Counseling Ministry

MASTER OF ARTS

The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry is a one-year, biblically based and academically integrated program that trains students to develop a ministry of people-helping within a variety of ministry contexts. Students from this program are prepared to serve in congregational ministry, pastoral ministry, chaplain ministry, family ministry and lay ministry. This program features both an on-campus and synchronous online format which allows students to learn from anywhere and incorporate applied ministry experience in the context of their own community.

1

Year

$609 + fees

Cost Per Unit *

33

Why earn your M.A. in Counseling Ministry at CBU?

Gain a solid understanding of theology
With a heavy emphasis on theological understanding of persons, students will learn a solid biblical perspective of human problems and solutions.

Thrive in a biblical community
In addition to a theological understanding of persons and problems, this program helps students learn how congregations practicing biblical commands for relating can create a healing environment for troubled people.

Obtain practical experience from day one
Students will learn how to apply biblical principles of a healing community in developing a robust ministry of people-helping with their local congregation and ministry context.

Opt for a dual degree
The M.A. in Counseling Ministry can be paired with the M.S. in Counseling Psychology, preparing candidates for MFT licensure as well as church-based counseling.

Congregation as a Healing Community

CBS 530

A general understanding of the dynamics of congregational life to personal development and adjustment necessary in maintaining healthy marital, family and personal relationships in community context.

A Theology of Helping People

CBS 540

This course examines the biblical categories related to human nature, personality, development, well-being, and problems in living, with particular emphasis given to systematic theology and practical theology.

Relational Counseling Techniques

CBS 546

An examination of the relational skills and settings that establish and maintain an effective counseling relationship in a congregational setting.

Student Learning Outcomes

Biblical Epistemology: Students will explain, verbally or in writing, how the Bible serves as a primary authority and source for understanding human beings and problems in living.
Theology as a Behavioral Science: Students will articulate, verbally or in writing, the proper relationship between a biblical view of persons and Behavioral Science theory and practice.
Biblical Community: Students will articulate specific biblical principles and practices regarding healing relationships in marriage, family, congregation, and society.
Relational Counseling: Students will demonstrate people-helping skills applied in congregation and para-church ministries.
Counseling Ministry Practice: Students will apply knowledge and skills in developing and leading people-helping ministries in congregation and other ministry contexts.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Application Deadlines	Fall
Priority	May 15
Standard	August 1

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Career Opportunities

Counseling Minister
Counseling Ministry Director
Chaplain

*Some career opportunities may require further education

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Nathan Lewis

Program Director

I am fascinated by how psychological ideas about people compares with what the Bible teaches about life, people, and relationships. I pursued this interest through two graduate degrees in psychology and counseling. I love challenging students to think about life from a biblical perspective and assisting them in their journey toward greater understanding.

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Bruce Stokes

Professor

I have always loved teaching. Students learn best when the content of the course matches their curiosity and gives them answers to life. If I stay curious and eager to learn, the students catch that and follow in kind. Putting secular and theological perspectives and worldviews into "proper relationship" is the essence of faith integration and a major emphasis of my research and teaching.

See Profile >

Nathan Lewis

Program Director

I am fascinated by how psychological ideas about people compares with what the Bible teaches about life, people, and relationships. I pursued this interest through two graduate degrees in psychology and counseling. I love challenging students to think about life from a biblical perspective and assisting them in their journey toward greater understanding.

See Profile >
Bruce Stokes

Professor

I have always loved teaching. Students learn best when the content of the course matches their curiosity and gives them answers to life. If I stay curious and eager to learn, the students catch that and follow in kind. Putting secular and theological perspectives and worldviews into "proper relationship" is the essence of faith integration and a major emphasis of my research and teaching.

See Profile >