PACO 506 Integration of Psychology and Theology

Effective pastoral counseling utilizes an integrated approach that combines theological principles with psychological insights. This course provides students with the tools to bridge these disciplines, enabling them to address emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges with biblical wisdom and evidence-based practices. By fostering a deeper understanding of this integration, students are equipped to provide Christ-centered, transformative care in a diverse ministry setting.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course 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 create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 300 words (except Discussion Thread: Reflective Engagement which must be 200 – 250 words), include at least two different academic references, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to two classmates’ threads. The replies must be at least 200 words and include at least one academic reference. In text citations and all references must utilize the correct writing format for the student’s degree program. (CLO: A, B, C)

Worldview Integration Analysis Paper Assignment

The student will write a worldview integration analysis paper which will define and summarize the major elements of a Christian worldview as detailed in the Wolters textbook. The paper must be 500-700 words in length (excluding title and reference pages) and include at least three biblical references. Use of correct grammar and spelling are required. In text citations and all references must utilize the correct writing format for the student’s degree program. Each Review will be submitted via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. (CLO: A)

Denominational Meeting Presentation Project Assignment

The student will create a presentation differentiating the major approaches to Christian counseling. This assignment will cover the five views articulated in the Johnson textbook. The student must differentiate the key differences and areas of emphasis for the different approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of each perspective must also be discussed. Each presentation must be between 7 and 10 minutes. Each presentation will be submitted via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. (CLO: A)

Personal Integration Theory Comparison Project Assignment

The student will complete a personal integration theory project incorporating concepts they have learned throughout the course. The project will include the student’s philosophical assumptions, model of personality, model of abnormality, model of health, and model of psychotherapy. The project must contain elements from the course readings, videos, and other scholarly works and at least one biblical reference per element in the student’s theory. Use of correct grammar and spelling are required. In text citations and all references must utilize the correct writing format. The essay will be submitted via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. (CLO: B)

Informed Consent Project Assignment

The student will create a form demonstrating an understanding of the required elements of informed consent. The student will also create a pamphlet for educating counselors on the specifics of working with members from other cultures and ethnicities. The student will draw upon the Sanders textbook and other sources to complete this assignment. The informed consent form must contain all the required elements and the pamphlet must be no more than 250 words. Use of correct grammar and spelling are required. In text citations and all references must utilize the correct writing format. The essay will be submitted via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. (CLO: C)