DESCRIPTION: Pastoral counseling as a specialized ministry within the field of
pastoral care will be explored didactically and practically in preparing
persons who plan to do pastoral counseling and pastoral psychology. A survey of
counseling theory from an integrative perspective, with attention to particular
ministry issues, will be incorporated into a practical format in a community
setting.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: To pastor effectively is to be available to
people in crisis, in growth passages, and in change throughout the life cycle.
The pastoral counselor is capable of both offering effectual therapeutic
intervention and support as well as facilitating the pastoral care of the
people of God surrounding the counselee.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a
better understanding of and an ability to interpret individual experience,
family relationship patterns, culture, and congregational life; (2) skills in
counseling individuals, families, and congregations; (3) the ability to more
deeply empathize with people to whom they minister; (4) more motivation to
engage in ministries of giving care, prevention education, and healing of
persons; and (5) more commitment to self-development and self-care.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture, discussion, audio-visuals, case studies, experiential
exercises, triads utilizing counseling skill training processes, and practice
in simulated counseling circumstances will integrate theory, theology, and
practice. The course will meet weekly for a four-hour session, including the
required small group sessions.
REQUIRED READING: 1200 pp. minimum, including weekly assignments from required
& recommended texts: