Methods and Models in Biblical Counseling (MMBC)

An intermediate course for those who want to increase their understanding of various models of biblical counseling. It also helps students know how to bring change where specific difficulties block spiritual development. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying inappropriate beliefs and feelings that keep an individual from developing a healthy Christian identity. Sexual identity and dysfunctional lifestyles are particular focuses of the school.

Growth continues to be emphasized in the goal areas described under CHC 250 and CHC 251. In addition, new goals are set in the following areas:

a. Personal Development: developing godly attitudes; welcoming reproof, accountability and feedback; living in and under authority

b. Skill Development: developing the helping skills of genuineness, self disclosure, concreteness, confrontation and immediate feedback; developing group leadership skills; developing conflict resolution skills; praying for specific areas of dysfunction such as generational sins, pre-natal wounds, sexual brokenness and bitter root judgments

c. Cognitive Development - Students are encouraged to grow in their understanding of, and their ability to express, the biblical basis of the following areas: the work of the Cross and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing wholeness to body, soul and spirit; sexual identity issues; group development and the place of groups in growth and ministry; the relationship of psychological findings to biblical truth; the formation of a biblical view of counseling; cross-cultural counseling; evaluation and integration of various counseling models.

This course uses lectures, discussions, workshops, modeling and small group activities towards the end of achieving the above learning goals. Visiting lecturers with proven ministries present and model their Biblical counseling assumptions and practices. Students work in triads (groups of three) to practice and discuss the various kinds of counseling skills.