Course Description 

It is a theological and practical introduction to the ministry of biblical counseling. It includes the biblical foundation, methodology and specific applications of biblical counseling. 

Course Importance

1 The Bible is sufficient for counseling the believer in how to live a life that is pleasing to God. 

2 The believer is complete in Christ.

Course Objectives 

1 Explain the importance of the sufficiency of Scripture and progressive sanctification for counseling life dominating issues. 

2 Explain the relationship between the physical and the spiritual in counseling. 

3 Explain who is biblically competent to counsel. 

4 Explain the practical steps of biblical counseling, including building rapport, data gathering, determining the problem, working on change, and assigning homework. . 

5 Distinguish between presentation issues and root issues in counseling life dominating issues. 

6 Explain “idols of the heart” and how it applies to counseling life dominating issues. 

7 Recite from memory the key Scripture texts that apply to life dominating issues. 

8 Be able to give key biblical principles in counseling anger, anxiety and depression. 

Textbook 

Bulkley, Ed, Why Chrisitans Can’t Trust Psychology. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 1993. (Book is included in the $25 cost of the class) 

Schedule and Cost 

1 Time: Sundays, 3–5 PM 

2 Dates: May 30, 2010 – August 29, 2010 (13 weeks of class; see schedule) 

3 Location: Morningside Baptist Church, Room M107 

4 Cost: $25 (cash or check to Morningside) 

Course Requirements 

1 Academic Requirements 

A Students will read the required textbook and turn in a reading report at the beginning of class on the corresponding test day. 

B Students will memorize key counseling verses. Each test will have three verses selected from verses for that unit. Verses need to be memorized from the KJV. 

C Tests are over all lectures, handouts, homework assignments, and memory verses for the stated units. 

D Three tests will be given that will consist of multiple choice, true/false and short answer. Tests will cover material presented in class and material in the text. Note: there will be a 2 point bonus on each test if taken on time (or early). You will not get the bonus if the test is not taken on time—no exceptions! 

E Please bring your notes and a Bible to each class. Students are expected to attend each class, arrive on time, stay for the entire class—and even pay attention, take notes, and participate! Please put cell phones on vibrate and keep stowed. While in the classroom please do not engage in activities unrelated to class, including (but not limited to) sleeping, text-messaging, web surfing, checking e-mails, etc. 

2 Attendance Requirements 

A Students are allowed to miss 2 classes unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor. 

B Students are responsible for all work missed during absences and should complete their makeup work within one week of returning to class. 

Grading 

1 Grades will be based on the total number of points earned on all reading reports and tests. Each point has the same value. 

2 Grading Scale (90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, 0-59 F)