PACO 500 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

In today’s world, people in churches and in society at large are hurting. As people go outside their own families for help, 40% of Americans turn to a local clergy person first. Therefore, leaders in ministry need to be thoroughly equipped for the work of the counseling ministry. Since counseling should not be the primary ministry of pastors, it is imperative that what they do in counseling is done with efficiency and effectiveness.

Textbook readings and video presentations

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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 participate in 4 Discussions designed to allow the student to interact with course materials. Each Discussion consists of a 400-word thread and at least 1 reply to a classmate that is at least 150-250 words. The student must incorporate and synthesize course materials, support his or her assertions using scholarly research, and use current APA format. There should be at least one reference in each thread and each response, with corresponding citations. (CLO: A, B, C)

The student will create a historical timeline based on readings. The timeline will include key events that shaped pastoral counseling, theological key points pertaining to the timeline, and a brief description of how the history of pastoral care and counseling has impacted a contemporary setting. The student will reference biblical sources. The timeline can be created in an outline format using current APA standards. (CLO: A)

Pastoral Counselor Interview Assignment

The student will interview a pastoral counselor in a local church or ministry setting. The student will select at least 5 prompts as an outline for the interview. A 100-word response to each question will be included. Using those responses, the student will craft a reflection of how the information can apply this to a current or anticipated ministry setting. This reflection must take the form of a narrative development. 3 biblical and scholarly sources will be referenced. Current APA format must be used. (CLO: A, B, C)

Transformational Counseling Practices Strategic Plan Assignment

The student will create a transformational counseling practices strategic plan based on findings from the pastoral counselor interview, discussion on integration, and other readings. The current or anticipated pastoral counseling environment can be used. A Word document to outline prompts will be created. At least 3 biblical sources, readings, and appropriate videos will be referenced. Current APA format must be used. (CLO: A, B, C)

Limitations and Ethics in Pastoral Counseling Assignment

The student will describe at least 5 limitations based on ethical practices in pastoral counseling based on readings and videos. This assignment must be created in PowerPoint using at least 10 slides with a view toward presenting this for a workshop. Current APA formatting will be used. (CLO: C)