BPC 203: Pastoral Care Introduction

BPC 203 Pastoral Care Introduction

– Intro to WHY pastoral care and HOW to help people with hurt sexuality (assumes knowledge of human flourishing).

Presentations Included:

• Mike Davidson, Matthew Grech, Jojo Ruba, Ansel Pronk, Elizabeth Woning, and Nausica Delle Valle – The Role of Pastoral Care and Counselling (2021)
• Jens Fredrik Brenne – Pastoral Care to Men and Women with Hurt Sexuality (2020)
• Victor Novitchi – How to Heal the Broken Heart: Whole & Holy (2023)

This foundational course in the Pastoral Care Basic Certificate program introduces students to the essential principles and practices of pastoral care. Focused on equipping future pastoral care givers with the tools needed to assist individuals, couples, and families seeking spiritual and emotional healing, this course explores core themes such as human development, self-awareness, and critical reflection from a biblical worldview. Through the study of video lectures and key readings, participants will engage with the critical issues of pastoral care in contemporary contexts, including the challenges of healing hurt sexuality, understanding the role of pastoral counselling, and addressing brokenness in a holistic and Christ-centered manner.

By the end of the course, participants will have a foundational understanding of pastoral care theory and practice, while also developing the skills and self-awareness necessary for ethical and effective ministry in an increasingly secular and challenging world. Students will learn to incorporate self-management tools, promote spiritual healing, and evaluate their own practice through reflective learning methods.

This course fulfills the following learning goals :

1. Explain the significance of pastoral care in fostering spiritual and emotional healing within a biblical framework (IFTCC Learning Goal A7 & A9) .
2. Identify and describe key characteristics and skills essential for effective pastoral care and counselling (IFTCC Learning Goals A7 & A8).
3. Demonstrate respectful and empathetic interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBT community, in the context of pastoral care (IFTCC Learning Goals A8 & A9).