Strategic Pastoral Counseling Courses
Pastoral Counseling I Teleconference/8 weeks, Ends May 8, 2010 New Class Begins September 11, 2010
This course is a study of the importance of the pastoral ministry with an emphasis on the understanding and the nature of pastoral care within the local church setting. Topics include foundational principles and concepts of the caring ministry, a biblical review of pastoral care, and the personal/professional implications of pastoral ministry for the care provider.
This course helps students to understand the nature of pastoral counseling while learning the practice of pastoral counseling at a beginning level. Students are introduced to pastoral counseling values, goals, and processes while engaged in the practice of counseling. Cognitive and behavioral approaches in agreement with Scriptural principles are applied in the multi-cultural learning process. An in-depth look at the distinctive ministry of pastoral counseling. Centers on the work of the pastor as counselor and on the pastoral counseling specialist. Each type of counseling is presented theoretically and experienced practically
A course designed to allow students to investigate the concerns of a minister’s values, personal ethics, and actions from a biblical and social understanding. Legal concerns are studied in order to provide the best in ministry care for the parishioner and the church. Contemporary legal issues are raised in light of present law. Safeguarding the relationship of the pastor/pastoral counselor-parishioner is one of the chief concerns studied.
For Class Notes and additional recorded lectures go to: http://drvwithsiscessories.ning.com/
Pastoral Counseling II TBA
Ministering in Crisis Situations
Teleconference/12 weeks
A study of crisis intervention strategies as they relate to the pastoral care ministry of the church. Students are given the opportunity to intensively study problem areas of special interest to them.
Ministering to People Affected by HIV/AIDS
An overview of key medical, emotional, psychological, multicultural, and ministerial dynamics in serving people infected with or affected by HIV disease. Special attention is given to issues of incarnational ministry, church infectious disease policy, congregational education, pastoral care, direct care-giving, AIDS in its overall ministry context, and specific services to offer people with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones.
Multi-Cultural Foundations for Pastoral Counseling
A course of study on the multi-cultural foundations for pastoral counseling. Discussion includes theories and theological foundations of multicultural counseling, challenges faced by the pastoral counselor engaged locally or globally, and comparisons of various cultural mind sets.
Pastoral Counseling of the Addicted and Abused
A course investigating addictive and abusive behaviors, two major contemporary issues. The course focuses on the prevention and treatment of persons engaging in such behaviors. Drug and alcohol addiction are reviewed with an emphasis on the ministry the laity may perform. Abusive behaviors are studied with an emphasis on providing preventive care as well as on performing the church’s healing ministry. Issues concerning elderly, spousal, and child abuse are discussed.
Pastoral Counseling III TBA
Pastoral Counseling Theory and Methods
Teleconference/12 weeks
An extensive review of the major approaches to counseling that have application for pastoral counseling. Basic methods and strategies common to all approaches and unique to each approach are examined. Each theory system reviewed is subjected to appraisal from a Christian perspective.
A survey of the development stages and tasks common to all persons throughout the life cycle. The course aims to enable students to create effective prevention and intervention strategies for pastoral care.
Understanding Human Temperament for Pastoral Ministry
A course to assist students to identify normal patterns of behavior from a temperament perspective. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation for God-given temperaments and their expression in various facets of life. The course investigates temperament usage in ministry settings, such as family interaction, conflict management, and pastoral counseling.
Pastoral Care and Counseling of Marriage and Family
An intensive study of the special needs for ministry to marriages and family life. Special attention is given to premarital work, marriage enrichment, marriage counseling, healthy family life, and counseling the family as a system.
Conflict Management in Ministry
A study of various types of conflict found in the local church and the dynamics of ministering in the midst of conflict. Emphasis will be placed on examining a biblical approach to understanding conflict, identifying causes of conflict, and developing strategies in preventing and resolving conflict. Tools for assessing individuals and systems that contribute to conflict, creating pastoral care interventions for redemptive management, and minimizing the destructive consequences of church conflict will be studied.