Explores the theological and anthropological meaning and significance of the “person” and the “place” he/she occupies in God’s creation. A theology of individuality, identity, and community will be developed vis-à-vis the imago dei in the service of the missio dei.

This course explores the foundational information needed for effective pastoral care. The course will provide a survey of Clinical Pastoral Education. At the end of the course, the student will be able to assess a person's faith development in a pluralistic setting and learn how to offer spiritual care to people from various faith backgrounds.

What does it mean to be a spiritual caregiver? How does one provide spiritual care in a world increasingly resistant to organized religion and institutional structures? This course engages what it means to be an instrument of Christ in a world with increasing meaninglessness and hopelessness. In this course, students will examine the biblical foundations of spiritual caregiving, the interpersonal development of spiritual caregivers, and the capacity of spiritual caregiving to generate personal and societal transformation. This foundational course prepares spiritual caregivers to go on towards a caregiving specialty.

The current understanding of the pastoral function goes back to the description found in the New Testament and the practice of the early church. One who has a sphere of Christian influence and mentorship finds that they are doing pastoral work. This is especially true of those who are small group leaders. This is an introductory course to the biblical and theological foundation for the basic personhood and work of being of one who provides pastoral care. Particular attention will be given to creating insight into the appropriate contextual missional responses for a wide range of ministries.

Professional ethics sets forth the values and standards of pastoral care, assists in making decisions and guiding behavior, provides a means for accountability, and helps inform expectations regarding pastoral care providers. This course will examine ethical principles regarding clients, boundaries with others, in relationship with provider faith group, other professionals, regarding advertising, and when conducting research.

Foundations of pastoral care will be explored with an emphasis upon cultural context, ethnic diversity, gender, sexual orientation, age, education, religious orientation, and socioeconomic status. From these perspectives, students will develop a pastoral care communication model for relating to individuals in their own contexts and environments.

Basic skills for the caring Christian to live out their passion for Christ and their ability to assist the lost and the lonely, the bruised and the battered, the broken and the bored. Particular attention will be given to the foundational skills of listening, the development of empathy and feedback.