The emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling provides preparation for ministry to individuals, couples, families and groups focusing on renewal, preparation, enrichment and equipping.
Goals
Develop empathic listening skills and the commitment to use and teach these skills in life and ministry.
Be aware of their personal issues and the ability and commitment to develop a personal network for growth.
Develop a commitment to and practice of sound ethical principles related to pastoral ministry.
Be aware of their limitations, with an ability to diagnose the pathology of individuals, couples, and families and to know how and to whom to refer people to for needed help.
Be aware of theories and the issues of counseling and the lifespan development of people and have the ability to apply this knowledge in ministry contexts.
Understand ministry skills and be able to apply them in program development of pastoral ministry.
Be able, in counseling, to move people from relationship through realization to responsibility.
Be committed to the application of biblical knowledge and theological foundations in the exercise of ministry skills.