Soul Care for Pastors, Chaplains, and Clinicians

The tradition of the care of souls extends back to Biblical days, when priests, prophets, and wise leaders were called to care for God’s people. Care for the souls of persons and congregations remains a significant ministry of the church. Communal and contextual models of care enliven the tradition of the care of souls today.

The DMin in Soul Care for Pastors, Chaplains, and Clinicians will equip ministers with the theoretical and practical tools necessary for more effective and reflective ministry in care and counseling. It will include a strong emphasis on biblical and theological foundations combined with current theory and best practices. Participants will grow in the ability to reflect as pastoral theologians and in the ability to respond to pressing human needs as skilled caregivers.

The next track is scheduled to begin January 2018. Please contact the Admissions Office for information.

Track Requirements

Courses

The course schedule below is for the current track that began January 2015. the next Soul care track is scheduled to begin January 2017.

Schedule of Classes

January 5-9, 2015: Foundations and New Directions in Soul Care
Dr. Michael Koppel, Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

January 12-16, 2015: Theological Foundations for Soul Care
Dr. Beverly Mitchell, Professor of Historical Theology

Feb-Mar, 2015 Online electives available
Mar-Apr, 2015 Online electives available

May 12-15, 2015 Classroom electives available at Wesley
May 18-22, 2015: Grounded in the Living Word: The Bible and Pastoral Care Practices
Dr. Michael Koppel and Dr. Denise Dombkowski Hopkins, Professor of Hebrew Bible; Woodrow W. and Mildred B. Miller Professor of Biblical Theology

September - October 2015: Online core: Care and Counseling of Couples and Families
Dr. Valerie L. Leyva, Associate Professor and Field Education Coordinator, MSW Program, California State University, Stanislaus

October - November, 2015 Online electives available

January 4-8, 2016 Classroom electives available at Wesley
January 11-15, 2016: Pastoral Assessment, Diagnosis, and Psychopathology
Dr. Douglas M. Thorpe, Director of Education and Clinical Services at the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care

February - March 2016: Project Seminar (online)
Dr. Lewis A. Parks, Director, Doctor of Ministry Program

March - April, 2016 Online electives available

May 10-13, 2016: Intercultural Pastoral Care and Counseling
Dr. Cedric C. Johnson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care

May 16-20, 2016: Traversing Life’s Transitions
Dr. Roslyn Karaban, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry

Up to 40% of this track may be taken online (including electives). Applicants to this doctor of ministry track must demonstrate readiness in one of two ways: submit a supervisor’s final evaluation of CPE (1/2 unit minimum); or, provide a transcript attesting to their successful completion of coursework in pastoral theology, care and counseling beyond the introductory level. CPE taken prior to entry in the D.Min. program may not be counted toward credit in earning the degree.

Faculty