Since the commencement of this counselling training program in 1992, God has emphasised certain biblical core values that have served as its spiritual foundations. The combined strength of these values has strongly influenced the nature, character and growth of AIFC, and will continue to do so into the future.
The following list of foundational values has been compiled by the founders and directors of AIFC.
1. AIFC is called to make God known through modelling, training and counselling. All our activities should contribute toward the goal of discipling the nations. Counselling is considered to be a very important part of the process of discipling (Acts 13:2-3, Genesis 12:1-3, Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 10:9-18, 15:18-21).
2. AIFC recognizes the Bible to be God's inspired and authoritative Word and relies upon the Holy Scriptures as the standard for life, teaching and ministry. Obedience to the Word of God is the evidence of our commitment to Jesus' Lordship (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, John 8:31-32, 2 Timothy 2:15).
3. AIFC is called to value and respect each individual. We believe that all individuals from all cultures have distinctive contributions and callings (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-16, Galatians 3:28, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Acts 13:1-3, Ephesians 2:19-22, 4:4-7).
4. AIFC recognises the value of the family as the basic unit of society. Healthy families make healthy communities. We affirm the importance of fathers, mothers and children all sharing a commitment to serve God and humanity. We support the necessity for each individual family to be a strong and healthy unit, and a safe and secure place to nurture children. The institution of marriage was intended by God to be a permanent life-long relationship between a man and a woman, regardless of all trials and stresses that may occur. Children are a heritage from God and parents are accountable to God for raising, protecting, shaping and preparing them for a life of service to God. All human life is of great worth and significance in all its aspects from conception to the grave (Deuteronomy 4:9-10,40, 6:6-7, 32:46, Proverbs 31, 1 Timothy 3:4, Ephesians 5:26-6:2).
5. AIFC is multi-denominational, interdenominational and international in its scope. We believe that cultural, racial and theological diversity are positive factors that contribute to its health and growth (Matthew 24:14, Ephesians 4:1-16, Revelation 7:9).
6. AIFC recognises both the spiritual (specific) and natural (general) revelation of God. Truth is known not only through God's word but also through creation, which means we can thankfully draw upon psychology where it does not conflict with the word of God (John 1:18, Luke 10:21-22, Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1,2, Ecclesiastes 3:11).
7. AIFC is committed to doing, then teaching, according to Jesus' example. We affirm the importance of living a concept, theory or belief in personal experience as essential to passing it on to others (Ezra 7:10, Acts 1:1, Philippians 4:8-9, Colossians 3:1-17, 2 Peter 1:5-10, Micah 6:8).
8. AIFC affirms the importance of the local church and seeks to serve it, support it and promote unity among all God's people. We endeavour to work in partnership with other believers, building bridges among Christian leaders, churches and other Christian counselling training organisations for the fulfilment of the Great Commission (Philippians: 3-5, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, Ephesians 3:8-10).
9. AIFC is called to servant leadership. A servant leader is one who honours the calling of his or her followers and guards their rights and privileges. Just as Jesus served his disciples, we stress the importance of those with leadership responsibilities in AIFC, serving those whom they lead in a similar manner (Luke 17:7-10, John 13:12-17, Mark 10:42-45).
10. AIFC is called to practice generosity and to model and teach the spirit of generosity in all we do (Romans 12: 8-13, 1 Timothy 5:17, 6:18, Philippians 4: 17-18, Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35, Psalm 112:5).