A course dealing with principles of psychological and biblical counseling, providing ministry to the physically, spiritually, and emotionally ill. This study is integrated with other more traditional aspects of pastoral care. Self-understanding and listening skills are emphasized, as well as religious resources and exercises such as Scripture, prayer, and openness and obedience to the inner direction of the Holy Spirit.

The following learning objectives will be achieved by this course:

1. Become familiar with materials and resources effective in a variety of counseling settings (pre-marital, marriage, and personal counseling).
2. Gain an awareness of the counselor's understanding of himself/herself in the process of counseling.
3. Gain awareness of the "danger signals" in counseling relationships.
4. Learn to assess needs, recognize one's limitations, and access referral resources.

The following competencies as outlined in the Sourcebook on Ordination: United States of America Edition, 2006 to meet the educational requirements for Ordination within the Church of the Nazarene will be achieved by completing this course:

• Ability to appropriately express pastoral care and concern for individuals and families in crises, passages, and the normal routines of life. (CP-14)
• Ability to offer spiritual counseling and to discern for referral counseling needs beyond the minister's ability. (CP-15)
• Ability to apply the knowledge of basic counseling gained from historic Christian and appropriate contemporary models. (CP-16)
• Ability to describe and apply personal communication skills, nurturing relationships, conflict resolution skills for marriage and family. (CH-13)

There are no prerequisites for this course.