What is biblical counseling? Biblical counseling is a practice of the local church whereby each member is empowered to speak the truth in love, so that the whole congregation grows together toward spiritual maturity. Biblical counseling applies the gospel to everyday life situations, allowing the practical wisdom of Scripture to guide decisions, resolve conflict, heal emotional wounds, build relationships, and empower change.
Biblical counseling is not professional counseling. A student who takes classes in biblical counseling at Southern is not preparing for state licensure or to receive church credentials. The program is designed for those who work in a church setting, who wish to enhance their coaching and counseling skills while gaining a broad-based ministry and theological background. It teaches the counselor how to do "triage" when hurting people come to the church for help and how to effectively refer. The program also prepares students for further studies in biblical counseling.
Objectives
To provide an understanding of how the gospel applies to everyday life situations.
To give the skills needed for life coaching in variety of areas such marriage, family and personal development.
To give basic counseling skills for handling intrapersonal crises and interpersonal conflict.
To provide tools and training for interpreting the Bible in harmony with sound principles of biblical hermeneutics.
To develop the skills necessary for successful interpersonal interaction.
Emphasis Requirements
BIBLICAL AND GENERAL STUDIES (3 Total Credits)
Select OTST (Old Testament Studies), NTST (New Testament Studies), RELT (Religion and Theology) Electives (3 credits)