refer to the July/August, 2021 issue of the newsletter. In review, the Inclusion area is the need to establish and maintain a satisfactory relationship with people in the area of surface relationships, associations and socialization, and intellectual energies. Word Review of the Choleric Youth in Inclusion charming personable chameleon confident well-organized task-oriented upbeat fast-paced strong-minded people motivators need recognition abusive temper STRESS TRIGGERS – HOME 1. PARENTAL REJECTION/CRITICISM This youth needs approval, acceptance and recognition. Parental rejection will cause them to go to the extreme in order to obtain approval, acceptance and recognition. The parents need to put forth an effort to keep the communication lines open with this Choleric in Inclusion youth. They need to give this youth time to share their thoughts, achievements and goals. In other words, the parents need to be a “sounding board” for this youth to bounce their thoughts. Teach the parents the difference between destructive and constructive criticism. (Destructive criticism tends to make the youth feel condemned, and they will grow up condemning.) Teach the parents to be less negative. Negative is saying: “No, you can’t go on the computer until your homework is done.” Try being positive when you need to be negative! “Yes, you can go on the computer as soon as you have finished your homework or your chores.” When a parent is in a situation where they are asked to make a quick decision and they do not want to make this decision alone, they can say: “That’s a good idea. I think your dad (mom) would like to be involved to. Let’s discuss it when they get home.” 2. DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBER—Loss of parent(s) or siblings or grandparents. The death of a family member can be devastating to a Choleric in Inclusion youth. Death is the ultimate control. Death is something out of their control, and they can become stressed because they did not want to lose their loved one. They did not give their loved one permission to die. The Choleric in Inclusion youth can become angry at others and/or God for the loss of their loved one and spend a great deal of time grieving. They need to be taught to give this anger (grief) over to God, forgive and allow Him to heal them. 3. DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY—Parents on drugs/alcohol/single parent/ blended family. If the parents are on drugs or they are alcoholics, encourage them to seek help in getting off drugs and/or alcohol so that this Choleric in Inclusion youth will not follow in their footsteps and become a drug addict or alcoholic. A Choleric in Inclusion youth can be a great imitator, especially imitating their parents. If the parents use drugs and/or alcohol as a stress reliever, the Choleric in Inclusion may tend to do the same, especially if the drugs and/or alcohol are readily accessible to the Choleric in Inclusion youth. Remember: Children have never been Good at listening to their Elders, but they have never Failed to imitate them! James Baldwin If a single-family parent must be mom and dad, how can this parent give the youth the time that they need? They can give this youth quality time. Quality time means the parent gives them their undivided attention—setting aside a time just for this youth. They could do something special with the youth such as bowling, watching a movie, going to a ball game, etc. Also, they could try to find a person they can trust to become a mentor for this youth. If a family is blended, enlighten the parents as to how the “pecking order” (birth order) can cause problems such as anger, jealousy, and resentment, since there may be two firstborns, two lastborns, etc. The parents need to be watching for signs such as intense sibling rivalry, moodiness, rebellion, irritability, low grades, etc. 4. SEXUAL ABUSE BY BABYSITTERS, SIBLINGS, RELATIVES, ETC. Teach the parents to encourage this Choleric in Inclusion youth to come to them with all problems they might have. They need to let their Choleric in Inclusion youth know that they can talk with them. The parents should also look for signs such as moodiness, depression, lack of body hygiene, low grades, lack of interest, etc. Also, the parents should know to whom they are entrusting their children. Knowing their youth’s temperament is the key to knowing what questions to ask. The parents need to assure the youth that they can tell them anything and that they will not get upset and explode, but that they will help the youth deal with the situation. Parents should not condemn their children but rather listen and deal with the situation in a godly manner. 5. AVAILABILITY OF MOVIES, TELEVISION AND THE INTERNET. Teach the parents to always know what this Choleric in Inclusion youth is watching. This youth needs boundaries. They are unsure without them, and they will keep pushing until they find them—especially Choleric in Inclusion youths. Parents Need to Become Cyber Savvy! ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Learn about parental controls and filtering software. You can use search engines such as safesearchkids.com Teach your kids to never give out their telephone number or address online. MIDDLE SCHOOL Keep the Internet account in your name to control passwords and filtering. Check your children’s Internet browsing history. Allow them to email and instant-message only people they know. Randomly check their emails and “buddy lists.” If your children participate in chats, help them pick screen names that don’t reveal personal information. Take cyber-bullying seriously. If someone posts threatening or dangerous comments about your child, report it to the police and your service provider. House rule: No downloading without your permission. You can set permissions on smartphones to have time limits on certain apps as well as prevent any downloads from happening without a password. Apple iPhone Parental Controls Samsung Galaxy Parental Controls HIGH SCHOOL Teach teens to use caution when posting about their friends and their plans. Make sure your teens’ online photos don’t reveal identifying information, such as their school’s name. Require your child to ask you before meeting an online “friend” in person. If you agree, schedule the meeting in a public place and accompany your teen. If you have more questions about the intricacies of social media platforms, smartphones, and cybersecurity/cyberbullying please click the button below for parental guides. NETWORK KNOW-HOW Social networking sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook set minimum ages for participation. Generally, if your children are 13 or younger, you can have their pages removed. Read a site’s Terms of Use carefully for full details. Ask to see your teens’ pages on social networking sites. Go through their feed, following, and saved posts. Have your teens use the privacy settings on social networking sites, but be aware that some information, such as their picture, nickname, age and location may still be available for all users to see. Go through your teens’ “friends” list to make sure they know and trust those people in real life. Consider making your own profile and “friending” your teens to stay informed about what they are posting. Create a permission on their phone to set a limit and time frame they are allowed to be on social media platforms. 6. TOO MUCH TIME ALONE. Teach the parents that this Choleric in Inclusion youth’s “time” needs to be monitored. Too much alone time can stress them and make them irritable. Also, if they are bored, they may find things to do such as playing the X-box continually,finding explicit content on social media, going to x-rated movies, drinking alcohol, doing drugs, etc. Parents need to give the youth specific things to do. Remember, they are task-oriented and feel the need to be doing something all the time. Inactivity is stressful to them. The Choleric in Inclusion youth needs a challenge or a project. The parents need to know that this Choleric in Inclusion youth can get “lost” on the internet spending hours texting, scrolling through social media, etc. Their curiosity could lead them to sites that the parents would not want them to be on. 7. TOO FEW BOUNDARIES/TOO RIGID BOUNDARIES. Teach the parents that this Choleric in Inclusion youth is a leader in the Inclusion area; however, this youth still needs to have boundaries in which to make decisions regarding socializing—parents need to give them boundaries and let the youth operate within these parental boundaries. STRESS TRIGGERS – SCHOOL 1. SUBMITTING TO AUTHORITY ALL DAY. Encourage the parents to allow their Choleric in Inclusion youth to have some “down” time where they are not under total authority. Being under authority all day can cause them to be stressed. The Choleric in Inclusion youth will then look for ways to relieve this stress. Again, give boundaries and let them operate within these boundaries. 2. NEED FOR PERFECTION. Teach the parents that they need to teach their Choleric in Inclusion youth that they must allow themselves and others to have the right to be imperfect including their teachers and classmates. Christ is the only perfect one. The older a Choleric in Inclusion becomes, the more perfectionistic they will become; therefore, they must learn at an early age that it is “okay to be imperfect.” They need to learn that God will do the perfecting and that He will not put ungodly expectations on them or anyone else. 3. AVAILABILITY OF DRUGS/ALCOHOL/SEX. The parents need to teach the Choleric in Inclusion youth the consequences of using drugs, drinking alcohol or having sex. They need to be prepared and have facts to back them up. Giving them facts is a good thing for the Choleric in Inclusion youth, as they will tend to justify their actions if they do not have hard facts with which to make their choices. Choleric in Inclusion youths will want to keep up with the crowd since they need attention, approval and recognition. Encourage them to participate in anti-drug programs, get involved with the youth programs at the church, etc. This will give the youth activities that are uplifting and that will help them avoid the pitfalls of falling into drugs, alcohol, etc. There is a lot of pressure in school from those selling drugs to get the youths hooked into just trying it. This youth does not have a fear of the unknown, so they might be quite willing to try drugs, alcohol and/or sex. The parents need to educate their Choleric in Inclusion youth of the downside of taking drugs, drinking alcohol and having sex outside of marriage. The parents need to deal with this youth’s intellect as the Choleric in Inclusion youth is a serious and deep thinker. Look for Signs of Sexual Addiction: Frequently telling sexual jokes or making sexual comments or innuendos. Engaging in sexual activity-especially with several partners. Spending considerable time in activities that could lead to sexual activity, such as cruising for potential partners or spending hours online in chat rooms trying to hook up with others. Visiting pornographic websites or looking at pornographic magazines, books, videos. Neglecting obligations such as work, school, or family in pursuit of sexual activity. Continuing to engage in illicit sexual behavior despite the negative consequences related with such activities. Escalating the scope or frequency of sexual activity to achieve a desired effect, such as more frequent visits to Web sites or sex with more partners. Frequently isolating themselves from parents and friends and not informing others of their whereabouts. Getting angry if someone shows concerns or questions them about sex or their use of pornography. Feeling irritable when unable to engage in some sort of sexual activity for a long period of time. Making telephone calls with an 800 or 900 prefix. Becoming increasingly dishonest with other people. People who work with sex addicts say that when someone meets 3 or more of the above, that person could possibly have a problem with sexual addition. For more information on help for troubled youth and adults and for those who minister to them. You can also go to The Missing Link Inc. at http://misslink.org 4. DISAPPROVAL FROM TEACHERS/CLASSMATES. Encourage the parents to find out why their Choleric in Inclusion youth is having problems with teachers and classmates. Parents should encourage this youth to express their thoughts and really listen to them. The parents should not immediately give their disapproval. Usually, the Choleric in Inclusion youth tries to impress teachers and classmates; however, if they can’t, they will become angry and tend to accuse the teachers and classmates of being hard to get along with—usually never the fault of the Choleric in Inclusion youth. This youth needs to learn that everyone is not going to give them the approval they so need or even like them. It is okay for others not to give them approval or even like them. They need to learn that God is with them and will be there to give His approval. If they can become secure in knowing they have God’s approval, they will not have to work so hard trying to get their teacher’s and/or classmates’ approval. 5. BOMB THREATS AND SCHOOL KILLINGS. Encourage the parents to discuss disasters at school and teach the Choleric in Inclusion youth to stay prayed up, be aware of their surroundings, and not take any unnecessary chances. The Choleric in Inclusion might see the bomb threats and school killings as a personal threat to themselves and/or their friends. Then they might spend their time thinking of ways to retaliate. After all, they do not want to be controlled, and bomb threats and school killings to them mean being controlled. 6. BULLIES. Encourage the parents to discuss bullies and harassment with their Choleric in Inclusion youth. This youth tends to want to get even. Again, giving the Choleric in Inclusion the opportunity to express their thoughts is better than letting them “think alone” about what they want to do to the people that are bullying and harassing them. Otherwise, they will tend to spend a great deal of time thinking on ways to get even; however, they probably will not follow through with their thoughts. The Choleric in Inclusion youth needs to learn to pray for their enemies and try to live in peace with them. At first, this might not be easy, but if the parents are praying with them, it will give them the support they need and help them to know they are not doing this alone. Sometimes those that are doing the bullying and harassing have problems and have no one to talk with or ventilate. PLEASE NOTE: These are temperament tendencies, and, as always, while you are counseling a Choleric in Inclusion youth, you must take into consideration the following: Their walk with the Lord, birth order, learned behavior and personality.

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new course to the NCCA curriculum. Christ-Centered Mindfulness is a must have resource for every Christian counselor to bring added value to their counseling technique and further benefit to those seeking help. This course takes a practical cognitive approach to better our understanding of our emotions and how we deal with them by becoming a more mindful Christ-centered person and developing our compassion. It is as rich in scripture as it is in its practical application. We highly recommend this new course, written by Dr. Charles Rasberry, who has been an NCCA licensed counselor for over seventeen years.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV. We are rejoicing that the Lord has led you to the NCCA. Our members are prayed over with ceasing as we seek Jesus to lead us in helping this hurting world. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV. We give thanks that in victory and in sorrow, the Lord is always with us and will never forsake us. May your Thanksgiving be filled with the love of Christ, the peace that passes all understanding and a new hope in Jesus that fills you with overflowing joy!

The other night, my wife and I were discussing a scripture where Jesus was talking about a disciple. I do not remember what verse it was, but the word “disciple” just rang a bell in my spirit. The next morning I was prompted to do a Bible search for the word disciple and discovered this scripture in Isaiah, referring to Jesus. “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens [Me] morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back.” [Isaiah 50:4-5 NASB95] I’m writing this and receiving direction from the Holy Spirit at the same time. Bear with me, I believe this is fresh manna for all of us. Do we allow God to awaken us (and our ears) morning by morning to listen as a disciple (learned, taught one) so we can sustain the weary one with a word? Look at verse 5 and think about Jesus for a moment. Do you see it? “The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back”. Jesus listened. Jesus was obedient. Jesus did not turn back. Praise Him right now for what He’s done! COME ON!!! Love ya,

Our host hotel, the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, offers a free shuttle for Reagan National Airport and a separate shuttle for the Metro which can take you practically anywhere in Washington, DC. Please see below for those schedules. After you arrive and grab your baggage please follow the signs to ground transportation regardless of which terminal you arrive in. Terminal A is only one level, while terminals B and C are 3 levels. This means if you arrive in Terminal B or C, baggage claim is on level 1 and you would have to go back to level 3 for the hotel shuttle. The white Marriott shuttle van will pick you up there at approximately 5 and 35 after each hour. You can click on the image below for a larger image. We are praying for safe travels and can’t wait to see you! Free Airport Shuttle Mon-Sun 5 am – 11 pm Every half hour on the hour and half hour Route Crystal City Marriott (hour and half hour departure) Renaissance (approx. five after and 35 after) Residence Inn (approx. ten after and forty after) DCA Terminal A DCA Terminal B Back to Crystal City Marriott Free Metro/Pentagon Shuttle Mon – Fri 6:30am-10pm Sat-Sun 8am – 10pm Every Half Hour on the hour and half hour Route Renaissance (hour and half hour departure) Residence Inn 23rd Street Crystal City Metro Pentagon (Mon – Fri 6:30 am – 6 pm departures only. Please note this is a new stop) Back to Renaissance

Whether you are joining us in person or virtually, we are excited to see you in 2 short weeks! What can you expect? In-Person Conference Experience: We have ample space to allow social distancing. To reduce touchpoints there will be no registration this year. You can pick up a name tag on the table positioned near the entrance to the conference space on Friday or Saturday. Facial coverings are NOT required to be worn in the hotel common areas at this time. Facial coverings are optional in our private meeting space. Meals will be served at buffet stations staffed by hotel catering staff with gloves and facial coverings. You will have all-day access to coffee, tea and water in the conference space. Want to join us in Washington D.C.? Virtual Conference Experience: 3 Times during the week of the event you will receive an email with your unique link to access the conference live. You will need to click on the link and authenticate via email on Friday and Saturday to log in. You will be able to participate in Q&A, communicate with other attendees, view the notebook online and more. After the conference ends, within approximately two weeks, you will receive an email with each session’s videos for you to download and keep permanently. Want to participate in our virtual conference?

In this day and age, everywhere we go, we are surrounded by words! It takes a lot of faith and continual praying as a Christ-follower to speak the right words! We can sometimes get “caught up” in this fire-storm of endless words and opinions. The Lord pointed this Scripture out to me a couple of years ago: Psalm 39:1 says,...I said to myself, "I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me." Each time I allow myself to be dragged into that coliseum where the gladiators of complaining and arguing dwell, I get beaten-down every time! When I do as they do, and speak as they speak, I get weaker and weaker. If that isn’t enough, I’ll try dragging someone else into this battle of the “flesh” to fight with me. It is always a losing battle when we fight against flesh and blood.. Ephesians 6:12 says, For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Do the words we speak bring life? Do the words we speak bring death? Do our words affect our life? Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. And also... Jeremiah 21:8 says, "Tell all the people, 'This is what the LORD says: Take your choice of life or death! I will end with this very powerful Scripture: James 3:2 says, For we all stumble in many [ways]. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Wow! Come on! Speak to me!