PACO 510 Human Suffering in Pastoral Counseling

This class will explore the pastoral, personal, and philosophical issues related to human suffering primarily related to the problem of evil. This class will explore the intellectual realities of human suffering and God’s goodness but will additionally explore best practices of pastoral counseling with those who are suffering, especially those who have experienced trauma and grief.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

A course on human suffering in pastoral counseling equips the student to compassionately accompany individuals through pain by integrating theological reflection, psychological insight, and practical care skills. It prepares the pastoral caregiver to respond to personal and communal suffering with empathy and resilience.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in 4 Discussions designed to allow the student to interact with course materials. Each discussion consists of a 300-350 word thread that must use at least 2 citations in current APA format, including at least 1 that is a theological source. The student must incorporate and synthesize course materials and support his/her assertions using scholarly research. Additionally, each thread must contain a reference to the Bible and Commentary. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200-250 words and use at least 1 scholarly citation in current APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last 5 years. Acceptable sources include any of the assigned readings, journal articles, theological texts, etc. The Bible should also be used, but it does not fulfill the scholarly citation requirement. (CLO: A, B, C)

Theological and Personal Reflection Paper Assignment

As the student reads C.S. Lewis’s The Problem of Pain and Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, he/she is encouraged to explore not only the intellectual dimensions of suffering but also its personal impact on faith, emotions, and ministry perspective. This reflective process is essential in developing the self-awareness necessary for effective counseling. By completing this assignment, the student will begin to articulate a theological foundation for pastoral care that integrates scholarly insight with spiritual sensitivity, laying the groundwork for the final presentation in this course. The student will answer several prompts regarding their theological perspectives, personal experiences, and integration of the readings. The assignment should be 500-750 words, include a cover page and reference page, and follow current APA format. The student should utilize the 2 required readings as support. (CLO: A, C)

Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student will identify and critically evaluate a selection of scholarly and ministry-appropriate materials that could be offered to a congregant or client facing suffering. The annotated bibliography will not only prepare the student for the final assignment but will also become a practical tool he/she can carry into real-life ministry. The annotated bibliography should contain 5 resources (books, scholarly articles, or ministry tools) that could be offered to individuals who are suffering from grief, trauma, or existential crises. Each annotation should be approximately 150-300 words, submitted as a single document (not including a title page). Each annotation should include the full citation and a summary, evaluation, and application of the resource. This assignment should be completed in current APA formatting. (CLO: A, B, C)

Role Play Script and Reflection Assignment

The student will create a role-play script and a reflection, demonstrating the ability to respond compassionately and theologically to an individual experiencing suffering. This exercise helps build empathy, pastoral sensitivity, and theological coherence. Additionally, it prepares the student for real-life ministry situations where clear communication and spiritual discernment are essential. The student will create a 2-part written role-play script (not a video) and a brief reflection paper addressing the pastoral approach and reasoning. The total length of the assignment should be between 750-1250 words combined (script and reflection) and written in current APA formatting, where applicable. The script section should include at least 1 spiritual intervention. The reflection section should include 1-2 citations within the reflection. Acceptable sources include course texts and peer-reviewed sources. (CLO: B)

Pastoral Counseling and the Problem of Evil Presentation Assignment

The student will synthesize theological, philosophical, and practical learning throughout the course into a clear, compelling, and ministry-relevant presentation. Whether presented as a mini-sermon, training session, or workshop, the goal is to communicate a philosophy of pastoral counseling in the face of suffering, drawing from scholarly insights, biblical theology, and real-world application. The presentation should be 10–15 minutes, with at least 10 slides of content, not including the cover and reference slides. The presentation should include at least 3 sources cited orally or on slides in current APA formatting. The presentation may be submitted as a recorded video, a narrated slideshow, or a presentation with an included script detailing what would be said with at least 150 words per slide. (CLO: A, B, C)