Counseling and Pastoral Care

• History of Ancient Israel

  A study of the Old Testament historical books Genesis through Joshua focusing on chronological history. The course includes summaries and introductions to the various books, questions over the text, and information about the redemptive plan of God to save the world. Students will learn the facts of the text through lecture, discussions, assigned reading, and projects.

• Life of Christ

  Semester one covers the beginnings of the gospel up through the first year of ministry. It concentrates on the birth narratives, early Judean ministry, and early Galilean ministry. Major sermons: Jesus’ deity and credentials (John 5) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Students will concentrate on learning Jesus’ primary identity and proclamation of the kingdom.

• Romans

  An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and arguments of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

• Principles of Interpretation

  A study of the universal principles of interpretation as applied to interpreting language. Students will learn how to accurately interpret and apply the Bible.

• Essentials of Christian Mission and Culture

  Studies fundamental areas of missions. Surveying world needs, tracing missions throughout Scripture, and studying the overview of the many roles of mission work around the world. Students develop both a broad and biblical perspective on missions. Lecture, media, reading, and discussion.

• Principles of Discipleship and Evangelism

  This course is a critical examination of evangelism and discipleship as one continuous development of the spiritual life. Students will be given models, strategies, and biblical examples that both individuals and churches can use to help people grow to become fully devoted followers of Jesus. The class will include lecture, discussion, case studies, and course assignments.

Counseling and Pastoral Care Program Descriptions and Outcomes

• Program Descriptions

  This program is designed to give students a solid biblical base and the tools to do critical thinking in the area of counseling and pastoral care so that they can provide pastoral counseling in the church or pursue graduate work that will allow them to be a licensed professional in the various counseling fields. Students will receive training in crisis counseling, pastoral counseling, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, family relationships, and the opportunity to choose elective classes in their particular area of interest.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Counseling and Pastoral Care will be able to:

  1. Articulate essential vocabulary and knowledge of human development and psychology with an integrated perspective of psychological science and a Christian worldview.

  2. Utilize knowledge of foundational theories, techniques, and interventions of counseling.

  3. Apply critical thinking skills to integrate Christian faith within the context of counseling practices.

  4. Identify the unique needs of individuals within family, community, cultural, and societal systems and their influence on optimal mental and emotional functioning.

  5. Apply appropriate ethical practices and considerations to various counseling settings.

  6. Demonstrate academic readiness to pursue a master’s degree in counseling (with an aim of acquiring state licensure) or pastoral counseling if desired.