Pastoral Care

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OR ARTS

POINTS OF DISTINCTION:

• Students in the Pastoral Care program develop a firm Biblical foundation and worldview with an understanding of psychology and counseling.
• Students will be encouraged to become more empathetic by processing a theological view on suffering and increasing their ability to imagine the viewpoint of another. 
• The core classes of this program are taught by professors who have experience counseling in a variety of counseling and ministry settings. 
• Students will be provided the tools needed to minister to both the church and the unchurched.
• Internships or “observation hours” are designed to give graduates a hands-on experience of this type of ministry while being flexible enough for students to explore options in the field.
• The Pastoral Care degree is designed to prepare students to enter a ministry position, human services profession, or pursue a master’s degree (specifically a seminary degree). 
• Special emphasis is placed on students’ personal, spiritual, and professional growth in this program. 
• Students will learn how to identify those in need of mental health care and be able to provide basic counseling skills and techniques.

POSSIBLE CAREERS:

• Any ministry position which requires interaction with those who are hurting:
• Ministry Program Directors
• Prison Ministry Director
• Grief Counselor
• Childcare Workers
• Ministers
• Care Pastor
• and more!
• With further education: 
• Pastoral Counselor
• Chaplain
• Hospice Worker

In addition, check out the Christian Psychology degree for other career pathways. For additional information about the Pastoral Care or Christian Psychology degree programs, see the catalog.

"Research shows that many people approach a spiritual leader first to discuss mental health/relational concerns, before ever seeking out a licensed counselor. This degree seeks to equip Pastoral Care majors with the tools they need to be effective in speaking and teaching biblical truth while also having training in assisting with mental health challenges. "

Program Breakdown

All 4- and 2-year degrees at Boise Bible College are built around three components: General Education, Bible Major, Ministry Program.

It is necessary to fulfill all requirements in each of these components in order to successfully complete the degree. Each component, and each course, plays a role in your overall development as a person of influence.

General Education Core

General Studies (1 credit) 

• Bible College Navigator

Language and Communication (18 credits) 

• Public Speaking
• English Grammar & Composition
• Research & Writing
• Greek 1-3 (required for Bachelor of Arts degrees)

Philosophy (8 credits) 

• Christian Ethics
• Christian Apologetics
• Introduction to Philosophy, Logic, or Worldviews

History (6 credits) 

• Survey of Church History
• Church History (choose one of three sections)

Math/Science (choose 3 credits) 

• Personal Finances
• Theory of Intelligent Design

Social Science (choose 3 credits*) 

• Cultural Anthropology
• General Psychology
• Sociology

Bible Major

Bible (31 credits) 

• Journey Through the Bible
• New Testament Introduction
• Old Testament Introduction
• Acts of the Apostles
• Life and Ministry of Jesus
• Gospels 1, 2, or 3
• 1, 2 Timothy & Titus
• History of Israel
• Greek Exegesis 1-2
• Romans

Theology (13 credits) 

• Survey of Bible Doctrine
• Biblical Interpretation and Resources
• Origin and Nature of the Bible
• Historical Theology
• Advanced Bible Doctrine

Bible or Theology Electives (3 credits)

Pastoral Care Program

Christian Ministries Core (24 credits)

• Christian Life
• Intro to Vocational Ministries
• Sophomore Seminar
• Evangelism & Discipleship
• Principles of Instruction
• Communicating Biblical Truth or Introduction to Preaching (men)
• Foundations for Spiritual Growth
• Women in Ministry (women) or Life in Ministry
• Christian Leadership
• Senior Capstone
• Contextual Ministry

Pastoral Care Core (11 credits)

• Developmental Psychology
• Pastoral Counseling
• History and Systems in Psychology
• Advanced Counseling

Guided Electives (5 credits)

• Mental Health First Aid
• Crisis Counseling
• Youth Counseling
• Marriage Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Social Psychology
• Suicide Intervention Seminar
• Abnormal Psychology

Ministry Electives (3 credits)

With guidance from your academic advisor and department head, choose 3 credits from any ministry field which fit your goals and interests.

Observation (2 credits)

Counseling Observations*

*may substitute 1 credit of internship in a local church for 1 credit of counseling observation