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| Dates: |
TBD |
| Campus: |
TBD |
| Primary Faculty Mentor: |
TBD |
Informing
As the health care industry continues to change rapidly, it is important that the church become proactive in asserting a biblically sound program of intervention for the basic building of society -- marriage & family life. This track is designed to inform the spiritual passion of those who want to help the church in that endeavor.
"I would not be exaggerating if I were to say that my course work in Marriage and Family Therapy with the mentors has been used by the Lord to make a major paradigm shift in the care of the human soul both personally and in ministry. I would highly recommend this course work, especially the advanced track, to my colleagues in the pastorate and my missionary co-laborers." Vince Costa, 2006
Forming
The Marriage & Family Counseling track prepares both pastors and those interested in seeking licensure. The Advanced Professional Track provides additional courses and labs to meet most state licensure board requirements.
| Pastoral Counseling Track |
Advanced Professional Track |
| Course |
Course |
| Residency 1 |
Residency 1A |
| Introduction to Counseling |
Advanced Theories of Development |
| Introduction to Professional Ethics |
Advanced Systems Theory |
| Introduction to Systems Theory |
Appraisal of Individuals & Relationships |
| Biblical & Theo. Perspectives on M&F |
Aging & Counseling the Elderly |
| Human Development and the Life Cycle |
|
| Helping Relationships: Coun. Skills Lab I |
Helping Relationships: Coun Skills Lab Ia |
| Residency 2 |
Residency 2A |
| Introduction to Personality Theory |
Advanced Theories of Personality |
| Introduction to Psychopathology |
Advanced Psychopathology |
| Marital Counseling |
Advanced Marital Therapy |
| Family Counseling |
Advanced Family Therapy |
| Helping Relationships: Coun Skills Lab II |
Helping Relationships: Coun Skills Lab IIa |
| Residency 3 |
Residency 3A |
| Group Dynamics and Group Counseling |
Career & Lifestyle Development |
| Human Sexuality |
Evaluation & Research |
| Physical and Emotional Abuse |
Counseling in Substance Abuse |
| Family Life Education and Ministry |
Advanced Perspectives on Prof Ethics |
Transforming
Here is how your studies will transform you and your ministry by seeking to fulfill our general Doctor of Ministry goals in some track-specific ways:
- To resource students through a biblically-grounded educational program taught by faculty who are committed to God’s Word and the application of principles of Scripture to the issues of contemporary culture.
- Dr. Karen Mason, licensed psychologist, and Dr. Ray Pendleton, both a licensed psychologist and practicing pastor, lead students through the development of Biblical and Theological paradigms designed to help clients maximize their God-given potential.
- To form in students a sound foundation of theological and biblical inquiry in their professional doctoral program’s specialized track that they are able to integrate into the life of Christian ministry.
- During residency 1, students will take a 5-credit course on Biblical & Theological Perspectives on Marriage & Family.
- The final thesis-project must have as one of its components a fully integrated biblical and theological rationale for marriage and family intervention.
- To provide students with the skill sets and understandings in a specialized area of ministry to such an extent that they can impact their congregation or community more powerfully for God.
- The counseling approach in this track is envisioned to be short-term and will take place in the local church setting. The primary role is a Pastoral Care and Counseling one that will provide for a range of responses from encouragement to crisis intervention.
- Over the three years each student will complete three case studies and two practica. The three case studies provide both a logical and a developmental progression as diagnostic and conceptual skills emerge and are enhanced.
- To create through the cohort model of the program a dimension of Christian community and spiritual nurturing so that students form strong friendships with one another and enter long-term relationships with the scholars who guide the learning experience.
- Each residency includes at least one evening meal together as a cohort, hosted by the mentors. This is an opportunity for students to cement relationships in a relaxed environment outside the classroom.
- To develop in students a deeper understanding of Christ’s lordship in all areas of life for the common good of the contemporary world.
- Each day begins with a devotional led by the students. This is a time of great spiritual growth for the students and a time for growing together as a cohort.
- To cultivate within students through critical reflection and careful research through the residencies and projects an enriched Christian witness in the places of society they are called to serve.
- It is clear that the Church must take a proactive stance in undergirding strong marital and family life and a program that provides specialized training in Marriage & Family Counseling will serve that purpose.
- To instill in students a refreshed view of their ministry as it relates to the proclamation of the Gospel among all people.
Please also see general information on the overall D.Min. program and admissions.
