Pastoral Care and Counseling

This course examines the importance of culture and worldview in an increasingly multicultural world, and will give special attention to “reading” a city in preparation for service. It explores cultural diversity and the necessary skills for identifying the traits of different cultures (including the student’s own), in order to equip them to effectively interact with people of other cultures as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission and do their part to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.

This course introduces students to the ministry of counseling and provides an orientation to the counseling field. This orientation includes the historical roots of the field, the person of the counselor, ethics, multicultural considerations, and professional development through the lens of a biblical worldview. Philosophical foundations for the integration between theology and psychology are also introduced and explored to aid the student in developing a sound worldview for counseling ministry.

This course equips students with the fundamental skills necessary to prepare and present biblical lessons and sermons. It gives special attention to studying a biblical text for teaching and preaching purposes; developing thesis statements, outlines, and support materials; and communicating effectively with contemporary students and listeners.

This course explores two areas: The first is how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. The second is how to help others grow spiritually. Students survey the history and theology of spiritual formation, examine biblical and historical spiritual disciplines, experience spiritual practices firsthand, develop a “rule of life,” and consider the most effective ways of fostering spiritual maturity in individuals, groups, and congregations.

This course explores both the destructive and transformative dynamics of conflict in faith communities and equips students with the self-understanding and skills needed for effective communication for conflict management. The course emphasizes individual and group settings, but also introduces the larger dimensions of corporate conflict. This is an interactive, skills-based course.

This course provides an overview of specific counseling situations faced in ministry, including integration of psychology and theology. Theory and practical application will be integrated in such a way as to assist the student in developing a “style of counseling.” Some role-play situations are included.

This course provides an understanding of the general philosophy and broad principles of family life education in conjunction with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate such educational programs in a variety of settings (government, nonprofit, faith-based, etc.). An understanding and application of employing various strategies, educational principles, techniques, and technologies to meet the needs of diverse audiences are addressed. Special emphasis is given to the implementation of evidence-based programs.

This course introduces students to concepts and practices of healthy personal and social interactions. It emphasizes a Christian worldview when considering topics such as communication skills, problem-solving, personality styles, relationship stages, relationship enhancement and enrichment, societal expectations, and the impact of family dynamics, interpersonal violence, and unhealthy coping strategies on relationships. Additional areas receiving special attention include conflict management styles, cultural diversity, special needs in families, stress, and relationship management.

Learning to read, interpret, and apply the biblical text is a skill set built upon specific presuppositions and principles. Biblical Interpretation teaches learners how to recognize these presuppositions and use these principles to study Scripture with care and understanding.

The practicum experience provides students the opportunity to integrate theory, knowledge, and skills acquired in the classroom through supervised experience in community ministries or churches.