Question

In 400 words why would a person be interested in the Master of Art in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry program.

Answer 1

Christian counseling degrees can lead to satisfying careers in helping people deal with crises and healing communities in need. These graduates may also qualify for secular counseling positions in schools, hospitals, and prisons. Christian counseling programs can help clergy members become better pastoral counselors or equip chaplains with new skills to conduct their ministries. The main aim of the program is to provide Christ-centered graduate-level education to prepare servant leaders for the practical ministry of Christian counseling in the local church, denominational agency, and faith-based agency, and family ministry leadership by integrating a theological and counseling foundation with a strong foundation in Christian education.

The primary goals of the Programe are:

• To equip students to promote individual and family wellness in the church through an understanding of psychology, marriage and family studies, and Christian theology
• To provide an understanding of systems theory as a foundation to relational and leadership principles for effective church ministry in various cultural contexts
• To foster spiritual formation through the integration of faith and learning

The following is the main attraction of the progamme;

1. Christian workers in positions where the master’s degree will allow entrance into a vocation which would not otherwise be possible;
2. Those who desire future employment as a counselor in a variety of mental health settings including Church/para-church ministries, social service agencies, military agencies, substance abuse centers, or rehabilitation clinics; or
3. Vocational counselors who desire additional information for personal growth or who seek continuing education credit to meet current legal, ethical and other professional counseling standards, including licensure requirements.

Families, communities, and individuals in crisis need well-educated and organized Christian counselors to bring personal and communal healing to difficult situations. Whether serving in a church, school, or office, counselors must complete a master's in counseling program. Hence, graduates are prepared to provide organizational leadership, program development, community building, conflict management, and basic ministerial counseling.

Self-reflective people with good listening skills and empathy tend to make the best Christian counselors. Most counselors have experienced communication and people skills. The mental health professions offer many career paths for people with master's degrees. Counselors can help people with mental illnesses, children having a difficult time in school, people with addictions, and families struggling with crises. Christian counselors may work in schools, churches, offices, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to bring emotional and mental healing to individuals and their communities.

Christian counselors practice in the same capacity as many traditional counselors; however, Christian fundamentals play a role in their counseling methods, treatment, and practice. These counselors can work in secular spaces, such as private practices and treatment centers, as well as within churches and other religious settings.

In short, the program offers a theological basis combined with Christian-based counseling theory and practice. It also is multicultural in nature and intended to aid the student in mounting an intentional, informed, and integrated biblically based, systemic pastoral counseling ministry.