Ministry and Formation
Courses
Essential ministries of character and leadership that nurture faith in Christ, build and develop churches, meet human needs at every level, and transform situations to God’s purposes; principles, methods, and resources that equip teachers and leaders for the development of educational programs in congregations and denominations.
| Course Number | Name | Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1096891 | MFADM5111 | The Functioning Church | A study of the biblical and theological basis for the administration ministry of the church. Focus will be given to the biblical principles of enlisting, training, and supervising leaders for church ministries. | 2 |
| 1805543 | MFADM5111S | La Iglesia Funcional | Un estudio de la base bíblica y teológica para el ministerio de la administración de la iglesia. Se enfocará en los principios bíblicos para reclutar, entrenar, y supervisar a los líderes de los ministerios en la iglesia. | 2 |
| 1096921 | MFADM5112 | Administration of the Church Family | A study of the need for developing a theology of service for church leaders that includes church polity and organization. Focus on discovering leaders through spiritual gifts, qualifications for service, proper ways of enlisting and equipping people to serve. | 2 |
| 1096927 | MFADM5611 | Administration for Chaplains | A study of the biblical and theological basis for administrative ministry and of practical principles for effective management in institutional settings. Attention will be given to organizational structures, personnel administration, resource management, program development, operations, training, supervision, and leadership development. | 2 |
| 1097341 | MFFND5111 | The Teaching Church | A study of the biblical and theological basis for the teaching ministry of the church. Emphasis will be given to the purposes of education in New Testament churches and principles related to application. | 2 |
| 1097371 | MFFND5112 | History and Philosophy of Christian Education | A study of the ideas and events that have shaped educational thought with an analysis of the influence of these ideas on contemporary Christian educational practice. The student will develop a personal philosophy of education that integrates the Christian experience. | 2 |
| 1097377 | MFFND5113 | Educational Psychology | An analysis of educational theories in the context of Christian education. Studies in theories of learning motivation for learning classroom management and effective testing practice. Attention will be given to the teaching method of Jesus. | 2 |
| 1097389 | MFFND5115 | Principles of Teaching | A study of the principles and methods of effective Christian teaching, including the development of presentation skills. Approaches include planning and teaching for knowledge/understanding, development of values, and development of skills which enhance personal Christian ministry. | 2 |
| 1097395 | MFFND5121 | Foundations in Children's and Family Ministry | This course explores the biblical and theological foundations of ministry to children and families. It surveys what the church can do to minister to marriages and families as a unit. Current trends in Family Ministry are explored, including Family-Integrated Ministry, Family-Based Ministry and Family-Equipping Ministry. These learning experiences guide students in developing a personal philosophy of family ministry. | 2 |
| 1097401 | MFFND5122 | Parenting and Faith Development | A study of the role of parents as spiritual shepherds of their children. Emphasis will be placed on developing the habit of family worship. Attention will be given to prayer, blessing, and instruction in the home. Students will develop a parenting philosophy. | 2 |
| 1097407 | MFFND5123 | Ministry to Children and Families | This course explores the dynamics of family ministry as it relates to the spiritual formation of children. Its distinctive feature is the focus on parents as catalysts of spiritual development. Resources are introduced to strengthen the family unit and emphasize home discipleship as well as spiritual formation in the church. Students identify strategies to recruit, train, and sustain their ministry team. | 2 |
| 1097413 | MFFND5124 | Leadership in Children and Family Ministry | A study of leadership in family ministry. Emphasis will be placed on family ministry implementation. Attention will be given to character development and spiritual leadership qualities. Students will develop a ministry philosophy. | 2 |
| 1097419 | MFFND5131 | Contemporary Youth Issues | An analysis of the contemporary issues facing youth and society suggesting implications to a church's ministry with youth and families within the larger context of the mission of the church. | 2 |
| 1097425 | MFFND5141 | The Church's Ministry with Older Persons | A study of the characteristics, needs, and potential of later adulthood. A review of biblical and theological foundation for senior adult ministry will be considered. Special emphasis will be given to church and education programming for ministry with seniors. | 2 |
| 1097437 | MFFND5151 | Small Groups Ministry | This course provides an introductory study of the development, training, implementation, and evaluation of small group ministry. Students will be equipped to lead churches in the use of small groups for spiritual formation and evangelism. | 2 |
| 1805542 | MFFND5152 | Group Dynamics | This course includes a study of group development, processes of group interaction, and basics group dynamics. Students will consider how to be in a group, methods of effective group leadership and facilitation, evaluating group interactions, and ethical issues related to group process and intervention. | 2 |
| 1097449 | MFFND5211 | Human Growth and Development | A study of the spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and mental development of persons, birth through adulthood. The student will study and apply principles of development to a practical area of ministry. | 2 |
| 1097455 | MFFND5611 | Principles of Teaching for Chaplains | A study of how to teach effectively both in a Christian context and in the religious diversity of institutional settings. This will include principles and methods of teaching, curriculum design, planning of classes, and development of delivery skills. It will focus on conveying knowledge/understanding, articulating values, and developing skills which enhance personal Christian ministry. | 2 |
| 1097461 | MFFND7204 | Educational Philosophy | Educational Philosophy | 2 |
| 1097473 | MFLDS5111 | Leadership in Ministry | A study of the principles and practices of leadership for Christian ministry. It includes reflections on the role and ministry of leaders within church, community, and denomination. | 2 |
| 1097521 | MFLDS5211 | Pastoral Leadership | An analysis of emerging issues in current Christian leadership. Models of current leadership theory and practice will be examined and suggestions made for integrating leadership models and Christian faith. | 2 |
| 1709450 | MFLDS5311 | Technology in Ministry | This course will explore and evaluate technology as it relates to churches and ministry organizations. Topics will include websites, online giving, internet safety and security, child protection, appropriate social media habits, streaming services, future technology trends, and ethics in technology. | 2 |
| 1097551 | MFLDS5611 | Leadership for Chaplains | A study of the principles and practices of ministerial leadership in a Christian context and in institutions with diverse religious settings. This includes reflections on the identity, calling, roles and character of chaplains as Christian leaders in community. Models of leadership theory and practice will be examined, emerging challenges for leaders in institutional settings will be discussed, and suggestions will be made for integrating leadership models with biblical principles. | 2 |
| 1097557 | MFLDS7201 | Spiritual Leadership | course description | 2 |
| 1097569 | MFPMN5111 | Pastoral Care | An introduction to Christian ministry in contemporary culture. Studies in the nature of the church and its ministry, styles of ministry in varied contexts, and practice of ministry skills. | 2 |
| 1097581 | MFPMN5112 | Crisis Counseling for Church Leaders | This course presents theories, strategies, and skills and an overall introduction to crisis intervention. Historical and current models for assessing and responding to crises are presented. Topics such as medical and psychological traumas including relationship loss, chronic illness, and personal transgressions, and post traumatic stress disorder are part of the curriculum. Theoretical and ethical implications are addressed. Special emphasis is given to disaster psychology, church violence, terrorism and military combat, school violence, and suicidology. | 2 |
| 1097587 | MFPMN5113 | The Interim Pastor | This course introduces students to the practice and tenets of interim ministry, with applications that can be applied in a broader pastoral ministry setting, as well. An interim pastor's practices and lifestyle are covered, as well as the best practices of interim churches for using the interim time and for seeking a new pastor. A major emphasis is given to critical church issues that need addressing before a new pastor is called, as well as possible methodologies for addressing those issues. [This course allows the student to apply for membership in the Baptist General Convention of Texas' professional network of interim pastors. It also fulfills the prerequisite training needed before applying in the Intentional Interim Ministry training at the Baptist General Convention of Texas.] | 2 |
| 1690694 | MFPMN5116 | Clinical Pastoral Education | One unit (440 hours) of supervised pastoral care in a clinical setting under guidance of a supervisor certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). It is recommended that student completes Pastoral Care (MFPMN5111) before entering a CPE program. | 4 |
| 1097593 | MFPMN5211 | Pastoral Care of Persons in Crisis and Grief | A study of ministry to persons in acutely stressful situations. Attention will be given to the pastoral care of individuals suffering personal trauma such as disease, abuse, depression, and bereavement. Students will learn about the dynamics of the grief process, critical incident and post-traumatic stress, and suicide awareness and intervention. They will also learn basic principle of ministry in mass-casualty situations. | 2 |
| 1097599 | MFPMN5221 | Conflict Resolution Ministry | A study of how to minister in discordant situations. Attention will be given to dynamics of personal and systemic conflict. Students will learn about models for effective intervention and resolution of conflict. | 2 |
| 1097605 | MFPMN5611 | Chaplain Ministry | A study of Christian ministry in institutional settings. Emphasis will be on understanding the identity, spiritual formation and call, professional competencies, foundations, roles, responsibilities, endorsement, and professional development of chaplains. Attention will be given to issues such as free exercised of religion, role conflict, institutional duality, and ministry in pluralistic settings. The class will survey the six major categories of chaplains: healthcare, military, correctional, corporate/workplace, public safety, and community/lifestyle. | 2 |
| 1794062 | MFPMN5612 | Chaplain Ministry Research | Students will do in-depth reading and research in assigned topics designed to enhance learning from the prerequisite course, Chaplain Ministry (MFPMN5611) | 1 |
| 1097611 | MFPMN5621 | Pastoral Care of the Family in Institutional Settings | A study of human development and relationships within families in institutional, religiously diverse, secular and transitory settings. Attention will be given to family systems, marital and inter-generational relationships, stages of the life cycle, parenting issues, basic marriage and family counseling, and coping with the unique pressures of institutional life. | 2 |
| 1097617 | MFPMN5631 | Crisis Ministry Certification | Students will become certified in at least two nationally recognized programs of training for ministry in emergency or disaster situations, such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) training. | 0 |
| 1450465 | MFPMN5632 | Disaster Spiritual Care | This course prepares and certifies ministers to respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of survivors of disasters and other traumatic events and to work with organizations of the Emergency Management Community to assist survivors. | 2 |
| 1097623 | MFPMN7201 | Pastoral Care | 2 | |
| 1097629 | MFPMN7202 | Pastoral Care and End of Life Concerns | 2 | |
| 1097659 | MFPSY5511 | Spirituality and Counseling | This course examines the Christian Counseling field, including the history of Christian Counseling, an investigation of issues of integrating psychology and theology, and the development of a Christian worldview as a part of the counseling process. This course is a prerequisite to Practicum I (MFPSY5541). | 3 |
| 1097671 | MFPSY5512 | Theories of Counseling | This course surveys the major theories of personality and the associated classical and contemporary counseling theories with particular reference to how these theories are applied in the Christian counseling setting. This course is a prerequisite to Practicum I (MFPSY5541). | 3 |
| 1097683 | MFPSY5513 | Counseling Methods and Techniques | This course is an introduction to basic counseling skills necessary for various counseling settings. Students will examine underlying theoretical assumptions and theology applicable to counseling skills and will develop and apply these skills in a counseling setting. This course provides the experiential foundation for all practicum courses and is a prerequisite to Practicum I (MFPSY5541). | 3 |
| 1097701 | MFPSY5514 | Marriage and Family Counseling | This course introduces and focuses on various theories and methods of premarital and marriage counseling. Students will consider the biblical foundation for marriage, common problems faced by couples in marriage, principles of systems relationships, and techniques for effective pre-engagement, pre-marital, and marriage counseling. This course is a prerequisite to Practicum I (MFPSY5541). | 3 |
| 1097713 | MFPSY5515 | Crisis and Trauma Counseling | This course prepares students for counseling opportunities following crisis and trauma events by exploring the essentials of diagnosing and treating acute and post-traumatic stress symptoms, along with related loss and grief processes. This course provides a biblical basis for crisis intervention and a context for treatment of trauma-related disorders as well as best practices in the treatment of trauma with individuals, families, and communities. | 3 |
| 1159771 | MFPSY5517 | Basic Counseling Ethics | This course introduces students to basic ethical and legal aspects of the counseling field as well as standards for professional conduct. Students will study professional socialization, the role of the counselor, basic legal responsibilities and functioning, and counselor self-care. The emphasis of the course is on developing professional identity and attitudes as a Christian counselor. This course is a Prerequisite to Practicum I (MFPSY5541). | 3 |
| 1097725 | MFPSY5521 | Human Growth and Development | This course is an overview of developmental process beginning prior to birth and continuing through death, including how individuals develop cognitively, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally across the lifespan. Students will consider applicability of life stage development and transitions to various counseling and ministry settings. | 3 |
| 1097731 | MFPSY5522 | Abnormal Psychology | This course surveys historical and modern methods of studying abnormal human behavior. It includes a focus on etiology of abnormal behavior, categories of pathology, and general treatment approaches. Students will consider the relationship between religion and mental health/mental illness and best methods of treatment in a counseling setting or referral in a ministry setting. This course is a Prerequisite to Psychopathology (MFPSY5535). | 3 |
| 1097743 | MFPSY5523 | Group Dynamics and Counseling | This course includes a study of group development, processes of group interaction, and basics of conducting counseling in a group setting. Students will consider how to begin a counseling group, methods of effective group leadership and facilitation, evaluating the therapeutic results of group interaction, and ethical issues related to group process and intervention. | 3 |
| 1097755 | MFPSY5524 | Research and Statistics | This course studies research design and statistical analysis as applied to counseling, behavioral science, and ministry research fields. Students will examine topics including research methodology, design, measurement, sampling, data gathering, and interpretation. Statistical analysis includes descriptive and inferential procedures for analyzing data. Students will acquire the necessary skills to integrate research into their professional decision-making process. | 3 |
| 1097761 | MFPSY5525 | Testing and Assessment | Students will examine the use of assessment techniques and tools, particularly in relationship to individual, marriage, and family counseling. Students will learn to use selected evaluation and testing measures, along with ethical methods of instrument development, administration, and interpretation of results. (Prerequisite: MFPSY5512) An additional materials fee will be charged at time of registration. | 3 |
| 1097773 | MFPSY5526 | Career Counseling | This course investigates the history of vocation along with major theories and techniques used in counseling individuals in career-related decisions. Students study the history, principles, and techniques in the field of vocational or career counseling. Students become familiar with, administer, and interpret assessment instruments related to career interest, career choice, and change of vocation. | 3 |
| 1097785 | MFPSY5527 | Family Systems and Therapy | This course examines conceptual, theoretical, and theological issues related to family, along with issues of family health and development. The course provides a substantive understanding of the major theories of systems function and change and the applied family therapy approaches evolving from each orientation. (Prerequisite: MFPSY5514) | 3 |
| 1159777 | MFPSY5528 | Addictions Counseling | This course examines the origins and trends of addictive and compulsive behaviors, treatment options, and potential barriers to treatment. Behaviors associated with substance and alcohol abuse and addictions, compulsive gambling, sexual addictions, and eating disorders are explored within a cultural and theological framework. | 3 |
| 1097797 | MFPSY5531 | Advanced Counseling Ethics and Professionalism | This course considers further ethical and legal aspects of the counseling field as well as standards for professional conduct. The course will additionally focus on records management, professional organizations, inter-professional cooperation in the counseling field, licensure processes, current LPC board functioning and rules, and other state laws that regulate the counseling field. This course is taught as a capstone course and, as such, should be taken in the student's final year of study. (Prerequisite: MFPSY5543) | 3 |
| 1097809 | MFPSY5532 | Multicultural Counseling | This course investigates the multiple dimensions related to competent multicultural counseling. Major ethnic groups are studied along with associated counseling approaches. Theories of multicultural counseling and systems-oriented intervention strategies (couple, family, group, and community) are examined as well as the overarching cultural context of relationships, religious and spiritual values, mental and physical characteristics, education, family values, and socioeconomic status. Attention is given to developing awareness of one's own values, attitudes, and beliefs related to counseling in a diverse society. (Prerequisite: MFPSY5541) | 3 |
| 1097821 | MFPSY5533 | Counseling and Human Sexuality | This course surveys the broad spectrum of human sexuality issues, including a biblical basis for sexuality, sexual development, and sexual problems that occur for individuals and in marriage. Students will consider various approaches for treatment of sexual problems and will learn to apply related counseling methodology. (Prerequisite: MFPSY5541) | 3 |
| 1097833 | MFPSY5534 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | This course surveys major therapeutic approaches with children and adolescents. Psychological and spiritual development will be examined with a focus on how developmental processes influence counseling. Diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders common to childhood and adolescents will also be addressed. | 3 |
| 1097845 | MFPSY5535 | Psychopathology | In this course, students will study diagnosis of mental disorders, the criteria for these diagnoses, psychotropic pharmacology, and the development of treatment planning skills utilized in professional/clinical mental health settings. Students will learn appropriate use of the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, along with understanding uses and misuses of psychotropic medications. | 3 |
| 1805531 | MFPSY5536 | Child Sexual Abuse: Extent, Impact, and Treatment | This course considers the extent of child sexual abuse in society at large and in the church, how abuse impacts individuals both in childhood and adulthood, and treatment for children and adult survivors of CSA. The course will also attend to preventive approaches in church and society, along with resources for children, teens, and families impacted by CSA. | 1 |
| 1177087 | MFPSY5539 | Independent Study | Independent Study | 3 |
| 1097851 | MFPSY5541 | Practicum I | This course offers experiential training under the guidance of an LPC-Supervisor, preparing students to provide counseling services in their remaining practicum semesters. Students will further refine basic counseling skills, will gain additional preparation in counseling ethics and professionalism, and will identify and make arrangements with their practicum placement site. (Prerequisites: MFPSY5511, MFPSY5512, MFPSY5513, MFPSY5514, MFPSY5517) | 3 |
| 1097863 | MFPSY5542 | Practicum II | Students must spend 5-10 hours each week in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). (Prerequisites: MFPSY5541). | 3 |
| 1097887 | MFPSY5543 | Practicum III | Students must spend 5-10 hours each week in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). (Prerequisites: MFPSY5542). | 3 |
| 1097911 | MFPSY5544 | Practicum IV | Students must spend 5-10 hours each week in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). (Prerequisites: MFPSY5543). | 3 |
| 1097935 | MFPSY5545 | Clinical Counseling I | This course is for students seeking clinical training beyond the required four semesters. Students must spend 3 or more hours each week in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). Admission to this course is by professor permission only (Prerequisite: MFPSY 5544). | 1 |
| 1097947 | MFPSY5546 | Clinical Counseling II | This course is for students seeking clinical training beyond the required four semesters. Students must spend 3 or more hours in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). Admission to this course is by professor permission only. (Prerequisite: MFPSY 5544). | 3 |
| 1097953 | MFPSY5547 | Clinical Counseling III | This course is for students seeking clinical training beyond the required four semesters. Students must spend 3 or more hours in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). Admission to this course is by professor permission only. (Prerequisite: MFPSY 5544). | 1 |
| 1097965 | MFPSY5548 | Clinical Counseling IV | This course is for students seeking clinical training beyond the required four semesters. Students must spend 3 or more hours in a counseling setting, providing counseling services to actual clients. This must be done under the supervision of an individual licensed at the supervisory level for Texas LPC or LMFT state licensure (or the equivalent). Admission to this course is by professor permission only. (Prerequisite: MFPSY 5544). | 1 |
| 1794056 | MFPSY5554 | Advance Couples Counseling I | This course introduces students to advanced counseling techniques and methods used in helping couples manage marital conflicts, deepen their friendships, and increase intimacy based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. Various marital assessments and interventions will also be explored. Students will have an opportunity to earn Level One Gottman Certification at the conclusion of this course. This course has a prerequisite MFPSY5514 Premarital and Marriage Counseling Note: This course will be taught June 4-5, 2021. | 1 |
| 1805530 | MFPSY5555 | Technology in Counseling | In this course, students will examine contemporary issues in using technology in a professional counseling setting. Students will explore state and federal rules and regulations, along with best practices in the field, including HIPAA compliant platforms, as they relate to technology in counseling. Students will develop skills in session management, documentation, and informed consent in the telehealth process. The course will also briefly overview future technological advances in counseling interventions. | 1 |
| 1805532 | MFPSY5556 | Advanced Couples Counseling II | Course Description This course expands students’ assessment strategies and intervention techniques in counseling couples. This workshop provides a wealth of information about relationship theory, observation, couple dynamics, relationship assessment, treatment planning, when and how to use interventions, and working with co-morbidities. This training dives deep into the Gottman Method approach for treating complicated cases involving co-morbidities, including affairs, PTSD, addiction, and domestic violence. Students will have an opportunity to earn Level Two Gottman Certification at the conclusion of this course. (Prerequisites: MFPSY 5514 and MFPSY 5554) | 1 |
| 1805534 | MFPSY5557 | Special Topics in Advanced Counseling | This course exposes students to specialized topics and cutting edge research in the counseling field. Students will choose a variety of issues and listen to Christian expects lecture on these concerns, thus deepening their knowledge and increasing counseling skills in specific areas. Students must attend the American Association of Christian Counselors National Conference for this class | 1 |
| 1805541 | MFPSY5558 | The Practice of Integration in Professional Counseling | This course will examine issues of religiosity and spirituality through the lens of multicultural competency. Students will explore the practice of integration and matters of faith in secular environments. Legal cases and various professional documents on ethics will be considered in this solution-oriented approach to responding to and navigating non-religious environment. | 1 |
| 1805544 | MFPSY5559 | Counseling Human Trafficking Survivors | This course is designed to introduce basic aspects of human trafficking as well as provide Christian counselors with specific techniques and treatment modalities used in working with victims of this crime. A detailed discussion of methods used by traffickers to control their victims and the impact those methods have on victims will be introduced. Also included is information on ways to prevent victimization from occurring. | 1 |
| 1097977 | MFPSY5611 | Relationships in Chaplain Ministry | A study of human relations in institutional ministry. Attention will be given to understanding the chaplain's identity and relationship to God, other individuals, groups, and the institution within which the chaplain ministers. Students will also learn about peer relationships and collegiality, as well as relationships of protégés with mentors, and supervisors with subordinates. | 2 |
| 1097983 | MFPSY5612 | Group Dynamics in Institutional Structures | A study of the nature, dynamics, and interaction of groups in institutional settings. Attention will be given to how religious leaders and other group members interact within formal and informal structures and through formal and informal processes in military, health-care, correctional, corporate, and other community-related structures. | 2 |
| 1097989 | MFPSY5621 | Counseling Methods and Techniques | An introduction to theories and methods of Christian counseling. Attention will be given to personality theories, counseling techniques, and theology found in Scripture, and to the integration of these principles with current psychological theories and methods. The student will learn basic counseling skills and techniques and will develop a personal model of counseling consistent with Scripture. | 2 |
| 1097995 | MFPSY7203 | Models of Integration | 2 | |
| 1098001 | MFPSY7204 | Counseling Theory and Methodology | course description | 2 |
| 1098007 | MFSEM7201 | Ministry and Formation Disciplinary Seminar I | 2 | |
| 1098013 | MFSEM7202 | Ministry and Formation Disciplinary Seminar II | 2 | |
| 1098019 | MFSEM7203 | Ministry and Formation Disciplinary Seminar III | 2 | |
| 1098049 | MFSEM7213 | Administration in Ministry | 2 |
