This course explores the work of pastoral care and counseling in the congregation from a biblical, theological and psychological perspective. It examines the nature of the helping relationships and reflects upon various models of care and counseling. It pursues specific skills for a ministry of care and counseling in light of specific contexts and functions of the congregation such as birth, death, weddings, funerals, illness and a variety of issues that emerge in congregational life.
Pastoral care is viewed as both personal and communal, a ministry of pastoral and lay leaders.
This course examines major theological movements and issues in the twentieth century. Missions and the Ecumenical Movement will also be reviewed if time permits. Briton L. Rutherford , Ph. D. and Paul M. Zehr , D. Min. 3 semester hours credit Distance Learning Courses Eastern Mennonite Seminary offers several distance learning courses by computer arrangement. Students can take seminary level credit courses at home and interact with other students under the guidance of a teacher.