ABOUT THE STUDY
Pastoral Care Studies
Pastoral care ministry involves tending to the souls God places in your life, offering them His love, hope, and healing in their time of need. This study track will equip you with the biblical, theological, and pastoral tools necessary to support individuals facing life’s most challenging circumstances.
Pastoral Care Studies Overview
The emphasis in Pastoral Care Studies at Rockbridge Seminary is designed to equip students with the essential skills for effective ministry. Students will delve into key areas such as practicing spiritual disciplines, personal counseling, recovery ministry, and pastoral care. This track integrates theological knowledge with practical application, enabling students to provide compassionate support and guidance to individuals and communities, all rooted in a strong biblical foundation. Through hands-on experiences, students will be prepared to minister with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving others in various pastoral settings.
What is the difference between degree seeking and non-degree seeking students?
The courses, materials, and workload are the same for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students. Whether you’re pursuing a degree or seeking personal growth, you’ll experience the same high-quality education in the Pastoral Care Emphasis.
Which Track is Right for Me?
Whether pursuing a degree or simply seeking personal growth, you can take courses in the Pastoral Care Studies Emphasis. Choose specific courses that align with your interests or electives for your degree program. You can complete all the requirements for the Pastoral Care Studies Emphasis in just one year.
- Non-Degree Seeking Student: Choose the Emphasis in Pastoral Care Studies if you only desire to complete the Emphasis. You will receive academic credit for your work to apply to a future degree.
- Degree-Seeking Student: Choose the Emphasis in Pastoral Care Studies if you desire to make the Emphasis a part of your Master of Ministry Leadership or Master of Divinity programs.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Pastoral Care Studies
6 Courses – 24 Credit Hours – 4 Hours Per Course
- Location: 100% Online. No travel is required.
- Delivery: Self-paced within an 8-week online course.
- Length: As little as 12 months; 24 credit hours. Students take 6 courses, each 4 credit hours. Students may take longer or shorter to complete the program based on their life circumstances, such as schedules, family, church, and job responsibilities.
- Enrolling New Students: Apply and enroll at any time. New Courses start every 8 Weeks. – Apply Today – Fee Waived!
Pastoral Care Studies Core – 6 Courses
In this Touchstone course, learners will examine their call to ministry, write a statement of calling, assess their competencies for ministry, develop learning objectives for their program of study, and enlist a mentor who will support their learning. The course will introduce the learner to the various facets of online learning.
*This course is required for all academic programs and must be taken before a learner can enroll in any other course.
In this course, explore and study the ministry of Jesus Christ as a theological model of pastoral care. The examination of pastoral care as it relates to officiating at weddings, the practice of hospital visitation, and the conducting of funerals. The course will explore such issues as pre-marital counseling, grief counseling, and the problem of suffering.
An introduction to the basics of pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance. The course
examines fundamentals of counseling, the role of prayer and scripture in counseling, and when
and how to make referrals to other caring professionals. Learners will use case studies and
interactive techniques to develop their counseling skills.
Through this course, learners will understand the biblical and ministry foundations of a
recovery ministry and will develop strategic approaches for either the launch or upgrade
of a recovery program. The course will explore the addictive personality and how it is
revealed in different ways, such as through chemical addiction, sexual addiction,
relationship addiction, eating disorders, and religious addiction.
This course is an examination of the principles and practices of leadership in Christian
ministry. The course will focus on the role of the minister as servant leader, the qualities
of a spiritual leader, and how a variety of leadership styles are required in ministry. The
leadership of Jesus will be used as a leadership role model.
The learner will focus on several spiritual habits such as solitude, prayer, journaling, fasting, and
spiritual mentoring. Learners will practice these disciplines individually and in a small group of
fellow learners or church members.