PPC 504 - Psychology and Pastoral Care: Identity, Wellness, and Ministry (3)

Prerequisite: PPC 502
This seminar explores psychology and pastoral care as a theological bridge discipline that emphasizes the practice of ministry for self-awareness, core identity, call, ministerial competencies, character, and offer practical tools for various ministerial, socio-cultural, and family contexts. The class examines and critiques biblical, historical, and cultural foundations and contexts of pastoral and ministerial identity. Students practice listening, prayer, and self-reflection to explore emotional, psychological, and spiritual components of the call. This course weds ministerial competencies with emphasis upon the student’s personal and spiritual growth to the theoretical and didactic approach by providing the student with an overview of pastoral psychology and care processes. Students, in a pastoral setting, will explore professional ethics and the use and abuse of power, with discernment for self and congregational care toward salvific ministry of health and wholeness. (Limit 12 students)