DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide students with a conceptual and practical overview of the major areas of conflict and/or crisis encountered in the church which require pastoral counseling skills by the minister. Four areas of conflict are covered: personal, family, culture, and illness/tragedy. Within each domain the minister will be given specific skills and resources which involve crisis intervention, symptom alleviation, problem-solving, and resource utilization (knowing when and how to refer).

Providing effective counseling intervention in moments of conflict and crisis is an essential function of pastoral ministry. At the end of the course the minister will be able to utilize specific strategies and resources to increase his/her effectiveness in counseling situations.

The class will meet once a week for three hours, using the following format:

1. Two hours of formal lectures.

2. One hour dealing with real life situations faced by students in their church settings, including case presentations, case discussions, and role playing in class.

3. There will be four invited guests to present on topics of their expertise and conduct laboratory sessions.

Brenner, D. G. Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model. Baker Books, 1992.

Clinebell, H. J. Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling: Resources for the Ministry of Healing and Growth. Abingdon Press, 1984.

Friedman, E. Generación a Generación. Buenos Aires: Eerdmans, 1996.

Landberg, Mandt D. On the Threshold of Hope: Opening the Door to Hope and Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse. (AACC Counseling Library.) Tyndale House, 1999.

Santiago-Rivera, A; P. Arredondo; and M. Gallardo-Cooper. Counseling Latinos and La Familia: A Practical Guide. Sage Publications, 2001.

Tan, S. Y. and J. Ortberg. Understanding Depression: A Short-Term Structured Model. Baker Books, 1995.

Wright, H. N. Crisis Counseling: What to Do and Say During the First 72 Hours: A Practical Guide for Pastors, Counselors and Friends. Regal Books, 1999.

Schipiani, D. S. Jimenez, P. A.Psicología y Consejo Pastoral: Perspectivas Hispanas. Libros AETH, 1997

1. Each student will submit 1 reading report each week (40%).

2. Each student will present 2 interviews in class (30%).

3. Each student will develop a resource book on community services that addresses each of the conflict issues identified in class (30%).

Spanish.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Pastoral Counseling (MIN 5).

None.