This is something that has crossed my mind several times too. No doubt a lot of good can be done in the way you described, and perhaps that's enough. It does sometimes feel that certs. can allow you to do even more good, but the ordeal that would be necessary to achieve them - especially when you're not in early 20s any more and have other commitments - is daunting to say the least. Not just in terms of time, but also having to rub shoulders with some seriously divergent and hostile worldviews.
Many of us men will not be taking monastic vows, but will be choosing celibacy as the best option for the present times.
There is a very interesting thread to pickup on permissiveness/Leading (or not), and the Garden of Eden… worth a further rumination…
Counselling and certifications:
This is something that has crossed my mind several times too. No doubt a lot of good can be done in the way you described, and perhaps that's enough. It does sometimes feel that certs. can allow you to do even more good, but the ordeal that would be necessary to achieve them - especially when you're not in early 20s any more and have other commitments - is daunting to say the least. Not just in terms of time, but also having to rub shoulders with some seriously divergent and hostile worldviews.
It's a challenge!