The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling is designed to prepare students for compassionate, faith-centered care that supports emotional healing, spiritual growth, and personal restoration. This degree integrates biblical truth with foundational counseling principles to equip students to serve individuals, families, and communities with wisdom, integrity, and Christlike love. Counseling is presented as a ministry of presence, guidance, and support rooted in Scripture and ethical responsibility.
This degree is for pastors, ministry leaders, church counselors, chaplains, lay caregivers, and adult learners who sense a calling to walk alongside others during times of struggle, transition, and growth. It is well suited for those already serving in churches or faith-based organizations who desire growth and development in counseling skills that are spiritually grounded and relationally focused.
The purpose of this degree is to form counselors who minister with empathy, discernment, and biblical faithfulness. Christian counseling is taught as a supportive helping relationship rather than clinical treatment alone. Students learn to listen deeply, respond wisely, and encourage healing while respecting professional boundaries and the role of referral when needed. Emphasis is placed on spiritual formation, ethical practice, and responsible care.
Graduates may pursue ministry and helping roles such as church counselor, pastoral care assistant, ministry support staff, chaplain, case manager, or faith-based nonprofit worker. This degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in counseling, ministry, or related helping professions.
What You’ll Learn
- Growth and development in Christian counseling foundations and helping relationships
- Biblical perspectives on human behavior, suffering, and emotional healing
- Active listening, empathy, and effective communication skills
- Ethical responsibility, boundaries, and confidentiality in counseling ministry
- Pastoral care approaches for individuals, families, and groups
- Understanding emotional health, stress, and common life challenges
- Spiritual formation and the role of prayer in counseling support
- Integrating faith, Scripture, and counseling practice with discernment