MIN 874: Counseling within the Church Context

Course Title: MIN 874: Counseling within the Church Context
Subtitle: Integrating Biblical Principles in Pastoral Care
Course Name & Level: Counseling within the Church Context, Doctoral Level
Number of Credit Hours: 3 Credit Hours
Keywords: Church Counseling, Pastoral Care, Biblical Principles

Introduction:
This course examines advanced principles and practices in providing counseling within the church setting. Emphasizing biblical teachings, students will learn to offer effective pastoral care and support to congregants.

Course Description:
MIN 874 explores the unique aspects of counseling within the church, providing students with tools to address the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of their congregation. The course integrates scriptural insights to support holistic pastoral care.

Course Purpose:
To equip students with advanced skills in church-based counseling, rooted in biblical principles, to promote spiritual and emotional well-being within the church community.

Course Objectives:
To develop proficiency in applying biblical principles to pastoral counseling practices, fostering a supportive and caring church environment.

Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:

• Pastoral Care: The ministry of care and counseling provided by pastors and church leaders, grounded in biblical teachings (1 Peter 5:2-3).
• Congregational Counseling: Counseling provided within the church community to address various personal and spiritual issues (Galatians 6:2).
• Biblical Principles: Core teachings from the Bible that guide counseling practices and pastoral care (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Spiritual Formation: The process of growing in Christlikeness through the work of the Holy Spirit and the application of biblical principles (Romans 12:2).
• Confidentiality: The ethical practice of keeping shared information private, crucial in pastoral counseling (Proverbs 11:13).

Specific Topics with Descriptions:

1. Biblical Foundations for Pastoral Counseling:
   Exploring the scriptural basis for pastoral care and counseling, emphasizing God’s compassion and guidance (Psalm 23:1-4).
2. Roles and Responsibilities of Pastoral Counselors:
   Understanding the roles and responsibilities of pastoral counselors, including ethical considerations (Ephesians 4:11-12).
3. Building Trust and Confidentiality:
   Techniques for establishing trust and maintaining confidentiality in pastoral counseling (Proverbs 11:13).
4. Addressing Spiritual Issues in Counseling:
   Strategies for addressing spiritual struggles and questions within a counseling context (James 5:16).
5. Counseling for Common Congregational Issues:
   Approaches to counseling congregants facing common issues such as grief, marriage problems, and addiction (Romans 12:15).
6. Crisis Intervention in the Church:
   Providing immediate support during times of crisis, integrating biblical hope and resilience (Psalm 46:1).
7. Developing a Pastoral Counseling Ministry:
   Practical steps for creating and sustaining a counseling ministry within the church (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
8. Supporting Mental Health in the Church:
   Addressing mental health issues within the church community, providing support and guidance through biblical counseling (Philippians 4:6-7).
9. Promoting Spiritual Growth and Discipleship:
   Fostering spiritual growth and discipleship through counseling and pastoral care (Colossians 2:6-7).
10. Ethical and Legal Considerations in Church Counseling:
    Navigating ethical and legal challenges in church-based counseling, ensuring alignment with biblical and professional standards (Romans 13:1).

Assessments with Descriptions:

1. Research Paper:
   A 15-20 page paper on a selected aspect of church-based counseling, integrating scriptural references and scholarly research (Psalm 119:105).
2. Case Study Analysis:
   Analyzing a case study involving pastoral counseling, providing biblically-based solutions (James 1:5).
3. Practical Counseling Sessions:
   Conducting and recording mock counseling sessions, demonstrating the application of learned techniques (Proverbs 15:22).
4. Exams and Quizzes:
   Assessing knowledge and understanding of course materials through periodic exams and quizzes (Proverbs 4:7).
5. Class Participation:
   Active engagement in class discussions, demonstrating comprehension and application of pastoral counseling principles (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Research References:

1. Kellemen, Bob. Gospel-Centered Counseling: How Christ Changes Lives. Zondervan, 2014. eBook.
2. Johnson, W. Brad. The Minister’s Guide to Psychological Disorders and Treatments. Routledge, 2014. eBook.
3. Clinton, Tim, and George Ohlschlager. Competent Christian Counseling, Volume One: Foundations and Practice of Compassionate Soul Care. WaterBrook Press, 2002. eBook.
4. Doehring, Carrie. The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach. Westminster John Knox Press, 2006. eBook.
5. McMinn, Mark R. Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Tyndale House Publishers, 1996. eBook.

The course centers on King Jesus, His Kingdom, His Holy Spirit, His Royal Family, and His Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:18-20.